Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. In 2009, Guinness World Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time. Houston is one of pop music's best-selling music artists of all-time, with an estimated 170–200 million records sold worldwide. She released seven studio albums and three movie soundtrack albums, all of which have diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold certification.
Early Life: Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey, into a musical family. Her mother, Cissy Houston, was a gospel singer, and her cousin was Dionne Warwick. Whitney began singing in church choirs and developed her vocal talents at an early age.
Modeling and Background Vocals: Before pursuing a solo career, Houston worked as a fashion model and also sang backup vocals for artists like Chaka Khan and Jermaine Jackson.
Debut Album (1985): Whitney Houston's self-titled debut album was released in 1985 and became a massive success. It featured hit singles such as "Saving All My Love for You," "How Will I Know," and "Greatest Love of All." The album established her as a pop and R&B sensation.
Acting Career: Whitney Houston ventured into acting with her role in the film "The Bodyguard" (1992), where she starred alongside Kevin Costner. The movie's soundtrack, featuring her rendition of "I Will Always Love You," became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.
Success and Awards: Whitney Houston achieved numerous milestones in her career, including winning multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for "The Bodyguard" soundtrack. She also received accolades for her powerful voice and contributions to the music industry.
Challenges and Controversies: Despite her success, Houston faced personal challenges, including struggles with substance abuse. Her marriage to Bobby Brown was often under media scrutiny, and her health issues became a subject of public concern.
Later Career: While her later albums received mixed reviews, Whitney Houston continued to release music throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Notable albums include "My Love Is Your Love" (1998) and "I Look to You" (2009).
Whitney Houston passed away on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48, in Beverly Hills, California. Her death was ruled as an accidental drowning in a bathtub, with heart disease and drug use listed as contributing factors.
Whitney Houston's impact on the music industry is profound. She is often referred to as "The Voice" for her unparalleled vocal abilities. Her influence on contemporary pop and R&B music is still evident, and she remains one of the best-selling female artists in history.
Whitney Houston's life and career were marked by extraordinary success, but also by personal struggles. Despite the challenges she faced, she left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment.
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