Born: August 9, 1963 – Died: February 11, 2012
Whitney Elizabeth Houston emerged from Newark, New Jersey, a city that gifted the world a voice that would resonate across generations. Born to the gospel sensation Cissy Houston and entertainment executive John Russell Houston, Jr., Whitney was also the cousin of the renowned singer Dionne Warwick. This lineage paved the way for her to become a powerhouse in the music and film industry.
Early Life and Career
The New Hope Baptist Church choir in Newark was Whitney's first stage. With her mother's guidance, Whitney's vocal prowess shone through by the age of 15, culminating in her backing vocals on Chaka Khan’s hit 'I'm Every Woman'. A brief stint as a model including a ‘Seventeen’ magazine cover in 1981 showcased her versatility. Her distinct voice caught the attention of Arista Records, with whom she signed in 1983.
Whitney's debut self-titled album released in 1985 and shattered records, turning into an immediate bestseller. Her follow-up album 'Whitney' solidified her as a force in the industry, but it was her rendition of 'I Will Always Love You' from the 1992 film The Bodyguard soundtrack that propelled her into an unprecedented level of stardom.
The magnitude of Whitney’s talent was recognized with six Grammy Awards among numerous other accolades. Her first Grammy came with 'Saving All My Love for You' from her debut album. Later works and performances cemented her reputation as a music icon.
Whitney's personal life, while full of achievements, was also marred by challenges, including her marriage to singer Bobby Brown) and her struggle with substance abuse. She had one daughter, and despite her personal trials, she maintained charitable endeavors, contributing to various causes.
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Whitney Houston not just as a singer or an actress, but as a cultural icon. Her legacy lives on through her powerful ballads and charismatic screen presence, leaving an indelible mark that has inspired countless artists. Whitney Houston remains synonymous with vocal excellence and is a standard for aspiring singers, defining what it means to be a superstar in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Sparkle | Emma |
| 2012 | Whitney Houston & Jordin Sparks: Celebrate (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 2009 | Whitney Houston: Million Dollar Bill (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 2009 | Whitney Houston: I Look to You (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 2004 | Nora's Hair Salon | Whitney Houston | Nippy (uncredited) |
| 2003 | Luther Vandross: Dance with My Father (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 2003 | Boston Public (TV Series) | Whitney Houston |
| 2003 | Whitney Houston: Try It on My Own (Music Video) | Singer |
| 2002 | Whitney Houston: One of Those Days (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 2002 | Whitney Houston: Whatchulookinat (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 2002 | Ja Rule Feat. Ashanti, Vita & Charli Baltimore: Down 4 U (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 2000 | Whitney Houston: Fine (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 2000 | Whitney Houston & George Michael: If I Told You That (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 2000 | Whitney Houston & Enrique Iglesias: Could I Have This Kiss Forever (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1999 | Whitney Houston: I Learned from the Best (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1999 | Whitney Houston: My Love Is Your Love (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1999 | Whitney Houston: It's Not Right But It's Okay (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1999 | Whitney Houston Feat. Faith Evans & Kelly Price: Heartbreak Hotel (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1998 | Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey: When You Believe (Alternate Version) (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1998 | Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey: When You Believe (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1997 | Whitney Houston: Step by Step (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1997 | Cinderella (TV Movie) | Fairy Godmother |
| 1997 | Bobby Brown: Feelin' Inside (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1996 | Whitney Houston: I Believe in You and Me (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1996 | The Preacher's Wife | Julia Biggs |
| 1996 | Whitney Houston: Why Does It Hurt So Bad (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1996 | Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans: Count on Me (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1995 | Waiting to Exhale | Savannah |
| 1995 | Whitney Houston: Exhale (Shoop Shoop) (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1994 | Whitney Houston: Queen of the Night (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1993 | Bobby Brown & Whitney Houston: Something in Common (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1993 | Whitney Houston: Run to You (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1993 | Whitney Houston: I Have Nothing (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1993 | Whitney Houston: I'm Every Woman (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1992 | Whitney Houston: I Will Always Love You (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1992 | *The Bodyguard* | Rachel Marron |
| 1991 | Whitney Houston: I Belong to You (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1991 | Whitney Houston: My Name Is Not Susan (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1991 | Whitney Houston: Miracle (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1991 | Whitney Houston: All the Man That I Need (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1990 | Whitney Houston: I'm Your Baby Tonight (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1989 | Aretha Franklin & Whitney Houston: It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Never Gonna Be (Music Video) | Whitney Houston (voice) |
| 1988 | Whitney Houston: One Moment in Time (Music Video) | Whitney Houston (voice) |
| 1988 | Whitney Houston: Love Will Save the Day (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1988 | Whitney Houston: Where Do Broken Hearts Go (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1987 | Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1987 | Whitney Houston: So Emotional (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1987 | Whitney Houston: Didn't We Almost Have It All (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1986 | Whitney Houston: Greatest Love of All (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1986 | Stop the Madness (Music Video) | Whitney Houston (voice) |
| 1985 | Whitney Houston: How Will I Know (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1985 | Silver Spoons (TV Series) | Whitney Houston |
| 1985 | Whitney Houston: Saving All My Love for You (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1985 | Whitney Houston: All at Once, Version 2 (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1985 | Whitney Houston: All at Once, Version 1 (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1985 | Whitney Houston: You Give Good Love (Music Video) | Whitney Houston |
| 1984 | Teddy Pendergrass & Whitney Houston: Hold Me (Music Video) | Whitney Houston (voice) |
| 1984 | As the World Turns (TV Series) | Concert Performer |
| 1984 | Gimme a Break! (TV Series) | Rita |