Whitney Houston, born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, is considered one of the greatest American singers of all time. Known for her powerful, soulful voice, she became a global icon in both music and film. Houston's career spanned decades, and she became one of the best-selling music artists, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked her as the second-greatest singer ever, highlighting her influence on many artists in various genres.
Houston’s music career was marked by major successes. She became the first female artist to have seven consecutive number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Her singles like "Saving All My Love for You" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" dominated charts in the 1980s. Her album The Bodyguard (1992), which included the iconic song "I Will Always Love You," became one of the best-selling albums and soundtracks of all time. Houston won numerous awards, including six Grammys, two Emmys, and 16 Billboard Music Awards. She was also inducted into the Grammy, Rhythm and Blues, and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.
Houston’s talent was not just limited to music; she also made a mark in acting, with The Bodyguard being her most famous film. Despite her success, Houston faced personal struggles, including a troubled marriage to singer Bobby Brown and battles with drug addiction, which affected her career. Her album Just Whitney (2002) received mixed reviews, but she made a successful return with I Look to You (2009), which topped the charts after a long break from music.
Tragically, Houston passed away on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48, from accidental drowning, with heart disease and drug use contributing factors. Her death shocked the world, coming just a day before the Grammy Awards. In 2022, a biopic titled I Wanna Dance with Somebody was released, celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy.
