| Full Name | Whitney Elizabeth Houston |
| Birthday | August 9, 1963 |
| Age at Death | 48 |
| Birthplace | Newark, NJ |
| Height | 5‘ 4" |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Social Profiles | Facebook, Instagram |
Whitney Houston was a renowned R&B singer and actress, selling over 200 million records with her powerful voice and captivating stage presence. She achieved unprecedented success but also faced intense struggles in her personal life.
Early Life and Church Roots
Whitney was born in Newark to gospel singer Cissy Houston. She started singing at age 11 in the New Hope Baptist Church choir, where she honed her vocal skills under her mother‘s coaching. As a teen, she performed with her brothers as part of the gospel group The Michael Houston Ensemble.
Discovered by Clive Davis & Rise to Stardom
Houston sang backup for Chaka Khan and Jermaine Jackson as a teenager. She was discovered in 1983 by Clive Davis, who saw her performing in a New York City nightclub. Her self-titled 1985 debut album showcased her stunning 5-octave range and charted hit singles like "Greatest Love of All". She topped the charts while bringing both her gospel roots and sophisticated pop/R&B sound to the forefront.
Turbulent Marriage to Bobby Brown
Houston‘s 1992 marriage to singer Bobby Brown was fraught with rumors of infidelity, domestic violence and drug use. While she denied many claims, their relationship was clearly tumultuous and added to her struggles. They had one daughter, Bobbi Kristina, before divorcing in 2007 after 15 years together.
Final Years and Death at 48
In her later years, Houston‘s drug abuse and health issues led to erratic concert performances. Her last public appearance was at Kelly Price‘s pre-Grammy party in 2012. On February 11th, Houston died accidentally from drowning in a hotel bathtub, with cocaine and heart disease also listed as factors in her untimely death at just 48 years old.
Legacy as a Black Pop Icon
With her resin-rich tone and emotional connection to lyrics, Houston left an indelible mark on pop culture. She broke barriers as the first black female artist to find major crossover success. Houston paved the way for other black singers, from her own goddaughter Mariah Carey to today‘s pop and R&B stars.
Favorite Whitney Houston Songs
- "I Will Always Love You" – Her signature power ballad still gives me chills.
- "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" – Nothing lifts my mood like this upbeat 80s classic.
- "I Have Nothing" – Showcases her masterful technique and vocal range.
- "Greatest Love of All" – Inspiring lyrics still relevant today.
Though taken from us too soon, Whitney Houston‘s once-in-a-lifetime talent and spirit will be cherished forever. She remains one of the best-selling and most influential artists of the modern era.
