### Whitney Houston Biography
#### 1. Early Life
Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, to John Russell Houston Jr., an entertainment executive, and Emily "Cissy" Houston, a noted gospel singer. Growing up in a musical family, Whitney was no stranger to the world of show business. Her mother, along with her cousins
Dionne-Warwick and
Dee-Dee-Warwick, and her godmother
Aretha-Franklin, significantly influenced her passion for music. Whitney began singing in her church's junior gospel choir at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she first showcased her vocal talents. As she grew, Whitney attended Mount Saint Dominic Academy, a Catholic school in Caldwell, New Jersey, where she continued to develop her singing abilities and also started performing alongside her mother in nightclubs.
#### 2. Career
Whitney Houston's career took off after she was discovered by music executive
Clive-Davis at the age of 19. He was instrumental in signing her to Arista Records in 1983. Her self-titled debut album "Whitney Houston" was released in 1985 and became a huge success, featuring hits like "Saving All My Love for You" and "How Will I Know." The album established Whitney as a leading artist in pop and R&B genres.
Following the success of her first album, Houston released "Whitney" in 1987, which included hits like "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "Didn't We Almost Have It All." This album solidified her status as a pop icon and made her the first female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Throughout the late 80s and 90s, Whitney continued to release successful albums, such as "I'm Your Baby Tonight" (1990) and "My Love Is Your Love" (1998). She also ventured into acting, starring in films like "The Bodyguard" (1992) which featured her iconic rendition of "I Will Always Love You," and "Waiting to Exhale" (1995).
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Whitney Houston is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. She earned numerous awards throughout her career including two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, and 30 Billboard Music Awards. In 2020, Whitney was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an acknowledgment of her profound impact on the music industry.
Her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXV in 1991 was critically acclaimed and is considered one of the best performances of the U.S. national anthem ever. Houston's influence extended beyond music; she also supported various charities and founded the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children, helping kids with cancer and AIDS.
#### 4. Personal Life
Whitney Houston's personal life was often under public scrutiny. She married R&B singer
Bobby-Brown in 1992, and the couple had a tumultuous relationship marked by drug abuse and legal issues. They had one daughter together, Bobbi Kristina Brown, born in 1993. Whitney and Bobby's marriage ended in divorce in 2007.
Houston struggled with drug addiction for much of her adult life, a battle that was widely publicized in the media. This struggle ultimately contributed to her tragic death on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48. Whitney was found deceased in her guest room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, due to accidental drowning, with heart disease and cocaine use listed as contributing factors.
Whitney Houston's legacy as a phenomenal singer, actress, and producer continues to influence artists around the world. Her remarkable voice and emotional depth in her performances have left an indelible mark on the music industry and her fans globally.