Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston's self-titled debut album was released on February 14, 1985, and it marked the beginning of her incredible career. The album was a commercial success, topping the Billboard 200 chart and producing three number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100: 'Saving All My Love for You', 'How Will I Know', and 'Greatest Love of All'. Her debut album is certified Diamond with over 14 million copies sold in the US alone. Whitney's impressive vocal talent and presence helped to solidify her as a leading figure in popular music during the 1980s.

Whitney Houston released her second studio album, simply titled 'Whitney', on June 2, 1987. This album continued her streak of success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making her the first female artist to achieve this feat. The album included four number-one singles, such as 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)', 'Didn't We Almost Have It All', 'So Emotional', and 'Where Do Broken Hearts Go'. This solidified her status as a leading pop and R&B artist of the time.

On June 28, 1989, Whitney Houston established The Whitney Houston Foundation for Children, a non-profit organization focused on helping homeless children, addressing hunger, and supporting those with AIDS. The foundation also aimed to provide support for children's self-esteem and develop programs around the issues of literacy, health, and wellness. Whitney's philanthropy and commitment to helping people through her foundation highlighted another dimension of her legacy beyond her musical achievements.

On January 27, 1991, Whitney Houston delivered an unforgettable rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at Super Bowl XXV. Her performance was widely praised and left a lasting impact on audiences, largely due to her powerful voice and emotional delivery during a time of national challenge, as the Gulf War had just begun. The live recording was released as a commercial single and charted on the Billboard Hot 100, ultimately resulting in over 1 million copies sold. Whitney's performance set a new standard for singing the national anthem in the United States.

Released on November 25, 1992, 'The Bodyguard' was Whitney Houston's first movie role where she played the leading character opposite Kevin Costner. The film was a commercial success worldwide, grossing over $400 million. Moreover, Houston's soundtrack for the movie, including 'I Will Always Love You', became the best-selling soundtrack of all time, selling over 45 million copies globally. The movie and soundtrack significantly boosted Whitney's popularity and showcased her acting skills alongside her exceptional musical talent.

In October 1994, Whitney Houston performed in South Africa to celebrate the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the country's first black president. This event was symbolic and significant, as it marked the end of apartheid and celebrated a new era of freedom and equality in South Africa. Houston's concerts were attended by hundreds of thousands of fans, and she performed at several venues, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Her performances were seen as a gesture of solidarity and celebration of the country's historic moment.

Released on November 17, 1998, 'My Love Is Your Love' was Whitney Houston's fourth studio album and marked a departure from her previous pop roots towards a more soulful and urban sound. The album was both a critical and commercial success, spawning several top ten hits such as 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'It's Not Right but It's Okay', and 'My Love Is Your Love'. This album rejuvenated her career in the late 1990s and introduced her to a new generation of fans. It eventually sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Whitney Houston released 'Whitney: The Greatest Hits' on December 4, 2001. This compilation album featured all of her greatest hits, as well as remixes of her popular songs and four new tracks. The album was an immense commercial success, being certified 5x Platinum in the United States, and it reached the top 10 on charts around the world. This release celebrated her incredible contributions to music over her career and introduced her classic hits to a new audience, further cementing her legacy as an icon in the music industry.

Whitney Houston made a comeback performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards on February 9, 2009. After years of absence from the public eye due to personal struggles, Houston appeared at the awards to present the award for Best R&B Album, and she was received with great enthusiasm. Her presence at the Grammys signaled her intent to relaunch her career, and she looked radiant and healthy. The event was significant as it marked her return to the music scene and set the stage for her subsequent album release later that year.

Whitney Houston tragically passed away on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48 in Beverly Hills, California. The singer was discovered submerged in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and her death was later ruled as accidental drowning, with heart disease and cocaine use listed as contributing factors. Her untimely death was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and celebrities worldwide. Houston's funeral was held on February 18, 2012, and served as a testament to her extraordinary influence and contribution to music and popular culture.