Music
2012
Pop
superstar Whitney Houston dies at age 48
On this day in 2012, Whitney Houston, one of the world’s
top-selling singers from the mid-1980s to late 1990s, is found dead in the
bathtub of her suite at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Houston’s death was the result of accidental drowning; heart disease and
cocaine, which was found in her system, were determined to be contributing
factors. The 48-year-old pop diva, known for her soaring voice and beauty, won
a total of six Grammy Awards and 22 American Music Awards (more than any other
female), and was credited with influencing several generations of singers, from
Mariah Carey to Jennifer Hudson.
Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born on August 9, 1963, in
Newark, New Jersey, to John Houston, a theatrical manager, and Cissy Houston, a
singer who backed up a variety of artists, including Aretha Franklin and Elvis
Presley. Growing up, the younger Houston sang in her church’s gospel choir. In
high school, she performed background vocals on songs for Chaka Khan and
others, and modeled, becoming one of the first African-American women to appear
on the cover of Seventeen magazine.
In 1983, music producer Clive Davis heard Houston perform
at a New York City nightclub and signed her to a recording deal. Her
self-titled debut album, released in 1985, sold more than 25 million copies
around the world and featured the hit singles “Saving All My Love for You,” “How
Will I Know,” “You Give Good Love” and “The Greatest Love of All.” Her next
album, 1987’s “Whitney,” was also a top-seller and included the hits “I Wanna
Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” “Where Do
Broken Hearts Go” and “So Emotional.” Her third album, 1990’s “I’m Your Baby
Tonight,” was another big commercial success.
In 1992, the songstress made her movie debut, starring
opposite Kevin Costner in the blockbuster “The Bodyguard.” The film’s
soundtrack featured Houston’s recording of the ballad “I Will Always Love You,”
which became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history. She
went on to co-star in “Waiting to Exhale” (1995) and “The Preacher’s Wife”
(1996), and also performed on the hit soundtracks for both movies.
In 1992, Houston married singer Bobby Brown, whose bad
boy reputation was a contrast to her then-wholesome public image. The couple
had a daughter in 1993. Houston and Brown’s relationship was tumultuous and
became frequent tabloid fodder. They divorced in 2007.
In 1998, Houston released “My Love is Your Love,” which,
like her previous albums, sold millions of copies. However, over the next
decade, her career was marred by substance abuse and erratic public behavior
and she spent time in rehab facilities. In 2009, Houston released what would be
her final album, “I Look to You.” In 2010, she embarked on her first world tour
in more than 10 years, with concerts in Asia, Australia and Europe. However,
these shows received mixed reviews, with some critics and fans complaining
Houston’s voice sounded strained. In 2011, she entered rehab again for drug and
alcohol treatment.
On the afternoon of February 11, 2012, Houston died at
the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where she was expected to perform that night at a
pre-Grammy Awards party hosted by Clive Davis. A week later, on February 18,
her televised funeral was held at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, and
featured musical tributes by such performers as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and
the gospel singers BeBe and CeCe Winans. Tyler Perry, Kevin Costner and
Houston’s cousin, Dionne Warwick, were among those who spoke at the service.
The following day, Houston was buried next to her father at Fairview Cemetery
in Westfield, New Jersey.
COURTESY:
HISTORY.com
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