Today marks 13 years since the world lost one of its most iconic voices, Whitney Houston.
Born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, Whitney Elizabeth Houston was destined for greatness. Her mother, Cissy Houston, was a renowned gospel singer, and her cousins, Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, were also celebrated vocalists.
Whitney’s journey into music began at a young age, singing in the choir at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. Her talent was undeniable, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already performing as a background vocalist for artists like Chaka Khan and Lou Rawls.
In 1983, Clive Davis, the legendary music executive, discovered Whitney and signed her to Arista Records. Her debut album, “Whitney Houston,” released in 1985, was a massive success, featuring hits like “Saving All My Love for You,” “How Will I Know,” and “Greatest Love of All.” The album sold over 13 million copies in the U.S. alone.
Whitney Houston’s career was marked by numerous achievements. She became the first artist to have seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Her second album, “Whitney,” released in 1987, also topped the charts and solidified her status as a global superstar.
Her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV in 1991 is still considered one of the greatest performances of the national anthem. Whitney’s transition to acting was equally successful, with her debut film, “The Bodyguard” (1992), becoming a box office hit. The film’s soundtrack, featuring the iconic song “I Will Always Love You,” remains the best-selling soundtrack album of all time.
Despite her professional success, Whitney’s personal life was marred by struggles with addiction and tumultuous relationships. Her marriage to Bobby Brown, which lasted from 1992 to 2007, was often in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
On February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston was found dead in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The coroner’s report stated that she had accidentally drowned, with heart disease and cocaine use as contributing factors.
Whitney Houston’s legacy is one of unparalleled talent and influence. She broke barriers for African American artists and set new standards for vocal performance. Her music continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world. Whitney was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing her place in music history. As we remember Whitney Houston, we celebrate her incredible contributions to music and the indelible mark she left on the world. Her voice, often referred to as “The Voice,” remains a testament to her extraordinary talent and enduring legacy.
All Things Killeen with Mayor Debbie Nash-King
Join Gary Emmert at 6:15pm as he sits down with the mayor of Killeen, Debbie Nash-King, to discuss all the cool things happening in our community. Mayor Nash-King is a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. After completing high school, she attended the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where she received a bachelor’s degree in social work.
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