Whitney Houston

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in a musically gifted family with deep roots in the gospel tradition. Growing up in a city rich with culture and history, Houston began singing in her church choir at a young age, guided by her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, and inspired by her cousin Dionne Warwick and godmother Aretha Franklin. Whitney’s remarkable talent quickly became evident, and by the time she was a teenager, she was performing alongside her mother in nightclubs and working as a sought-after backup singer for artists such as Chaka Khan and Lou Rawls. Houston’s career skyrocketed in the 1980s with the release of her self-titled debut album, which produced hit singles like "Saving All My Love for You" and "Greatest Love of All," showcasing her stunning voice and emotional depth. She went on to become a global superstar, with seven consecutive number-one singles and numerous accolades, including six Grammy Awards. Beyond music, Houston also found success as an actress in films such as The Bodyguard, where her performance of "I Will Always Love You" became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Despite her personal struggles, Houston’s influence on pop and R&B music remains unparalleled, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists around the world.