Whitney Houston
Background information
Birth name	Whitney Elizabeth Houston
Also known as	The Voice, Nippy
Born	August 9, 1963 (1963-08-09) (age 44) Newark, New Jersey, United States
Genre(s)	Pop, R&B, dance-pop, gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, pianist, actress, record producer, film producer, model
Instrument(s)	Singing, piano
Voice type(s)	Coloratura soprano
Years active	1977–present
Label(s)	Arista
Website	www.whitneyhouston.com

Whitney Elizabeth Houston (born August 9, 1963) is a Grammy Award-winning American pop and R&B singer, actress, film producer, record producer, songwriter, and former fashion model. Events 48 BC - Caesar's civil war: Battle of Pharsalus - Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus Year 1963 ( MCMLXIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, United States and the County seat of Essex County. New Jersey ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Pop music as a genre features a noticeable rhythmic element catchy melodies and hooks, a mainstream style and conventional structure Contemporary R&B (also known as R&B, urban) is a Music genre of western Popular music (predominantly American and Canadian Dance-pop is a style of Electronic dance music and a subgenre of Pop music that evolved from Disco, circa 1981 that combines dance beats with a pop Gospel music is Music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life as well as (in terms of the varying music styles to A songwriter is someone who writes the Lyrics to songs the Musical composition (chords or Melody to songs or both A pianist (/'piənɪst/ is a Musician who plays the Piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces play with an ensemble or Orchestra An actor, actress, player or thespian (see terminology) is a person who Acts in a Dramatic production and who works In the Music industry, a record producer or music producer has many roles among them controlling the recording sessions coaching and guiding the musicians organizing A film producer is a person who creates the conditions for making movies. A model is a person who is posed or displayed for the purpose of Art, Fashion, or other products and Advertising. A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified for the purpose of making Music. Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, which is often contrasted with Speech. The piano is a Musical instrument played by means of a keyboard that produces sound by striking steel strings with Felt covered hammers A voice type is a particular kind of human Singing voice perceived as having certain identifying qualities or characteristics A coloratura soprano is a type of operatic Soprano who specializes in music that is distinguished by agile runs and leaps In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Arista Records (ˈɛərɪstə is an American Record label. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and operates under the Events 48 BC - Caesar's civil war: Battle of Pharsalus - Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus Year 1963 ( MCMLXIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Pop music as a genre features a noticeable rhythmic element catchy melodies and hooks, a mainstream style and conventional structure Contemporary R&B (also known as R&B, urban) is a Music genre of western Popular music (predominantly American and Canadian An actor, actress, player or thespian (see terminology) is a person who Acts in a Dramatic production and who works A film producer is a person who creates the conditions for making movies. In the Music industry, a record producer or music producer has many roles among them controlling the recording sessions coaching and guiding the musicians organizing A songwriter is someone who writes the Lyrics to songs the Musical composition (chords or Melody to songs or both A model is a person who is posed or displayed for the purpose of Art, Fashion, or other products and Advertising. Her crossover success opened doors for other African American women, to find success in pop music and movies. African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa ^[1][2] She is frequently referred to as "The Voice"^[3][4][5], and is known for her "powerful, penetrating pop-gospel voice. "^[6]

In the 1980s, Houston was one the first black artists to receive regular rotation on MTV in the network's early years during a white male rock dominated time. ^[7][8] Her debut album became the biggest selling debut album of all time for a solo artist (a record that has since been broken), her follow up album became the first album by a female artist to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200, and she had a record seven consecutive #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Houston continued her success into Hollywood in the 1990s, starting with the box office hit The Bodyguard. The Bodyguard is a 1992 romantic-suspense film directed by Mick Jackson, written by Lawrence Kasdan, and starring Kevin Costner The soundtrack became the best-selling soundtrack of all time, and the single "I Will Always Love You" the best-selling single by a female artist and 6th best-selling song in history of music. " I Will Always Love You " is a song written and originally performed by American country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton (first released as a single in 1974 ^[9] She continued the decade with other successful and culturally significant projects before returning to the studio. Houston is the fourth best-selling female recording artist according to the Recording Industry Association of America,^[10] and is the "The Most Awarded Female Artist of All Time"^[11] according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Whitney Houston has been honored with several awards and accolades recognizing her worldwide success through the music and movie industries Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records (and in previous U

After Houston married former R&B singer Bobby Brown at the height of her career, rumors of drug and spousal abuse started to affect her career. Bobby Brown (born Robert Barisford Brown, on February 5 1969) is an American R&B Singer, Songwriter, and This led to a decline in her public image and her album sales dropped during the 2000s. Her personal troubles and erratic behavior became more talked about than any of her music, with stories regularly appearing in the tabloid press. Houston underwent two drug rehab programs in 2005 and 2006. After a successful second program in 2006, Houston divorced Brown and gained custody of their only daughter. She has since been working on her 7th studio album with music mogul and close friend and mentor Clive Davis, who confirmed that the album will be released in November 2008. Clive Jay Davis (born April 4 1932 in Brooklyn New York is an American Record producer and a leading music industry executive. ^[12]

Early life

Whitney Houston was born in a rough neighborhood in the projects of Newark, New Jersey. Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, United States and the County seat of Essex County. She is the third and youngest child of John and gospel singer Cissy Houston. Emily Drinkard (born September 30, 1933) better known as Cissy Houston, is an American soul and gospel singer ^[13] Her mother, along with cousin Dionne Warwick and Godmother Aretha Franklin are all notable figures in the gospel, rhythm and blues, and soul genres. Dionne Warwick (born Marie Dionne Warrick on December 12, 1940) is an acclaimed five-time Grammy Award -winning singer actress activist Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25 1942 Franklin has had a total of twenty number-one singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart, two of which became #1 hits on the Soul music is a Music genre that combines Rhythm and blues and Gospel music, originating in the United States. Houston was raised a Baptist, but was also exposed to the Pentecostal church. Baptist is a term describing individuals belonging to a Baptist church or a Baptist denomination. Pentecostalism is a renewalist religious movement within Christianity that places special emphasis on the direct personal experience of God through the Baptism After the 1967 Newark riots, the family moved to a middle class area in East Orange, New Jersey when she was four. The 1967 Newark Riots were a major Civil disturbance that occurred in the city of Newark New Jersey between July 12 and July 17 1967 East Orange is a city in Essex County, New Jersey, USA As of the United States 2000 Census, the city had a total population of 69824 ^[13] While her mother was away touring with Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin as a backup singer, her father would spend most of the time raising the children. Houston did not have many friends and she was picked on because her face was too light or her hair was too long compared to the other black girls. At the age of eleven, Houston began to follow in her mothers footsteps and started performing as a soloist in the junior gospel choir at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she also learned to play the piano. ^[14] Her first solo performance in the church was "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah". When Houston was a teenager, her parents divorced and she continued to live with her mother. She attended a Roman Catholic single-sex high school, Mount Saint Dominic Academy, where she met her best friend Robyn Crawford, whom she describes as the "sister she never had. Mount Saint Dominic Academy is a four-year Catholic high school for women located in Caldwell, New Jersey, United States, serving students in " Crawford would later become Houston's personal assistant and the two of them would eventually be constantly subjected to lesbian rumors. While Houston was still in school, her mother continued to teach her how to sing. ^[1] In addition to her mother, Franklin, and Warwick, Houston was also exposed to the music of Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Roberta Flack, most of which would have an impact on her as a singer and performer. Chaka Khan (born March 23, 1953) is a multiple Grammy Award -winning American singer known for hit songs such as "I'm Every Woman" "I Feel Gladys Maria Knight, "The Empress of Soul" (born May 28, 1944) is a seven-time Grammy Award -winning American Roberta Flack (born February 10, 1937) is an American Singer-songwriter and Musician who is notable in the areas of Jazz ^[15]

Music career

Early career: 1977–1984

Houston spent much of her teenage years touring night clubs with her mother. In 1977, at fourteen years of age, Houston was featured as the lead singer on the Michael Zager Band's single "Life's a Party". Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Michael Zager (born 3 January 1943, Passaic, New Jersey) has produced, composed, and/or arranged original Zager subsequently offered to help obtain a recording contract for the young singer, but Cissy declined, wanting her daughter to finish school first. Then in 1979, at age sixteen, Houston sang background vocals on Chaka Khan's hit single "I'm Every Woman", a song she would later turn into a bigger hit in 1992. Chaka Khan (born March 23, 1953) is a multiple Grammy Award -winning American singer known for hit songs such as "I'm Every Woman" "I Feel " I'm Every Woman " is a 1978 hit single by Chaka Khan, her first hit outside of her recordings with funk band Rufus, included on her platinum debut In the early 1980s, Houston worked as a fashion model after a photographer saw her at Carnegie Hall singing with her mother. Carnegie Hall (generally ˌkɑrnɨgi ˈhɔːl is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east She appeared in Vogue Magazine^[16] and became one of the first women of color to grace the cover of Seventeen magazine^[17] She also appeared in a Canada Dry soft drink commercial. Vogue is a Fashion and lifestyle Magazine published in eighteen countries by Condé Nast Publications. Seventeen is an American Magazine for teenagers. It was first published in 1944. Canada Dry is a Brand of Soft drinks marketed by Dr Pepper/Seven Up, a unit of Dr Pepper Snapple Group. While modeling and touring nightclubs with her mother, she continued her recording career, working with producers Michael Bienhorn, Bill Laswell and Martin Bisi on an album they were spearheading called One Down, which was credited to the group Material. Bill Laswell (born February 12, 1955 in Salem Martin Bisi is an American producer and Songwriter. He is known for recording seminal records by Sonic Youth, John Zorn, Material is a musical group formed in 1979 and led by Bass guitarist Bill Laswell. For that project, Houston contributed the ballad "Memories", which Robert Christgau of the The Village Voice called "one of the most gorgeous ballads you've ever heard". This article is about a New York newspaper For the Ottawa Hills Ohio magazine see The Village Voice of Ottawa Hills. ^[18]

Houston had previously been offered several recording contracts (Michael Zager in 1980 and Elektra Records in 1981). Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Elektra Records is a now-dormant American Record label owned by Warner Music Group (WMG and from 2004 on operating under WMG's Atlantic Records Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 In 1983, Gerry Griffith, an A&R representative from Arista Records, saw her performing with her mother in a New York City night club and was impressed. Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Arista Records (ˈɛərɪstə is an American Record label. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and operates under the The City of New York He convinced Clive Davis, Arista's label head, to take time to see Houston perform at the nightclub. Clive Jay Davis (born April 4 1932 in Brooklyn New York is an American Record producer and a leading music industry executive. Davis too was impressed after the performance and offered her a worldwide recording contract, which Houston signed. Later in the year, she made her national televised debut alongside Davis on the The Merv Griffin Show. The Merv Griffin Show was a long-running American Television talk show, starring singer Merv Griffin.

Houston signed with Arista in 1983 but did not began work on her album immediately. Arista put forth the deal to make sure no other label signed the singer from under them. At first, Davis had a hard time finding material for Houston to record. Many major producers passed on her. ^[19] Houston first recorded a duet with Teddy Pendergrass entitled "Hold Me", which appeared on his album, Love Language. Theodore "Teddy" DeReese Pendergrass Sr (born March 26, 1950) is an American R&B / soul Singer and The single became a Top 5 R&B hit, and would also appear on her debut album.

Debut: 1985–1986

Whitney Houston at the Garden State Arts Center in New Jersey headlining her first tour in 1986. New Jersey ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar)

With production from Michael Masser, Kashif, Jermaine Jackson and Narada Michael Walden, Houston's self-titled 1985 debut album was released in February 1985. Michael Masser (born Michael William Masser 1941 a former Lawyer and Stockbroker, is a composer and producer of Popular music. Jermaine LaJaune Jackson or Muhammad Abdul Aziz (born December 11, 1954) is an American Grammy Award -nominated Singer Michael Walden (born April 23, 1952, in Kalamazoo, Michigan U Whitney Houston is the self-titled debut album by American pop / R&B singer Whitney Houston, released on February 14 Rolling Stone Magazine praised the new talent, calling her "one of the most exciting new voices in years"^[20] while The New York Times called the album "an impressive, musically conservative showcase for an exceptional vocal talent. "^[21] After the dance-funk single "Someone For Me" failed to chart in both the US and UK, the album initially sold modestly and failed to make an impact. The plan was to first appeal to a black audience, hence the release of the next single, the soulful ballad "You Give Good Love", which peaked at #3 on the U. " You Give Good Love " is a song by American pop/R&B singer Whitney Houston from her self-titled debut album. S. Billboard Hot 100 while going #1 on the R&B Charts. ^[19] As a result, the album began selling and climbing the charts while Houston continued promoting the album touring night clubs in the US. With success on the R&B Charts, Davis wanted Houston to crossover to a broader audience. She began performing on popular night shows that usually weren't open to many black acts. ^[7] The jazz-pop ballad "Saving All My Love for You" was released next and would become Houston's first #1 hit single in both the US and the UK. "Saving All My Love For You" is a song written by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin, and originally recorded by Marilyn McCoo on the 1978 She was now an opening act for singer Jeffrey Osbourne on his nationwide tour. At the time, MTV had received harsh critism for not playing enough videos by African American artists while favoring rock acts. MTV ( Music Television) is an American Cable television network based in New York City. ^[22] The next single, "How Will I Know", peaked at #1 and would introduce Houston to the MTV audience thanks to its video. "How Will I Know" is the third hit single from Whitney Houston 's self-titled first album This would make the singer one of the only African American female artists to receive heavy rotation on the network. ^[17] By 1986, a year after its initial release, Whitney Houston topped the Billboard 200 album chart and stayed there for 14 consecutive weeks. Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard ^[23] The final single, the black pride anthem "Greatest Love of All" became Houston's biggest hit after peaking #1 and remaining there for three weeks. " Greatest Love of All " is the fourth and final single released from Whitney Houston 's self-titled first Studio album, Whitney Houston Houston had established a cross-over base and was now able to headline her own tour thus embarking on The Greatest Love Tour. The 89 day tour was the sixth highest grossing tour of the year. ^[24] The album had become an international success, selling over thirteen million copies in the United States alone —making it the best-selling debut album of all time by a female artist. To date, the album has sold approximately 25 million copies worldwide. ^[25]

At the 1986 Grammy Awards, Houston was nominated for three awards including Album of the Year. Despite being the front runner, Houston was ineligible for Best New Artist due to her previous duet recordings in 1984. ^[26] Still, she won her first Grammy award for 'Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female' for "Saving All My Love for You". The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences At the same award show, Houston performed her Grammy-winning hit; the performance won Houston her first and only Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. Houston also won seven American Music Awards and an MTV Video Music Award, while "Greatest Love of All" would receive a Record of the Year nomination at the 1987 Grammys. The American Music Awards show is one of several annual major American music awards shows (among the others are the Billboard Music Awards the Grammy Awards The MTV Video Music Awards were established in the end of the summer of 1984 by MTV to celebrate the top Music videos of the year Houston's debut is currently listed as one of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time^[27] and on The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's Definitive 200 list. ^[28] Whitney Houston's grand entrance into the music industry is considered one of the 25 musical milestones of the last 25 years according to USA Today. ^[29] Following Houston's debut, other African-American female artists such as Janet Jackson and Anita Baker were able to find similar success in popular music. Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16 1966 is an American recording artist and entertainer Anita Baker (born January 26 1958 in Toledo, Ohio, USA) is an eight-time Grammy Award -winning multi-Platinum Rhythm and blues ^[30][31]

Continued success: 1987–1991

Houston’s second album, Whitney, was released in June 1987. Whitney is the second Studio album by American pop / R&B singer Whitney Houston, released on June 29 Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) Following the same formula as her debut, the album featured productions from Masser, Kashif and Walden again, as well as Jellybean Benitez. John Benitez better known as "Jellybean Benitez" (born November 7, 1957) is a Drummer, Guitarist, Songwriter, Many critics complained that the material was too similar to her previous album, showing a lack of artistic growth. They also felt that Houston was holding back her gospel roots for disposable pop music. ^[7] Rolling Stone said, "the narrow channel through which this talent has been directed is frustrating. "^[32] Still, it became the first album in history by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 in the U. S. and the UK album chart, as well as topping the charts in several countries around the world. The album's first four singles, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)", "Didn't We Almost Have It All", "So Emotional", and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" all peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100—which brought her a total of seven consecutive Hot 100 number-one hits; breaking the record of six previously shared by The Beatles and The Bee Gees. " I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me " was released in May 1987 and is the first single from Whitney Houston 's second studio album Whitney "Didn't We Almost Have It All" is the second single from Whitney Houston 's second album Whitney. " So Emotional " is a song recorded by American pop/ R&B singer Whitney Houston. " Where Do Broken Hearts Go " is the fourth single from Whitney Houston's second album Whitney. The Beatles were a pop and rock band from Liverpool, England formed in 1960 The Bee Gees were a singing trio of brothers — Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. The album's fifth, and final single, "Love Will Save the Day" also peaked in the Top 10 on the Hot 100. "Love Will Save the Day" was the fifth and final single released from Whitney Houston 's second album Whitney. However, unlike her previous album, neither song topped the R&B Charts. Whitney was certified nine times platinum in America, and has sold approximately 20 million worldwide.

At the Grammy Awards in 1988, Houston was nominated for three awards including Album of the Year, winning her second Grammy for 'Best Female Pop Vocal Performance' for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)". She then embarked on the worldwide The Moment of Truth tour which made Houston one of the top ten highest grossing concert acts of 1987. ^[33] In the same year, she recorded a song for NBC's coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics, "One Moment in Time", which peaked at number five in the U. The National Broadcasting Company ( NBC) is an American Television network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's The 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event staged in 1988 in "One Moment in Time" is a song recorded by American singer Whitney Houston for the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea S. , while reaching number one in the UK and Germany.

With the success of her first two albums, Houston was a crossover superstar. However, many black critics complained that her music was "too White" and that she was selling out. ^[7] Some noted that her singing on record lacked the soul that was present in her concerts. ^[16] At the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards, when Houston's name was called out for a nomination, the audience booed her. ^[34] Houston spoke of the criticism and said "If you're gonna have a long career, there's a certain way to do it, and I did it that way. I'm not ashamed of it. "^[16] However, the pop singer decided to take a more urban direction in her music. I'm Your Baby Tonight, Houston’s third studio album, was released in November 1990 and featured productions from Babyface and Antonio Reid, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder. I'm Your Baby Tonight is the third Studio album by American pop / R&B singer Whitney Houston. Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) Antonio "LA" Reid (born June 7 1956 in Cincinnati Ohio Luther Ronzoni Vandross ( April 20 1951 – July 1 2005) was an American R&B and soul Singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder (born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13 1950 name later changed to Stevland Hardaway Morris) is an For the album, Houston was given more control; she was co-executive producer along with Clive Davis. The two would work together for the rest of Houston's albums in the 90s. The album showed Houston's versatility on a new batch of tough rhythmic grooves, soulful ballads and up-tempo dance tracks. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and went on to be certified four times platinum in the U. S. , selling ten million worldwide. The first two singles, the new jack swing "I'm Your Baby Tonight" and the soul ballad "All The Man That I Need" each hit number one on both the pop and R&B singles charts respectively. "I'm Your Baby Tonight" is the lead single and title track off Whitney Houston's third studio album I'm Your Baby Tonight. " All the Man That I Need " is the second single from Whitney Houston 's third album I'm Your Baby Tonight, a number-one hit in the US The third and fourth singles: "Miracle", and "My Name Is Not Susan" peaked at numbers nine and twenty, respectively —the fifth single, "I Belong to You", peaked in the Top 10 on the R&B charts, while yet another single, the duet with Stevie Wonder entitled, "We Didn't Know", made the R&B Top 20. " My Name Is Not Susan " was the fourth single released from Whitney Houston's third album I'm Your Baby Tonight. Though sales of the album were down drastically compared to her previous efforts, the album was well received by critics. Rolling Stone felt it was her "best and most integrated album". ^[35]

Houston performed "The Star Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXV in January 1991. " The Star-Spangled Banner " is the National anthem of the United States of America Super Bowl XXV was an American football game played on January 27 1991 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa Florida to decide the National Football League Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. Her recording of the song was released as a commercial single, reaching the top twenty on the U. S. Hot 100, and making her the only artist to turn the national anthem into a chart hit. (Ten years later, the song was re-released after the September 11, 2001 attacks, this time peaking becoming a Top 10 hit. ) Houston donated her share of the proceeds to the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross (also known as the American National Red Cross) is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance disaster relief and education inside This legendary performance of the national anthem was named number one in the NFL's 2003 list of Top 25 greatest moments in NFL history. The National Football League ( NFL) is the largest professional American football league. VH1 also listed it as the 12th greatest moment that rocked TV. ^[36]

In 1991, Houston embarked I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour, which Rolling Stone poll voters voted "Worst Tour of the Year. "^[37] The tour didn't sell out as much as her previous tours. She then performed for the Welcome Home Heroes Concert in Norfolk Virginia for the returning soldiers from the Gulf War. The concert was televised on HBO and subsequently released as a home video. All proceeds went to charity. ^[38]

Hollywood success: 1992–1998

Whitney Houston at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1994. Johannesburg ( Pronounced /jō-hān'ĭs-bûrg'/ is the largest city in South Africa. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar)

In November 1992, Houston made her big screen debut, opposite Kevin Costner, in The Bodyguard, which became a huge success at the box office thanks in large part to the accompanying soundtrack. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Kevin Michael Costner (born January 18, 1955) is an American Actor, producer and Academy Award -winning director The Bodyguard is a 1992 romantic-suspense film directed by Mick Jackson, written by Lawrence Kasdan, and starring Kevin Costner Houston recorded six songs for the film's adjoining soundtrack album, which featured productions from David Foster. The Bodyguard is the Soundtrack from the movie of the same name, released on November 17, 1992 on Arista Records and David Walter Foster, OC, OBC, LLD (born November 1, 1949 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada The soundtrack's lead single was a cover of the Dolly Parton country hit "I Will Always Love You". Dolly Rebecca Parton (born January 19, 1946) is an American Country music Singer / Songwriter, Author, actress " I Will Always Love You " is a song written and originally performed by American country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton (first released as a single in 1974 Some, including Foster, were skeptical that the song would fare well at radio due to its slow, acapella beginning. ^[39] Still, the label took the risk and released it as the first single and it became Houston's biggest hit. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for a then-record-breaking 14 weeks and topping the charts in nearly every other country including the big markets of the UK, Germany, France and Australia. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The song has sold approximately ten million copies worldwide, making it the best selling single by a female solo artist. The soundtrack debuted at number 1 and remained there for twenty consecutive weeks. The follow-up singles "I'm Every Woman", a Chaka Khan cover, and "I Have Nothing" both peaked in the top five. " I'm Every Woman " is a 1978 hit single by Chaka Khan, her first hit outside of her recordings with funk band Rufus, included on her platinum debut " I Have Nothing " is a song by American diva Whitney Houston and is the third single released from the The Bodyguard soundtrack The album was certified 17x platinum in the United States^[40] with worldwide sales of forty-two million,^[41] and went on to become the best-selling soundtrack album ever. Houston won three Grammys for the project including two of the Academy's highest honors, Album of the Year and Record of the Year. The Record of the Year is one of the four most prestigious Grammy Awards presented annually Entertainment Weekly said the two cover songs are "artistically satisfying and uncharacteristically hip" while the rest is generic. ^[42] Rolling Stone said it is "nothing more than pleasant, tasteful and urbane. ". ^[43] Following the success of the project, Houston embarked on another expansive worldwide tour in 1993, which concluded in 1994 when the HBO televised "Concert For A New South Africa" making Houston the first artist to perform in the newly apartheid-free country. Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) With total capacities of over 200,000 and a home video subsequently released, all proceeds went to charity. ^[44]

In December 1995, Houston co-produced, with Babyface, the critically acclaimed cultural phenomenon Waiting to Exhale: Original Soundtrack Album. Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Waiting to Exhale is a soundtrack for the film of the same name. Though Babyface originally wanted Houston to record the entire album, she declined. Instead, she "wanted [it] to be an album of women with vocal distinction" to go along with the film's strong women message. ^[45] As a result, the album featured a range of contemporary R&B female recording artists including Aretha Franklin, Toni Braxton, Brandy, and Mary J Blige. Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25 1942 Franklin has had a total of twenty number-one singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart, two of which became #1 hits on the Toni Michelle Braxton (born October 7 1967 is an American Singer-songwriter, Contralto vocalist and actress. Mary Jane Blige (surname pronounced /blaɪʒ/) (born January 11, 1971) is an American Singer-songwriter, Rapper Houston herself contributed three songs including the smash "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)". " Exhale (Shoop Shoop " is a 1995 hit single by R&B singer Whitney Houston, featured on the soundtrack of the film Waiting to Exhale After debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song spent a record 11 weeks at the #2 spot. Houston also contributed two other songs: the top 10 hit "Count on Me", a duet with friend Cece Winans and the top 30 hit, "Why Does It Hurt So Bad". " Count on Me " is a Duet between Pop / R&B singer Whitney Houston and Gospel singer CeCe Winans. Priscilla Winans Love (born on October 8, 1964) and known professionally as CeCe Winans, is an American Gospel singer and winner of "Why Does It Hurt So Bad" is a song by R&B/Pop singer Whitney Houston. The album debuted at #1, has since been certified seven times platinum in America, and has sold thirteen million worldwide,^[41] according to her official site. The soundtrack received strong reviews. Entertainment Weekly said "the album goes down easy, just as you'd expect from a package framed by Whitney Houston tracks. . . . the soundtrack waits to exhale, hovering in sensuous suspense"^[46] and has since ranked it as one of the 100 Best Movie Soundtracks. ^[47] Newsday called it "the most significant R&B record of the decade. "^[48]

In late 1996, Houston recorded, and co-produced with Mervyn Warren, the gospel The Preacher's Wife: Original Soundtrack Album, six of the songs were recorded with the Georgia Mass Choir at Greater Rising Star Church in Atlanta. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) The Preacher’s Wife is the soundtrack to the 1996 film of the same name and features songs performed by Whitney Houston, who also stars Unlike Houston's previous soundtracks, The Preacher's Wife featured Houston on 14 of the 15 tracks including a collaboration with gospel legend Shirley Caesar. Shirley Caesar (born October 13, 1938 in Durham North Carolina) is an American Gospel music singer The soundtrack sold six million copies worldwide and scored pop hits with "I Believe in You and Me" and "Step by Step", becoming the largest selling gospel album of all time. "I Believe in You and Me" is a 1982 song written by Sandy Linzer and David Wolfert and first recorded by legendary R&B vocal group The Four Tops The album received mainly positive reviews. Some critics, like USA Today, noted the presence of an emotional depth not always heard in her previous recordings. ^[49] The UK Times said "To hear Houston going at full throttle with the 35 piece Georgia Mass choir struggling to keep up is to realise, at last, what her phenomenal voice was made for. "^[50]

In 1997, Houston performed the 3 night HBO televised "Classic Whitney" concert in Washington DC. The concert saw Houston perform her hits as well as covering classics by idols Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Billie Holliday and Diana Ross. ^[51] Later that year, Houston starred in the remake of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella with fellow singer Brandy. Richard Rodgers (1902 &ndash 1979 and Oscar Hammerstein II (1895 &ndash 1960 were a well-known American songwriting duo Rodgers and Hammerstein 's Cinderella is a musical written for Television by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II Though no soundtrack was made, Houston sang "Impossible" with Brandy, and "There Is Music In You".

Back to the studio: 1998–2001

Whitney Houston at Derby Park in Hamburg, Germany during her 1999 "My Love Is You Love Tour". Hamburg (English, German: ˈhambʊɐk local pronunciation Low German / Low Saxon: Hamborg) is the second-largest city in Germany Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar)

After spending much of the early and mid 1990s working on films, with their adjacent soundtrack albums as an outlet for new music, Houston's first studio album in eight years, the critically acclaimed My Love Is Your Love was released in November 1998. My Love Is Your Love is the fourth Studio album by American singer Whitney Houston, released in 1998 (see 1998 in music) Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Though originally slated to be a greatest hits album with a handful of new songs, recording sessions produced enough new material for a full-length studio album. Recorded and mixed in only six weeks, it featured production from Rodney Jerkins, Wyclef Jean and Missy Elliott. Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (born July 29 1977 in Pleasantville New Jersey) is a Grammy Award -winning Songwriter, Wyclef Jean (ˈwajklɛf ˈʒɑn born Nelust Wyclef Jean on October 17, 1972) is a Haitian American Musician, Actor Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott (born July 1 1971 is a five-time Grammy Award -winning American rapper, singer, Songwriter, and The album had a more funkier and edgier sound than past releases and saw Houston handling urban dance, hip hop, reggae, mid-tempo R&B, torch songs, and ballads all with great dexterity. Hip hop music, also referred to as rap music, is a Music genre typically consisting of a rhythmic vocal style called rap which is accompanied with Reggae is a Music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s Torch Song was a British Synthpop and dance band of the early 1980s consisting of William Orbit, Laurie Mayer and Grant Gilbert The album's first single, the Academy Award-winning "When You Believe" (a duet with Mariah Carey for 1998s The Prince of Egypt soundtrack) didn't do as well as expected and only reached the Top 20 in the U. "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. " When You Believe " is an Academy Award -winning song composed by Stephen Schwartz for the DreamWorks animated feature The Prince The Prince of Egypt is a 1998 American Animated film, the first traditionally animated film produced and released by DreamWorks S. As a result, the album debuted at #13. ^[52] However, the next three singles, "Heartbreak Hotel", which featured Faith Evans and Kelly Price; "It's Not Right but It's Okay", which won Houston her sixth Grammy Award, and "My Love Is Your Love" all reached the U. "Heartbreak Hotel" is a 1999 single from American R&B / Pop singer Whitney Houston, the first official single released Faith Renée Evans (pronounced /feɪθ ɛvəns/) (born June 10, 1973) is an American Singer, Songwriter, Record producer Kelly Price (born April 4 1973) is an American R&B and soul singer formerly the flagship female artist on the Def Soul " It's Not Right but It's Okay " is a 1999 song by American singer Whitney Houston, and is the second single from her fourth album My Love Is The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences "My Love Is Your Love" is a 1999 song by American R&B diva Whitney Houston. S. Top 5 and became international hits. The album's fifth single, "I Learned from the Best", peaked inside the U. "I Learned from the Best" is a 2000 single from American R&B / Pop singer Whitney Houston; the fourth and final single from S. top forty, at number twenty-seven. All singles, except "When You Believe", also became number one hits on the U. S. Dance/Clubplay Chart. The album went on to be certified four times platinum in the U. S. , with worldwide sales of ten million. The album gave Houston her strongest reviews ever. Rolling Stone said Houston was singing "with a bite in her voice that she's never come close to before"^[53] and The Village Voice called it "Whitney's sharpest and most satisfying so far". ^[54] In 1999, Houston participated in VH-1's Divas’ Live '99, alongside Mary J. Blige, Tina Turner, Cher. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) In 1998, VH1 debuted the first annual VH1 Divas concert The first concert VH1 Divas Live was created to support the station's Mary Jane Blige (surname pronounced /blaɪʒ/) (born January 11, 1971) is an American Singer-songwriter, Rapper Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; November 26, 1939) is an eight time Grammy Award -winning American Cher ( IPA: /ʃɛr/ born Cherilyn Sarkisian, May 20 1946 The same year, Houston hit the road with her worldwide 70 date My Love Is Your Love tour.

In April 2000, Whitney: The Greatest Hits was released. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Whitney The Greatest Hits is a compilation Album by American Singer Whitney Houston, released in 2000 The double disc set peaked at number five on the Billboard Top 200, and reached number one on the UK chart. While the ballads were left unchanged, the album is notable for featuring house/club remixes of many of Houston's past up-tempo songs, in place of their original version. House music is a style of Electronic dance music initially popularized in mid-1980s Discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino Synonyms Since around the mid-1980s electronic dance music has enjoyed popularity in many Nightclubs and as of 2006 is the predominant type of music played in Also included on the album were four new songs: "Could I Have This Kiss Forever" (a duet with Enrique Iglesias), "Same Script, Different Cast" (a duet with Deborah Cox), "If I Told You That" (a duet with George Michael), and "Fine", all of which failed to crack the Billboard Top 40. " Could I Have This Kiss Forever " is a 2000 duet from singers Whitney Houston and Enrique Iglesias, written by Diane Warren. Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler (born 8 May 1975 is a Spanish pop Singer-songwriter and Model. "Same Script Different Cast" is a Duet between R&B singers Whitney Houston and Deborah Cox. Deborah Cox (born July 13 1974 in Toronto, Ontario) is a Canadian R&B Singer-songwriter and actress "If I Told You That" is a 2000 duet from singers Whitney Houston and George Michael, and is the second single from Houston's Whitney The Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou (Γεώργιος Κυριάκος Παναγιώτου (born 25 June 1963 best known as George Michael, is a two-time Grammy Award winning " Fine " is a song by American R&B singer Whitney Houston, and was the fourth single from her 2000 album Whitney The Greatest Hits Along with the album, an accompanying DVD was also released of the music videos to Houston's greatest hits. The greatest hits album was certified triple platinum in the U. S. , with worldwide sales of ten million. The same year, Houston performed on the televised special commemorating Arista Records twenty-fifth anniversary. Houston was then the first ever reciepient of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution towards black music. In August 2001, Houston signed the biggest record deal in music history with Arista/BMG. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. She renewed her contract (worth $100 million) to deliver six new albums on which she would also earn royalties. Within weeks Houston's rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" would be re-released after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The single peaked at #6 on the singles chart. ^[52] Houston would donate her portion of the proceeds.

Commercial decline: 2002–2005

In December 2002, Houston released her fifth studio album, Just Whitney. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Just Whitney is the fifth Studio album by American pop / R&B singer Whitney Houston, released by Arista Records The album included productions from then-husband Bobby Brown, as well as Missy Elliott, and Babyface, while marking the first time Houston did not produce with Clive Davis. Bobby Brown (born Robert Barisford Brown, on February 5 1969) is an American R&B Singer, Songwriter, and Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott (born July 1 1971 is a five-time Grammy Award -winning American rapper, singer, Songwriter, and It received mostly poor reviews upon release. ^[55] Rolling Stone said the album "only shows an artist vainly trying to reach for what her future once could have been"^[56] while The San Francisco Chronicle said the album "shows signs of life, but not enough to declare a resurrection. "^[57] The album debuted at #9 on the Billboard 200 albums chart with the highest opening week sales of any album she had ever released. However, all of the singles, the media bashing "Whatchulookinat", "One of Those Days", and "Try It on My Own" failed to reach the top forty on the Hot 100 singles chart and the album quickly fell off the Billboard Top 200. "Whatchulookinat" is a 2002 single released by American R&B singer Whitney Houston. " One of Those Days " is a 2002 song by American R&B singer Whitney Houston, and was the second single from her album Just Whitney " Try It on My Own " is a 2003 single released by American R&B Diva Whitney Houston. Just Whitney would be certified platinum in the U. S. with cumulative worldwide sales of over three million, Houston's lowest sales of any studio album.

In late 2003, Houston released One Wish: The Holiday Album, a specialty album of traditional Christmas songs. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. One Wish The Holiday Album is a Christmas album and the sixth studio album by American R&B /pop singer Whitney Houston, released in Houston produced the album with Gorden Chambers and Mervyn Warren. Some, like Slant Magazine, noted a decline in her voice^[58] while The New York Times praised the "lavish swoops, the sultry whispers, the gospelly asides and the meteoric crescendos. "^[59] The single "One Wish (for Christmas)" reached the Top 20 on the Adult Contemporary Chart as the album sold approximately 400,000 copies in the U. " One Wish " is a 1994 Christmas song by American R&B singer Freddie Jackson on his album Freddie Jackson at Christmas. S. It eventually became Houston's lowest selling album and the first not to achieve gold status in the U. S. .

In 2004, Houston embarked on an international tour, the Soul Divas Tour with Natalie Cole and cousin Dionne Warwick in Europe, before embarking on solo dates in the Middle East, Russia, and Asia. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Natalie Cole (born Natalie Maria Cole on February 6 1950) is an influential American Singer-songwriter and performer who has The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending In September 2004, she gave a surprise performance at the World Music Awards, in tribute to long time friend Clive Davis. The World Music Awards (founded in 1989 is an international awards show that annually honors Recording artists based on their worldwide sales figures which are provided by the Houston received a thunderous standing ovation for her performance. After the show, Davis and Houston announced plans to go into studio to work on a new album. ^[60] However, no further updates would surface and no album was released due to Houston's drug problems.

New beginnings: 2006–present

After a successful rehabilitation period in 2006, Houston divorced Bobby Brown and gained full parental custody of their daughter, Bobbi Kristina. Drug rehabilitation (often drug rehab or just rehab) is an umbrella term for the processes of medical and/or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependency Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Bobby Brown (born Robert Barisford Brown, on February 5 1969) is an American R&B Singer, Songwriter, and The singer began recuperating her career in the public eye by attending the various high profile events. Houston recorded the song "Family First" with Dionne Warwick and Cissy Houston for the soundtrack Daddy's Little Girls. Daddy's Little Girls is a 2007 Drama film written and directed by Tyler Perry and produced by Reuben Cannon and Roger Bobb In March 2007, Clive Davis announced that the singer would be heading in to the studio to record her first studio album in 4 years. Though the release date and title are yet to be determined, reported producers include will.i.am,^[61] Ne-Yo,^[61] R. Kelly,^[61] and John Legend^[62] among others. William James Adams Jr (born March 15, 1975 in Los Angeles California, USA) better known by his Stage name will Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18 1979 better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B Singer-songwriter Robert Sylvester Kelly (born January 8, 1967) better known by his Stage name R John Stephens (born December 28, 1978) better known by his Stage name John Legend, is a Grammy Award winning American soul ^[63]

In the meantime, Arista released The Ultimate Collection in October 2007. The Ultimate Collection is Whitney Houston 's latest Greatest hits collection released on October 29th 2007 The compilation included, for the first time, all of Houston's hit singles on one CD. It debuted at #5 in the UK, with sales of 37,228 and peaked at #3. The compilation was not released in the U. S. and also included a bonus DVD of music videos.

In December 2007, Houston performed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to positive reception. Kuala Lumpur (ˈkwɑːləlʊmˈpʊər Malay /kwɑlɑlʊmpʊ/ and locally /kwɑləlʊmpɔ/ or even /kɔlɔmpɔ/ or often abbreviated as K For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and ^[64][65][66]Clive Davis later announced at Billboard's Music & Money Symposium in New York that Whitney Houston's forthcoming album is going to be released around the holiday season. Davis blames the delay on the creative process, saying he and Houston were unwilling to rush out an album of substandard tracks. Davis states "We're not going to compromise who she is to fit into today's hip-hop radio market. The public wants Whitney material. "

In May 2008, Houston performed at the Mawazine festival in Rabat, Morocco, which again resulted in positive reception.

Film and television career

During the early-mid 1980s, as Houston was trying to launch a music career, she auditioned for acting roles; including the part of Sondra Huxtable on The Cosby Show, which eventually went to Sabrina Le Beauf. The Cosby Show is an American television Situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, first airing on September 20, 1984 Sabrina Le Beauf (born March 21, 1958 in New Orleans Louisiana) is an American actress In 1984, Houston appeared on an episode of Gimme a Break, and an episode of Silver Spoons in 1985. Gimme a Break! is an American Sitcom which aired on NBC from October 29, 1981 until May 12, 1987 Silver Spoons is an American Sitcom that aired on NBC from September 25 1982 to May 11 1986 and in First-run syndication from September

With the huge success of her first two albums, movie offers came from Robert De Niro, Quincy Jones, and Spike Lee, though she felt the time wasn't right. Robert Mario De Niro Jr (born August 17 1943 is a two-time Academy Award -winning American Film Actor, director and producer Quincy Delight Jones Jr (born March 14, 1933) also known as Q, is an American Music Impresario, conductor Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee (born March 20 1957 is an Emmy Award -winning and Academy Award -nominated American Film director, ^[67] Houston’s first film role was in The Bodyguard, released in 1992 and co-starring Kevin Costner. The Bodyguard is a 1992 romantic-suspense film directed by Mick Jackson, written by Lawrence Kasdan, and starring Kevin Costner Houston plays Rachel Marron, a star who is stalked by a crazed fan that hires a bodyguard to protect her. The film was successful at the box office, grossing more than $121 million in the U. S. and $410 million worldwide thanks in large to the success of Houston's soundtrack to the film. It is currently among the top 100 highest grossing films worldwide^[68] and USA Today listed it as one of the 25 most memorable movie moments of the last 25 years. ^[69] The movie is also notable for not mentioning or explaining its interracial aspect. Houston's mainstream appeal allowed people to look at the movie color-blind. ^[70] Still, controversy arose as some felt the film's ads intentionally hid Houston's face to hide the film's interracial aspect. In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine in 1993, the singer commented that "people know who Whitney Houston is—I'm black. You can't hide that fact. "^[15] Despite the film's success, the reviews were mixed, and Houston received a Razzie Award nomination for Worst Actress. The Washington Post said Houston is "doing nothing more than playing Houston, comes out largely unscathed if that is possible in so cockamamie an undertaking"^[71] and The New York Times said she lacked passion with her co-star. ^[72]

In 1995, Houston starred alongside Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon in the film Waiting to Exhale, about four African-American women struggling with relationships. Angela Evelyn Bassett (born August 16 1958 is an Emmy - and Academy Award -nominated and Golden Globe -winning African- American Actress Loretta Devine (born August 21, 1949) is a five-time NAACP Image Awards -winning American actress. Lela Rochon (born Lela Rochon Staples on April 17, 1964) is an American actress who is best known for Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 Romance film which stars Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett and directed by Forest Whitaker Houston plays the lead character Savannah Jackson, a TV producer who moves to Phoenix to find a new man, but ends up in love with a married man. It marked Houston's first time portraying a character who isn't a singer. She chose to role because she saw the film as "a breakthrough for the image of black women because it presents them both as professionals and as caring mothers". ^[45] The movie and its soundtrack struck a chord with African American women and is considered a cultural classic. After opening at #1 and grossing $67 million in the U. S. at the box office and $82 million worldwide, it proved that a movie targeting black audiences can cross over to a white audience and make money, while paving the way for other all black movies such as How Stella Got Her Groove Back and the Tyler Perry movies that have become popular in the 2000s. How Stella Got Her Groove Back is a 1998 Romance film, directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan. Tyler Perry (born September 13, 1969,is an American Playwright, Screenwriter, Actor and Director and Producer ^[73][74][75] The film is also notable for its portrayal of black women as strong middle class citizens as oppose to their usual stereotypes. ^[76] The reviews were mainly positive for the ensemble cast. The New York Times said "Ms. Houston has shed the defensive hauteur that made her portrayal of a pop star in "The Bodyguard" seem so distant. "^[77] Houston was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture, but lost to her co-star Basset. The NAACP Image Awards is an award presented annually by the American National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to honor outstanding People of color

In 1996, Houston starred in the holiday comedy The Preacher's Wife, with Denzel Washington. The Preacher's Wife is a 1996 film directed by Penny Marshall, and starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. Denzel Hayes Washington Jr (born December 28 1954) is an American Actor and director. She plays a gospel-singing wife of a Reverand. Houston earned $10 million for the role, making her one of the highest paid actress in Hollywood at the time and the highest earning African American actress. ^[78] Despite the success of Waiting To Exhale, the movie's star power, and Disney's high budget, many predicted the movie would not be a success due to its all black cast. ^[79] The movie was a moderate success, earning approximately $50 million at the U. S. box offices. ^[80] Still, the movie gave Houston her strongest reviews so far. The San Francisco Chronicle said Houston "is rather angelic herself, displaying a divine talent for being virtuous and flirtatious at the same time" and that she "exudes gentle yet spirited warmth, especially when praising the Lord in her gorgeous singing voice. "^[81] Houston won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture for the role, her first award for her acting. The NAACP Image Awards is an award presented annually by the American National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to honor outstanding People of color

In 1997, Houston's production company changed it's name to BrownHouse Productions and was joined by Debra Martin Chase. Debra Martin Chase ( 11 October 1956 -) is a Hollywood producer and former lawyer who was named by Savoy magazine in August 2003 as Their goal was "to show aspects of the lives of African-Americans that have not been brought to the screen before" while improving how African-Americans are portrayed in film and television. ^[82] Their first project was a made-for-television remake of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Richard Rodgers (1902 &ndash 1979 and Oscar Hammerstein II (1895 &ndash 1960 were a well-known American songwriting duo Rodgers and Hammerstein 's Cinderella is a musical written for Television by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II In addition to co-producing, Houston starred in the movie as the Fairy Godmother along with Brandy, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bernadette Peters. Jason Alexander (born September 23 1959 as Jay Scott Greenspan) is an American television cinema and Musical theatre comedic actor best known for his role Whoopi Goldberg (born Caryn Elaine Johnson; November 13, 1955) is an American actress, comedienne, and television Bernadette Peters (born February 28 1948 is an American Actress and Singer from New York City. Houston was initially offered the role of Cinderella in 1993, but other projects intervened and CBS lost interest. ^[83] The film featured a multiracial cast and Houston said the ultimate message was that "African-American girls and women are princesses just as much as White girls and those of other ethnicities, and that they too can fulfill their dreams. "^[84] An estimated 60 million viewers tuned into the special giving ABC its highest TV ratings in 16 years. ^[85]

In 2005, husband Bobby Brown starred in his own reality TV program Being Bobby Brown (on the Bravo network), which provided a view into the domestic goings-on in the Brown household. Being Bobby Brown was a reality series that depicted the life of R&B singer Bobby Brown and his mega-star ex wife Bravo is a Cable television network owned by NBC Universal. It is currently seen in more than 80 million homes and was the first service dedicated to film drama Though it was Brown's vehicle, Houston was a prominent figure throughout the show. The series featured Houston at her lowest moments and many wondered why she took part in it. ^[86] Slant Magazine said "it's just an excuse to get [Whitney] on camera while she's ripped out of her mind. "^[87] Hollywood Reporter said it was "undoubtedly the most disgusting and execrable series ever to ooze its way onto television"^[88] and The Washington Post said "Their lives seem sad much of the time, yet never rise to the status of tragedy. "^[86] Despite the train wreck nature of the show, the series gave Bravo its highest ratings in its time slot. ^[89] The show was canceled after the first season due to low demand after the couple split and Houston no longer appeared in the show. ^[90]

Of late, Houston has served as an executive producer of many successful Hollywood films including the Disney films The Princess Diaries, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, and the Disney made-for-television films The Cheetah Girls and The Cheetah Girls 2. The Princess Diaries is a Comedy-drama Film and the screen adaptation of Meg Cabot 's 2000 novel of the same name. The Princess Diaries 2 Royal Engagement is the 2004 sequel to 2001 's The Princess Diaries. The Cheetah Girls is a Disney Channel Original Movie and a TV musical, released in 2003 and based on a bestselling series of young adult The Cheetah Girls 2 (also known as The Cheetah Girls 2 When in Spain is the sequel to the Disney Channel original movie The Cheetah Girls

Personal life

Marriage to Bobby Brown

Throughout the '80s, Houston was romantically linked to American football star Randall Cunningham and actor Eddie Murphy, whom she dated. American football, known in the United States and Canada simply as football, is a competitive Team sport known for mixing strategy with Randall W Cunningham (born March 27, 1963 in Santa Barbara California) is a former American football Quarterback. Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy (born April 3 1961 is an Academy Award -nominated Golden Globe - Screen Actors Guild Award -winning American ^[67] She was also romantically linked to her long-time friend and female assistant Robyn Crawford, but continuously denied the lesbian rumors. ^[15] Houston then met R&B singer Bobby Brown at the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards. Bobby Brown (born Robert Barisford Brown, on February 5 1969) is an American R&B Singer, Songwriter, and Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) The Soul Train Music Awards is an annual award show aired in national Television syndication that honors the best in Black Music and Entertainment After a three year courtship, the two were married on July 18, 1992. Events 390 BC - Roman - Gaulish Wars Battle of the Allia - a Roman army is defeated by raiding Gauls, Many were surprised at the pairing and felt that the New Edition singer would be a bad influence on Houston. New Edition is an American R&B / Pop group formed in Boston Massachusetts in 1978 that was most popular during the 1980s Brown had numerous run-ins with the law and already had 3 kids with different women while Houston was considered a good church girl. ^[15] Many felt that the marriage was an attempt for Houston to get street credibility after being under fire from black critics. ^[91] Despite their differences in image, Houston gave birth to their child, daughter Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown on March 4, 1993 after a miscarriage the year before. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) ^[92] Throughout the 90s Brown continued to get in trouble with the law including sexual harassment, drunk driving, assault charges and even jail time^[93] while Houston suffered another miscarriage in 1996. ^[94] In the 2000s, Brown continued to find trouble while the drug rumors began for Houston. In December 2003 Brown was arrested and charged with battery after an altercation with Houston after it was reported that he hit her. ^[95]

With a history of infidelity, scandals, drug and alcohol arrests, and marital problems, Houston finally filed for separation from Brown in September 2006 following trips to rehab. The following month, on October 16, 2006, Houston filed for divorce from Brown. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[96] On February 1, 2007 Houston asked the court to fast track their divorce. Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. NOTE: This does not refer to the type of case used under English Law of the same name The divorce became finalized on April 24, 2007, with Houston granted custody of the couple's daughter. Events 1479 BC - Thutmose III ascends to the throne of Egypt, although power effectively shifts to Hatshepsut (according to Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

On April 26, 2007, Brown filed court papers with the Orange County Superior Court to set aside the divorce judgement that ended his marriage to Houston. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. In the filing, he claims the marriage was ended under false pretenses and sought child support, possible spousal support, and a change in the judgement that gave full custody of their daughter to Houston. In family law and government policy child support or child maintenance is the ongoing obligation for a periodic payment made directly or indirectly by a non-custodial parent Alimony, maintenance or spousal support is an obligation established by Law in many countries that is based on the premise that both spouses have an absolute The papers also claim that Brown was essentially homeless at one point and severely depressed during that time. A court hearing was set for June 2007. ^[97] At the court hearing on January 4, 2008, Brown failed to show up at the scheduled court date. Events 46 BC - Titus Labienus defeats Julius Caesar in the Battle of Ruspina. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common As a result of this, the judge dismissed his appeal to overrule Houston's custody terms, leaving Houston will full custody and Brown with no custody or spousal support. ^[98] Brown also was fired by his lawyers after a "breakdown of communication", leaving him without an attorney.

Drug and health issues

Houston's appearance at The Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Show in 2001 further spurred rumors of drug and health problems.

Though Houston was seen as a good girl with a perfect image in the '80s and early '90s, during the late '90s many noted a change in her behavior. She was often hours late for interviews, photo shoots, rehearsals, and canceled concerts and talk-show appearances. ^[99][100] With the missed performances and weight loss people began to wonder if something was wrong while rumors began that there was drug use with her husband. On January 11, 2000, airport security discovered marijuana in the luggage of both Houston's and husband Bobby Brown's luggage at a Hawaiian airport, but the two boarded the plane and departed before authorities could arrive. Charges were later dropped against her and Brown as she later pleaded no contest to a possession charge and was ordered to pay £2,100 to a youth-orientated anti-drug program in place of community service,^[101] but rumors of drug usage among the couple would continue to surface. Two months later, Clive Davis was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a Museum located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland Ohio, United States Houston was scheduled to perform and honor the man that helped launch her career, but she canceled ten minutes before the show. ^[102] Shortly after, Houston was scheduled to perform at the Academy Awards but was fired from the event by musical director and long time friend Burt Bacharach. Burt Bacharach (ˈbækəræk born May 12, 1928) is an American Pianist and Composer. Though her publicist cited throat problems as the reason for the cancellation, many speculated it was drugs. In Steve Pond's book "The Big Show: High Times And Dirty Dealings Backstage At The Academy Awards", it was revealed that "Houston's voice was shaky, she seemed distracted and jittery, and her attitude was casual, almost defiant" and that while Houston was to sing "Over The Rainbow", she would start singing a different song. ^[103] Houston herself would later admit to being fired. ^[91] In an interview with Jane Magazine, Houston reportedly arrived late, seemed unfocused, had trouble keeping her eyes open, and played an imaginary piano. ^[100] Later that year, Houston's long time executive assistant and best friend Robyn Crawford resigned from Houston's management company. ^[102]

The next year, Houston made an appearance at Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special. In late November 2001 the CBS television network aired a two-hour special in honor of Michael Jackson 's thirtieth year as a solo entertainer (his first solo Her shockingly thin frame further spurred rumors of drug use, anorexia, and bulimia. Her publicist said "Whitney has been under stress due to family matters, and when she is under stress she doesn't eat. "^[104] The singer was scheduled for a second performance the following night but canceled without explanation. ^[105] Shortly after, rumors began that the troubled singer had died of a drug overdose. The rumor was quickly denied by Houston's camp. ^[104]

In late 2002, Houston did an interview with Diane Sawyer. Lily Diane Sawyer (born December 19, 1945) is a Television Reporter for ABC and co-anchor of its morning news show ^[91] During the prime time special, the defiant and erratic Houston spoke on various topics including her rumored drug abuse and marriage to Bobby Brown. When Sawyer showed Houston the photo of her appearance at the Michael Jackson Show, the singer replied "Well, that's a bad shot. "^[91] She was asked about the ongoing drug rumors and replied "First of all, let's get one thing straight. Crack is cheap. Crack cocaine or crack is a solid smokable form of Cocaine. It is a freebase form of cocaine that can be made using baking soda ( Sodium bicarbonate I make too much money to ever smoke crack. Let's get that straight. Okay? We don't do crack. We don't do that. Crack is wack. "^[91] The line would become infamous. Houston admitted to using various substances at times and that she partied. When asked if Brown ever hit her, she replied, with Brown by her side "No, he's never hit me, no. I've hit him, in anger. "^[91]

Houston entered drug rehabilitation facilities in March 2004, but the following year appeared in Brown's reality TV series displaying more erratic behavior. In March 2005, Houston reentered the same drug rehab successfully completing the program. Though odd reports surface that the singer is still using drugs, her record label insists that Houston is off the drugs. ^[106] Recently, the singer has slowly been making her way back into the public eye looking healthy and clean.

John Houston dispute

In 2002, Houston became involved in a legal dispute with her father, and one-time manager, John Houston. John Houston Enterprise, run by company president and family friend Kevin Skinner, filed a breach-of-contract suit and sued for $100 million (but lost); stating that she owed his company previously unpaid compensation for helping to negotiate her $100 million contract with Arista Records and for sorting out her legal problems involving her drug bust at a Hawaiin Airport in 2000. ^[107] The singer's publicitst claimed that Houston's 81 year old father had nothing to do with the lawsuit, but Skinner claimed otherwise. ^[108] John Houston, who was ill at the time, died in February 2003. The lawsuit was dismissed on April 5, 2004, after Skinner failed to participate in pre-trial discovery. ^[109]

Awards

Main article: List of Whitney Houston awards

Discography

Main article: Whitney Houston discography

Filmography

• 1992: The Bodyguard
• 1995: Waiting to Exhale
• 1996: The Preacher's Wife
• 1997: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

Tours

• 1986: The Greatest Love World Tour
• 1987: The Moment Of Truth World Tour
• 1991: I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour
• 1993: The Whitney Houston World Tour
• 1999: My Love Is Your Love World Tour
• 2004: Soul Divas Tour

Further reading

• Bowman, Jeffrey (1995). Whitney Houston has been honored with several awards and accolades recognizing her worldwide success through the music and movie industries Whitney Houston is the self-titled debut album by American pop / R&B singer Whitney Houston, released on February 14 Whitney is the second Studio album by American pop / R&B singer Whitney Houston, released on June 29 I'm Your Baby Tonight is the third Studio album by American pop / R&B singer Whitney Houston. My Love Is Your Love is the fourth Studio album by American singer Whitney Houston, released in 1998 (see 1998 in music) Just Whitney is the fifth Studio album by American pop / R&B singer Whitney Houston, released by Arista Records One Wish The Holiday Album is a Christmas album and the sixth studio album by American R&B /pop singer Whitney Houston, released in The Bodyguard is the Soundtrack from the movie of the same name, released on November 17, 1992 on Arista Records and Waiting to Exhale is a soundtrack for the film of the same name. The Preacher’s Wife is the soundtrack to the 1996 film of the same name and features songs performed by Whitney Houston, who also stars Whitney The Greatest Hits is a compilation Album by American Singer Whitney Houston, released in 2000 Love Whitney is a Compilation album by Whitney Houston, released in the UK in 2001 (see 2001 in music) The Ultimate Collection is Whitney Houston 's latest Greatest hits collection released on October 29th 2007 In 1998, VH1 debuted the first annual VH1 Divas concert The first concert VH1 Divas Live was created to support the station's " Fine " is a song by American R&B singer Whitney Houston, and was the fourth single from her 2000 album Whitney The Greatest Hits The Bodyguard is a 1992 romantic-suspense film directed by Mick Jackson, written by Lawrence Kasdan, and starring Kevin Costner Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 Romance film which stars Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett and directed by Forest Whitaker The Preacher's Wife is a 1996 film directed by Penny Marshall, and starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. Rodgers and Hammerstein 's Cinderella is a musical written for Television by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II The I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour was a Concert tour of Arenas by American pop / R&B Singer Whitney Houston The My Love Is Your Love World Tour was a worldwide arena and theater Concert tour in the year 1999 by American pop/R&B artist Whitney Houston. Diva: The Totally Unauthorized Biography of Whitney Houston. Harpercollins. HarperCollins is a Publishing company owned by News Corporation. ISBN 978-0061008535.  
• Ammons, Kevin (1996). Good Girl, Bad Girl: An Insider's Biography of Whitney Houston. Citadel Press. Kensington Publishing Corp is the largest publisher in the United States that is not considered one of the six "major publishers ISBN 978-1559723794.  
• Parish, James Robert (2003). Whitney Houston: The Biography. Aurum Press. Aurum Press is an independent English publishing house located in London. ISBN 978-1854109217.  

See also

• Whitney Houston chart records and achievements
• List of Whitney Houston awards
• Grammy nominations for Whitney Houston
• List of artists by total number of USA number one singles
• American Music Award nominations for Whitney Houston
• List of best-selling music artists
• List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)
• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance chart

References

Footnotes

Additional references

External links

• Official website
• Whitney Houston at the Internet Movie Database
• Whitney Houston at Rolling Stone
• UnOfficial Whitney Houston Fan Site