Newark, New Jersey, August 9, 1963 – Whitney Houston, celebrated as “The Voice,” left an indelible mark on music history, selling over 220 million records worldwide and reshaping popular culture with her unparalleled talent.
A Voice for the Ages
Whitney Houston’s extraordinary vocal ability and crossover appeal broke down racial and gender barriers, establishing her as one of the most influential entertainers of all time.
- Houston’s self-titled debut album reached number one on the Billboard 200 in March 1986, remaining there for fourteen weeks—a record for a female artist at the time.
- She was the first Black artist to achieve three RIAA diamond-certified albums, a testament to her commercial success and cultural impact.
- Her song “I Will Always Love You” remains the best-selling single by a female artist, earning a diamond certification from the RIAA.
- Houston’s career began early, with her first solo performance at Town Hall in February 1978 earning a standing ovation.
- She believed in the power of authenticity, famously stating, “You can fool people…but you can’t fool yourself.”
Early Life and Musical Foundations
Born Whitney Elizabeth Houston at Presbyterian Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, on August 9, 1963, she was immersed in music from the start. Her mother, Emily Cissy Houston, was a renowned gospel and soul singer, and her father, John Russell Houston Jr., worked in public service. Growing up, melody, harmony, and discipline were integral parts of her life, nurtured through church choirs and family rehearsals.
First Steps Toward Stardom
Houston’s professional journey began at fourteen when she joined her mother’s band as a backing vocalist, performing at cabaret venues across Manhattan. Her first major solo moment arrived in February 1978 at Town Hall, where her performance of “Tomorrow” from the Broadway musical Annie captivated the audience and earned her a standing ovation. Soon after, she became a sought-after session singer, lending her voice to recordings by artists such as Michael Zager, Chaka Khan, and Lou Rawls, notably featured on Zager’s 1978 disco track, “Life’s a Party.”
Breaking into the National Spotlight
Houston’s visibility grew rapidly in the early 1980s. In June 1983, she appeared on The Merv Griffin Show, delivering a powerful rendition of “Home” from The Wiz to a nationwide audience. Around the same time, she was considered for a role on The Cosby Show but ultimately chose to focus on her burgeoning music career. She also made brief television appearances, starred in commercials, and recorded advertising jingles, all while honing her artistic identity.
A Landmark Debut
Her self-titled debut album, Whitney Houston, was released on February 14, 1985. While initial reviews were mixed, critics universally praised her exceptional vocal ability. Publications described her as an extraordinary new talent and highlighted the album as a showcase for her remarkable voice. After a modest start on the Billboard 200, the album steadily climbed the charts, reaching number one in March 1986 and holding the top spot for fourteen weeks—a record-breaking achievement for a female debut.
Chart-Topping Success and Rising Fame
The album spawned four top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100. “You Give Good Love” peaked at number three, followed by “Saving All My Love for You,” which became her first chart-topping single. This success coincided with her celebrated performance at Carnegie Hall, solidifying her status as a major force in music.
Global Dominance and Enduring Legacy
In 1987, her second album, Whitney, further cemented her dominance. Despite receiving divided critical opinions, it made history by debuting at number one on the Billboard 200—the first time a woman had achieved this feat. The album simultaneously topped charts in the United States and the United Kingdom, reaching the number one position in every country where it was released.
Whitney Houston’s impact on popular music is undeniable. Her early studio albums, along with the monumental success of The Bodyguard soundtrack, rank among the highest-selling albums of all time. Her songs, including “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and “I Will Always Love You,” remain among the best-selling singles ever, demonstrating her extraordinary and lasting influence.
