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Exploring Whitney Houston’s Iconic Life Through Photos

Martin Ruiz06 mins

The Legacy of Whitney Houston

No embellishment was needed to describe Whitney Houston’s vocal talent — she was “The Voice.” With her octave-spanning instrument, Houston could inject drama into a song with unparalleled emotional power. Recall her 1985 hit “How Will I Know.” In just seconds, Houston transforms what could’ve been an ordinary pop song into a four-and-a-half-minute tour de force about the desire to be seen.

Rise to Stardom

Houston’s coruscating voice propelled her to superstardom. Her first two albums — 1985’s “Whitney Houston” and 1987’s “Whitney” — spawned a record-setting seven consecutive No. 1 hits. Nearly three decades after its release, “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, which features Houston’s iconic version of “I Will Always Love You,” remains the best-selling soundtrack album of all time.

Diverse Musical Genres

Some listeners know only Houston’s pop tunes — 1987’s electrifying “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” for instance. However, the singer worked immaculately across a variety of genres. From her new-jack-swing track “My Name Is Not Susan” (1990) to her gospel-influenced version of “I Believe in You and Me” (1996), Houston showcased her versatility. Additionally, her skittering R&B toe-tapper “If I Told You That” (1998) further demonstrates her breadth.

Challenges and Triumphs

By the time Houston passed away from a drug-related accidental drowning on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48, her life had evolved into a spectacle filled with challenges. She faced relentless scrutiny regarding her personal life, including her turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown and the public’s judgment of her struggles with addiction and the deterioration of her voice.

Musical Institution

Nevertheless, Houston was much more than the gossip surrounding her life; she was a musical institution. At her zenith, she was capable of delivering rafter-shaking vocal performances that left a lasting impact on the music industry and her audience alike.

Whitney Houston is photographed in February 1982, when she was a senior in high school.
Whitney Houston is photographed in February 1982, when she was a senior in high school.
Whitney Houston is seen with the music producer Clive Davis in 1983, shortly after she signed a contract with Arista Records.
Whitney Houston is seen with the music producer Clive Davis in 1983, shortly after she signed a contract with Arista Records.
Dionne Warwick, left, with her cousin, Whitney Houston.
Dionne Warwick, left, with her cousin, Whitney Houston. Robin Platzer/The Chronicle Collection/Getty Images
Whitney Houston looks over the picket fence of her mother's home in West Orange, New Jersey, on May 28, 1985.
Whitney Houston looks over the picket fence of her mother’s home in West Orange, New Jersey, on May 28, 1985.
Whitney Houston performs with her half-brother, Gary Garland-Houston, at the Park West in Chicago, Illinois, on May 29, 1985.
Whitney Houston performs with her half-brother, Gary Garland-Houston, at the Park West in Chicago, Illinois, on May 29, 1985.
Whitney Houston, left, sits with her mother, Cissy, and her father, John, at the kitchen table at home.
Whitney Houston, left, sits with her mother, Cissy, and her father, John, at the kitchen table at home.
Whitney Houston sings in the recording studio.
Whitney Houston sings in the recording studio. Dirck Halstead/The Chronicle Collection/Getty Images
Whitney Houston arrives in London, England, ahead of her Moment of Truth World Tour.
Whitney Houston arrives in London, England, ahead of her Moment of Truth World Tour. All Action/PA Images/Reuters
Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.
Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images
Whitney Houston, left, performs with her mother, Cissy, and her half-brother, Gary Garland-Houston, on January 25, 1988.
Whitney Houston, left, performs with her mother, Cissy, and her half-brother, Gary Garland-Houston, on January 25, 1988.
Whitney Houston receives an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Joseph B. Johnson, the president of Grambling University, in Louisiana, on July 21, 1988.
Whitney Houston receives an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Joseph B. Johnson, the president of Grambling University, in Louisiana, on July 21, 1988.
Whitney Houston signs autographs at a children's hospital in Perth, Australia, on October 29, 1988.
Whitney Houston signs autographs at a children’s hospital in Perth, Australia, on October 29, 1988.
Whitney Houston sits with President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office.
Whitney Houston sits with President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office. Diana Walker/The Chronicle Collection/Getty Images
Whitney Houston sings the national anthem prior to Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium in Florida on January 27, 1991.
Whitney Houston sings the national anthem prior to Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium in Florida on January 27, 1991.
Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown.
Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. L. Cohen/WireImage/Getty Images
Whitney Houston dances with Kevin Costner in 'The Bodyguard.'
Whitney Houston dances with Kevin Costner in ‘The Bodyguard.’ Moviestore/Shutterstock
Whitney Houston, daughter Bobbi Kristina and husband Bobby Brown arrive at Tavern on the Green in New York City for Brown's 25th birthday celebration on February 4, 1994.
Whitney Houston, daughter Bobbi Kristina and husband Bobby Brown arrive at Tavern on the Green in New York City for Brown’s 25th birthday celebration on February 4, 1994.


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