Whitney Houston, one of the most iconic voices in pop music, captivated the world with her unparalleled talent and magnetic presence. Born in 1963, the American singer and actress became a global phenomenon, with a career marked by resounding successes and a voice that seemed to touch the soul. Her journey was not just about impressive numbers on the music charts but also about her ability to convey emotion and connection through every note.
Houston not only won multiple Grammy Awards and sold millions of albums but also left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with her role in films like “The Bodyguard.” Whitney Houston’s story is filled with fascinating tidbits, from behind-the-scenes moments of her performances to the personal challenges she faced.
In this text, we will explore some of the lesser-known and most intriguing aspects of this music legend’s life.
1 – STARTED AS A MODEL
Before becoming a music star, Whitney Houston worked as a model. She was one of the first African-American women to appear on the covers of magazines like “Seventeen” and “Glamour,” which helped increase her visibility. During this period, Houston also began singing at local clubs and events, where she gained recognition for her powerful voice.
2 – WHITNEY NEARLY LOST HER ABILITY TO SPEAK AS A CHILD
During her childhood, Whitney Houston experienced a significant accident. While playing, she accidentally pierced the roof of her mouth with a sharp object. Doctors warned that if the wound did not heal properly, she could lose the ability to speak forever.
Despite this setback, Whitney’s destiny seemed to be set for music. Her talent was revealed early on, and her first solo performance occurred when she was just 11 years old, singing in her family’s church choir. Later, she began performing alongside her mother, who was a singer and performed as a backup vocalist in clubs.
3 – THE FIRST SINGLE
In the 1980s, Whitney Houston decided to pursue a career in music. After signing a contract with a record label, she chose to make a few special appearances as an actress while working on her debut album.
However, true fame arrived with the release of the album “Whitney Houston.” The single “You Give Good Love” topped the charts and boosted the sales of Whitney’s first record, marking the beginning of her successful journey in the entertainment industry.
4 – “THE BODYGUARD”: SUCCESS, FAILURE, AND CONTROVERSIES!
Although she released several other successful singles, Whitney Houston only reached superstar status in 1992 with the release of “The Bodyguard.” While the film was a major box office success, Houston’s acting did not please critics. For her performance in the film, Whitney received a nomination for the “Golden Raspberry Award,” which, unlike the “Oscar,” is given for the worst performances of the year. Whitney won in the category of “Worst Actress of the Year”.
Initially, the singer was reluctant to participate in the film, finding her character hysterical and unattractive. It took Kevin Costner, who also served as the film’s director and producer, to convince her to accept the role.
The film’s poster release sparked significant controversy, as the promotional image highlighted Kevin Costner’s character but obscured Whitney Houston’s face, leading some to believe this was done because of the singer’s skin color.
However, Whitney claimed it would have been impossible to hide this detail, as she was a widely known public figure at the time. Additionally, during the 1980s, African American critics frequently accused Whitney of catering to a “white audience” and called her music “too white.” These criticisms always affected her deeply throughout her career.
5 – “I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU”
However, the ballad “I Will Always Love You,” which was part of the film’s soundtrack, achieved monumental success, becoming a global hit and the best-selling single by a female artist in music history. The song received over 400 awards, including two Grammys.
It’s worth noting that “I Will Always Love You” is a reinterpretation of a song originally released by country singer Dolly Parton, and the rights to the song were specifically acquired for the film. Interestingly, before this, Elvis Presley had attempted to buy the song but was unsuccessful.
6 – WHITNEY ENJOYED WORKING WITH FAMILY
Whitney Houston’s team was always exclusively made up of her family members. In a controversial moment, her father sued her, claiming she had violated business agreements and sought US$ 100 million in damages; however, the lawsuit was withdrawn after two years. Years after her father’s death, Whitney’s stepmother also filed a lawsuit, claiming the money from her father’s life insurance.
Despite these challenges, Whitney believed having her family by her side was the right choice.
One of her brothers managed her tours, another helped with song selection, and also composed and provided backing vocals.
Other relatives, both close and distant, handled accounting, security, and makeup, and a childhood friend served as her press agent for an extended period.
7 – WHITNEY HOUSTON’S ALBUMS
In total, Whitney released 9 albums: “Whitney Houston” (1985), “Whitney” (1987), “I’m Your Baby Tonight” (1990), “The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album” (1992), “Waiting to Exhale: Original Soundtrack Album” (1995), “The Preacher’s Wife: Original Soundtrack Album” (1996), “My Love Is Your Love” (1998), “Just Whitney” (2002), “I Look to You” (2009) and “Sparkle” (2012).
8 – WHITNEY, MICHAEL JACKSON, RANDALL CUNNINGHAM, AND EDDIE MURPHY?
There were many rumors about Whitney Houston’s personal life. One of the most talked-about rumors was that she and Michael Jackson were secretly in love with each other but something prevented them from being together. Additionally, Robyn Crawford, a close friend and personal assistant of Whitney, published a book claiming that they had a romance during their teenage years.
Before marrying Bobby Brown, Whitney had an affair with football player Randall Cunningham and actor Eddie Murphy.
9 – TROUBLED MARRIAGE
Whitney Houston’s marriage to Bobby Brown lasted 15 years and was marked by numerous problems. Before getting involved with Bobby, Whitney had a very positive reputation, but her marriage was shrouded in continuous scandals. The couple faced legal issues related to substance abuse, and Whitney accused Bobby of infidelity. The singer’s health deteriorated, and she admitted to struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, seeking treatment multiple times to overcome these issues.
Despite the difficulties, the couple had a daughter, Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown, whom Whitney loved deeply, though the girl faced challenges during her teenage years.
After a series of scandals and arrests, Whitney decided to divorce. Bobbi Kristina, who was 14 at the time, stayed with her mother, while Bobby Brown, who wanted custody of their daughter, did not attend the custody hearing.
10 – DEATH AND TRIBUTE
Whitney Houston passed away on February 11, 2012. The singer was found unconscious in the bathtub of her hotel room in Beverly Hills, California. The cause of death was officially determined to be accidental drowning, with cardiovascular disease and drug use as contributing factors.
In 2015, her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown, died at the age of 23 after spending six months in a coma in the hospital. To this day, Whitney Houston’s fans continue to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of both Whitney and her daughter.
Whitney died a day before the Grammy Awards ceremony, leading to a change in the event’s schedule, which was dedicated to her, and people from around the world attended her funeral.
Whitney Houston, with her unmatched voice and striking presence, left an indelible mark on the history of music and entertainment. From the start of her career, she won hearts and minds with her exceptional talent and charisma. Her albums and singles, such as “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All”, not only defined an era but also set high standards for artists who came after.
Houston was not just a singer; she was a transformative force who influenced pop music and cinema. Her life, marked by triumphs and challenges, serves as a powerful reminder of the complexity of fame and the humanity behind the idols.
Despite the ups and downs, her legacy endures, and her songs continue to resonate, proving that Whitney Houston will always be one of the greatest voices in music.