This day (February 11, 2012), in Beverly Hills, California, died Whitney Houston, an American singer.

Whitney Houston: The Voice of a Generation

Whitney Houston is born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, to John R. Houston and gospel singer Cissy Houston.

She grows up surrounded by gospel and R&B stars, including Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, and the Winans family.

Her mother, Cissy, plays a significant role in shaping her vocal abilities, teaching her to sing from the mind, body, and heart.

She performs for the first time at the age of 11, singing “Guide Me, O Thy Great Jehovah” at a Catholic girls school.

Her family keeps many secrets despite having a good dynamic.

Whitney faces bullying during her childhood.

Her parents divorce due to her father’s infidelity and her mother’s affair with a minister, which deeply affects Whitney.

At 18, she moves out and becomes roommates with her best friend, Robin Crawford.

Career Beginnings

Whitney starts as a model and becomes the first Black woman to appear on the cover of *Seventeen* magazine.

She initially provides backing vocals for her mother’s shows.

Clive Davis of Arista Records discovers her in 1983 after seeing her perform at a New York nightclub.

She debuts on national television on the Merv Griffin Show.

Her first album features collaborations with Jermaine Jackson, Narada Michael Walden, Teddy Pendergrass, and Kashif.

Rise to Stardom

Whitney’s early success is met with accusations that she benefits from family connections, but she proves herself through her music.

Her music videos gain massive success and frequent airplay on MTV.

She becomes the first Black female artist to achieve consistent airplay on MTV.

She wins seven American Music Awards, a Grammy, and an MTV Video Music Award.

Her debut album is listed among Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

She achieves seven consecutive #1 hits, surpassing records set by The Beatles and the Bee Gees.

She gains the title “America’s Sweetheart.”

Whitney participates in the anti-apartheid movement and receives recognition from Nelson Mandela.

Personal Life

Speculation surrounds her relationship with Robin Crawford, which some in her management disapprove of.

Her father, John Houston, betrays her by attempting to take a large sum of money from her.

She marries Bobby Brown in 1992, leading to a turbulent relationship marked by drug use and jealousy.

They appear on the reality show *Being Bobby Brown*, which highlights their struggles.

She insists on bringing her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, on tour, despite concerns from those around her.

Struggles and Setbacks

Whitney’s voice suffers due to her lifestyle and substance abuse.

She seeks help from a voice coach to regain her vocal abilities.

She struggles with addiction to cocaine, marijuana, and prescription medications.

She denies drug use in an interview with Diane Sawyer, but public speculation continues.

Her later albums achieve less success due to her personal struggles.

Her comeback tour in 2010 is met with disappointment due to erratic performances.

Later Career and Death

Whitney takes on an executive producer role and stars in the film *Sparkle*, giving her a renewed sense of purpose.

Her last public performance is an impromptu rendition of “Jesus Loves Me.”

She is found unconscious in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 11, 2012.

The cause of death is determined to be drowning, with heart disease and cocaine use contributing.

She is remembered as one of the greatest singers in history.

Legacy

Whitney’s influence extends across generations of artists.

Her albums return to the top of the charts following her death.

She is celebrated for her powerful and soulful voice.

Her music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

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Photo : asterix611