Whitney Houston was a game-changing phenomenon. At her peak she was arguably the most famous black woman in the world—her life, for good and bad, discussed by everyone. The fascination continues with the forthcoming biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, with British actress Naomi Ackie standing in Whitney’s impossible-to-fill boots. The film promises to zero in on Houston’s many sides: as an entertainer, a wife, a daughter, a mother, a cultural lightning rod, a cautionary tale, and a tragedy. In the end, there’s only one title that fully encapsulates the mark Whitney Houston left on the world, a nickname that will stand the test of time: The Voice. This is the story of that voice, and all that came along with it.
Whitney
Why We Love Whitney • She had it all—and then she was gone
The Early Years • The world had rarely seen a person with all the gifts of Whitney Houston
Rising Bright • Whitney’s debut album was a star-maker and boundary breaker
Higher and Higher • As Whitney’s career ascended, she learned that it was impossible to please everyone all the time
Name In Lights • Like singing sensations before her, Whitney’s next move was to Hollywood
Love Stories • Whitney’s affairs unfolded in the public eye, bringing her scrutiny and heartache
A Sad Decline • After reaching her professional peak, Whitney’s life and career started to slide
Chaos, Confusion and Tragedy • After years of battling addiction, Whitney’s death still shocked the world
Never Forgotten • Whitney Houston’s legacy remains as strong as ever
Whitney Houston
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“God gave me a voice to sing with. When you have that, what other gimmick is there?”
