The Rock is a 1996 action film that primarily takes place on Alcatraz Island and in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was directed by Michael Bay, director of Bad Boys, and stars Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris. It was produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, producers of Top Gun and Crimson Tide, and released through Hollywood Pictures. The film is dedicated to Simpson,^[2] who died five months before its release. This was the first film on which Cage and Bruckheimer worked together.

Plot[link]

A group of rogue Force Recon Marines led by disenchanted Brigadier General Frank Hummel (Harris) seize a stockpile of deadly VX gas–armed rockets from a heavily guarded military bunker, reluctantly leaving one of their men to die in the process, when a bead of the gas falls and breaks. The next day, Hummel and his men, along with more renegade Marines (Captains Frye and Darrow who have never previously served under Hummel) seize control of Alcatraz during a guided tour and take 81 tourists hostage in the prison cells. Hummel threatens to launch the stolen rockets against the population of San Francisco unless the government pays ransom and reparations to the families of Recon Marines, (using money the US earned via illegal weapons sales) who died on illegal, clandestine missions under his command and whose deaths were not honored.

The Pentagon and FBI develop a plan to retake the island with a Navy SEAL Team, enlisting the bureau's top chemical weapons specialist, Dr. Stanley Goodspeed (Cage), who initially thinks he's consulting the team, but soon learns that he has to accompany the SEALs due to his specialisation in chemical warfare. Goodspeed's confidence, already shaky as he received only minimal training in combat, is further tested when his fiancee Carla reveals that she is pregnant.

Recognizing that any surface approach will be seen by Hummel's men, FBI Director James Womack (John Spencer) is forced to turn to federal prisoner John Mason (Connery), a former MI6 Agent and SAS Captain who has been illegally detained for decades by Womack and his predecessors. Mason is the only Alcatraz inmate ever to escape through the prison's uncharted tunnels, doing so in 1963, one year after imprisonment.

Although Goodspeed manages to convince Mason to cooperate with the FBI in return for a pardon from the US Attorney General, Womack reneges on the deal. While in custody under the supervison of Special Agent Ernest Paxton (William Forsythe), Mason manages to escape to see his estranged daughter Jade (Claire Forlani), who is the only proof that he exists. Goodspeed arrives and reveals to Mason's daughter that he is aiding the FBI. Womack initially only wants Mason to consult the SEALs, as he confides to Agent Paxton that he does not want Mason loose, but the FBI have no choice but to let Mason accompany the SEALs since he has committed the maps to memory.

The team infiltrates Alcatraz, through the underground tunnels with Mason's guidance. The SEALs however are surrounded and gunned down by Hummel's marines in a shower room after SEAL Commander Anderson (Michael Biehn) refuses to surrender (the fight is provoked by Marine Captains Frye and Darrow, later revealed to be following Hummel only for the money instead of honor), leaving only Mason and Goodspeed alive. Womack plans to abort the mission, but Paxton agrees to let them them continue saying that Mason and Goodspeed are their last hope. Mason attempts to leave the prison, but Goodspeed manages to convince him to help him defuse the rockets, since Mason's daughter is at risk from the rockets. Using Mason's knowledge of the prison, they quietly eliminate several small teams of marines and disable 12 of the 15 rockets, until Hummel threatens over the loudspeaker to execute a hostage if the remaining "Navy SEALs" do not surrender and return the guidance chips from the rockets. Only Mason surrenders to Hummel, trying to buy Goodspeed some time. Though Goodspeed manages to disable another rocket, the Marines capture him shortly thereafter. With the incursion team lost, the military readies a backup plan: an air strike by F/A-18's with Thermite plasma, which will neutralize the poison gas but kill everyone on the island including the hostages.

As Mason uses his unique experience to escape from their cells, he reveals why he was held there for so many years — for stealing a microfilm of the United States' most closely guarded secrets, including the Roswell UFO incident and the John F. Kennedy assassination (Womack revealed this to Paxton, earlier). Mason states he didn't return it, because he knew the FBI would "suicide" him, if he did. While Goodspeed and Mason search for the final two rockets, Hummel fires one of them but changes the coordinates at the last second causing the rocket to crash harmlessly out to sea. Facing Captains Frye and Darrow's (Gregory Sporleder and Tony Todd) frustration, Hummel explains that their bluff failed and that he refuses to harm innocent civilians. He orders them to exit Alcatraz with a few hostages and the remaining VX rockets to cover their retreat, while he'll stay, personally assuming blame. Realizing that they will not be paid their $1 million apiece, Frye and Darrow, along with Sergeant Crisp (Bokeem Woodbine), decide mutiny against Hummel and his second-in-command, Major Tom Baxter (David Morse). With Mason and Goodspeed watching from afar, Crisp attempts to secure Hummel on Darrows orders, but fails as the General is able to hold the NCO at gunpoint. When Baxter is asked to take a side, he appears to side with Frye, Darrow and Crisp. The Major says what a privilege it was serving with Hummel, then fires at the three rogues. In the ensuring firefight, Crisp is killed by Hummel but Baxter is killed while Hummel is fatally wounded and pulled away by Mason. Darrow and Fyre proceed with the plan to fire on San Francisco. With his last breath, Hummel tells Goodspeed the location of the last rocket. As the jets approach, Darrow is killed when Goodspeed fires the last disarmed rocket into him, launching the Marine outside where he falls and is impaled on a fencepost. Goodspeed stows the last gas pearls from the warhead and takes a loose one, but is then attacked by Frye who begins to strangle Goodspeed to death. Using the VX to defend himself, Goodspeed shoves the gas pearl into Frye's mouth and gives him an uppercut to the jaw, breaking the pearl and exposing both of them to the gas. Goodspeed injects himself in the heart with atropine as Frye dies from the VX gas. Goodspeed then lights green flares to signal that the threat is over, but only after one of the pilots fires, sending Goodspeed flying into the sea. The early detonation hits the back of the island and harms no one else.

Mason reappears to pull the unconscious Goodspeed to shore. When he recovers, Goodspeed tells Mason that Womack tore up his pardon, which Mason expected. When radioed, Goodspeed states that Mason is dead. Goodspeed tells Mason to go to his hotel room, take a change of clothes and $200 he stashed and run. Mason thanks Goodspeed, and gives him a note that holds the location of where he had stashed the microfilm. When the FBI arrives, Goodspeed is asked about Mason and says the man was "vaporized," though Paxton silently suspects otherwise (he, too, sympathizes with the former agent).

Goodspeed and his pregnant bride Carla (Vanessa Marcil) visit Fort Walton, Kansas, recovering the microfilm with a half-century of state secrets, including who actually killed John F. Kennedy.

Cast[link]

• Sean Connery as Captain John Patrick Mason, former SAS operative
• Nicolas Cage as Dr. Stanley Goodspeed, FBI Special Agent
• Ed Harris as Brigadier General Francis X. (Frank) Hummel, USMC Force Recon
• John Spencer as FBI Director James Womack
• William Forsythe as FBI Special Agent Ernest Paxton
• David Morse as Major Tom Baxter, USMC Force Recon
• John C. McGinley as Marine Captain Hendrix, USMC Force Recon
• Tony Todd as Captain Darrow, USMC Force Recon
• Gregory Sporleder as Captain Frye, USMC Force Recon
• Bokeem Woodbine as Sergeant Crisp, USMC Force Recon
• Jim Maniaci as Private Scarpetti, USMC Force Recon
• Greg Collins as Private Gamble, USMC Force Recon
• Steve Harris as Private McCoy, USMC Force Recon
• Brendan Kelly as Private Cox, USMC Force Recon
• Michael Biehn as Commander Anderson, USN SEAL
• Danny Nucci as Lieutenant Shephard, USN SEAL
• Vanessa Marcil as Carla Pestalozzi
• Claire Forlani as Jade Angelou
• Anthony Clark as Paul, the hotel barber
• Todd Louiso as Marvin Isherwood
• Sam Whipple as Larry Henderson
• David Bowe as Dr. Ling
• John Laughlin as General Peterson
• Jim Caviezel as F/A-18 Pilot

Actors Xander Berkeley, Raymond Cruz and Philip Baker Hall make uncredited appearances in the film

Box office[link]

Produced at a budget of US $75,000,000, the movie was a smash hit, grossing a total of $134,069,511 domestically and $200,993,110 internationally, for a worldwide total of $335,062,621.^[3] Of the year 1996, it was the 7th highest home-grossing film in the US, and the 4th highest US film worldwide.^[4]

Production[link]

Quentin Tarantino was an uncredited screenwriter on The Rock.^[1] LA-based British screenwriting team Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais were brought in at Connery's request to rewrite his lines, but ended up altering much of the film's dialogue. It was Nicolas Cage's idea that his character would not swear; his euphemisms include "gee whiz." Bay had worked closely with Ed Harris to develop his character as concretely as possible, later adding a sympathetic edge to Hummel.

There were tensions during shooting between director Michael Bay and the Walt Disney Company executives who were supervising the production. On the commentary track for the Criterion Collection DVD, Bay recalls a time when he was preparing to leave the set for a meeting with the executives when he was approached by Sean Connery in golfing attire. Connery, who also produced the film, asked Bay where he was going, and when Bay explained he had a meeting with the executives, Connery asked if he could accompany him. Bay complied and when he arrived in the conference room, the executives' jaws dropped when they saw Connery appear behind him. According to Bay, Connery then stood up for Bay and insisted that he was doing a good job and should be left alone.^{[citation needed]}

The scene in which FBI director Womack is thrown off the balcony was filmed on location at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The filming led to numerous calls to the hotel by people who saw a man dangling from the balcony.^[5]

Censorship[link]

In the original UK DVD release, the scene in which Connery throws a knife through a sentry's throat and says "you must never hesitate" to Cage was cut, although this scene was shown on British television.^[6] Consequently, a later scene in which Connery says to Cage, "I'm rather glad you didn't hesitate too long" lost its impact on viewers who had not seen the first scene. Other cuts included the reduction of multiple gunshot impacts into Gamble's feet in the morgue down to a single hit; a close-up of his screaming face as the air conditioner falls onto him; a sound cut to Mason snapping a Marine's neck and two bloody gunshot wounds (to Hummel and Baxter), both near the end of the film.^[6]

When the film premiered on German television (RTL), it was shown in two versions: the first version (starting at 8:15 pm) had most of its violence and gore cut, going so far as to suggest that some of the terrorists survived. The second version started at 1 am, and left all scenes intact. This scheme was repeated for the second viewing.

The film also received some censorship of profanity in its Asian releases; the terms "fuck" and "Goddamn" are normally omitted or substituted. For instance, whenever Star Movies (a popular Asian movie channel) plays the film, Connery's line in which he says to Cage "winners go home and fuck the prom queen" is replaced with "winners go home and date the prom queen", while in another scene where Connery's character is described as a "son of a bitch" the line is replaced with "son of a Brit" in the censored cut.

Awards and recognition[link]

The Rock won a number of minor awards, including 'Best On-Screen Duo' for Connery and Cage at the MTV Movie Awards. It also was nominated for the Best Sound (Kevin O'Connell, Greg P. Russell and Keith A. Wester).^[7] It currently holds a "fresh" rating (67%) on Rotten Tomatoes based on 48 reviews,^[8] making it Michael Bay's highest rated film and his only film labeled as "fresh".

The film was selected for a limited edition DVD release by the Criterion Collection, a distributor of primarily arthouse films it categorizes as "important classic and contemporary films" and "cinema at its finest". In an essay supporting the selection of The Rock, Roger Ebert, who was strongly critical of most of Bay's later films, gave the film a 3 1/2 out of four stars, calling it "an action picture that rises to the top of the genre because of a literate, witty screenplay and skilled craftsmanship in the direction and special effects."^[9]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: The Rock (film)

• The Rock at the Internet Movie Database
• The Rock at AllRovi
• The Rock at Box Office Mojo
• The Rock at Rotten Tomatoes
• The Rock at Metacritic
• Criterion Collection essay by Roger Ebert

Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston performing at Good Morning America in Central Park on September 1, 2009
Background information
Birth name	Whitney Elizabeth Houston
Born	(1963-08-09)August 9, 1963 Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	February 11, 2012(2012-02-11) (aged 48) Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Genres	R&B, soul, pop, dance, gospel
Occupations	Singer, actress, model, film producer, record producer, songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, piano
Years active	1977–2012
Labels	Arista, RCA
Associated acts	Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Jermaine Jackson, Mariah Carey, Enrique Iglesias, Bobby Brown
Website	Official website Whitney Houston's autograph

Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American recording artist, actress, producer, and model. In 2009, the Guinness World Records cited her as the most-awarded female act of all-time.^[1] Houston was one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide.^[2][3] She released seven studio albums and three movie soundtrack albums, all of which have diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold certification. Houston's crossover appeal on the popular music charts, as well as her prominence on MTV, starting with her video for "How Will I Know",^[4] influenced several African American female artists to follow in her footsteps.^[5][6]

Houston is the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits.^[7] She is the second artist behind Elton John and the only female artist to have two number-one Billboard 200 Album awards (formerly "Top Pop Album") on the Billboard magazine year-end charts.^[8] Houston's 1985 debut album Whitney Houston became the best-selling debut album by a female act at the time of its release. The album was named Rolling Stone's best album of 1986, and was ranked at number 254 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.^[9] Her second studio album Whitney (1987) became the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart.^[9]

Houston's first acting role was as the star of the feature film The Bodyguard (1992). The film's original soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Its lead single "I Will Always Love You", became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history. With the album, Houston became the first act (solo or group, male or female) to sell more than a million copies of an album within a single week period under Nielsen SoundScan system.^[9] The album makes her the top female act in the top 10 list of the best-selling albums of all time, at number four. Houston continued to star in movies and contribute to their soundtracks, including the films Waiting to Exhale (1995) and The Preacher's Wife (1996). The Preacher's Wife soundtrack became the best-selling gospel album in history.^[10]

Life and career[link]

1963–1976: Early life[link]

Whitney Houston was born in what was then a middle-income neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, the second child of Army serviceman and entertainment executive John Russell Houston, Jr. (September 13, 1920 – February 2, 2003), and gospel singer Cissy Houston (née Emily Drinkard).^[11] She was of African American, Native American and Dutch descent.^[12] Her mother, along with cousins Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, godmother Darlene Love^[13] and honorary aunt Aretha Franklin^[14] were all notable figures in the gospel, rhythm and blues, pop, and soul genres.^[15] She met her honorary aunt at age 8, or 9, when her mother took her to a recording studio.^[16] Houston was raised a Baptist, but was also exposed to the Pentecostal church. After the 1967 Newark riots, the family moved to a middle-class area in East Orange, New Jersey, when she was four.^[17]

At the age of 11, Houston began to follow in her mother's footsteps and started performing as a soloist in the junior gospel choir at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she also learned to play the piano.^[18] Her first solo performance in the church was "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah".^[19] When Houston was a teenager, she attended Mount Saint Dominic Academy, a Catholic girls' high school in Caldwell, New Jersey, where she met her best friend Robyn Crawford, whom she described as the "sister she never had".^[20] While Houston was still in school, her mother continued to teach her how to sing.^[5] In addition to her mother, Franklin, and Warwick, Houston was also exposed to the music of Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Roberta Flack, most of whom would have an impact on her as a singer and performer.^[21]

1977–1984: Early career[link]

Houston spent some of her teenage years touring nightclubs where her mother Cissy was performing, and she would occasionally get on stage and perform with her. In 1977, at age 14, she became a backup singer on the Michael Zager Band's single "Life's a Party".^[22] In 1978, at age 15, Houston sang background vocals on Chaka Khan's hit single "I'm Every Woman", a song she would later turn into a larger hit for herself on her monster-selling The Bodyguard soundtrack album.^[23][24] She also sang back-up on albums by Lou Rawls and Jermaine Jackson.^[23]

In the early 1980s, Houston started working as a fashion model after a photographer saw her at Carnegie Hall singing with her mother. She appeared in Seventeen^[25] and became one of the first women of color to grace the cover of the magazine.^[26] She was also featured in layouts in the pages of Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Young Miss, and appeared in a Canada Dry soft drink TV commercial.^[27] Her striking looks and girl-next-door charm made her one of the most sought after teen models of that time.^[27] While modeling, she continued her burgeoning recording career by working with producers Michael Beinhorn, Bill Laswell and Martin Bisi on an album they were spearheading called One Down, which was credited to the group Material. For that project, Houston contributed the ballad "Memories", a cover of a song by Hugh Hopper of Soft Machine. Robert Christgau of The Village Voice called her contribution "one of the most gorgeous ballads you've ever heard".^[28] She also appeared as a lead vocalist on one track on a Paul Jabara album, entitled Paul Jabara and Friends, released by Columbia Records in 1983.^[29]

Houston had previously been offered several recording agencies (Michael Zager in 1980, and Elektra Records in 1981), however her mother declined the offers stating her daughter must first complete high school.^[22][30] In 1983, Gerry Griffith, an A&R representative from Arista Records, saw her performing with her mother in a New York City nightclub and was impressed. He convinced Arista's head Clive Davis to make time to see Houston perform. Davis too was impressed and offered a worldwide recording contract which Houston signed. Later that year, she made her national televised debut alongside Davis on The Merv Griffin Show.^[31]

Houston signed with Arista in 1983, but did not begin work on her album immediately.^[1] The label wanted to make sure no other label signed the singer away. Davis wanted to ensure he had the right material and producers for Houston's debut album. Some producers had to pass on the project due to prior commitments.^[32] Houston first recorded a duet with Teddy Pendergrass entitled "Hold Me" which appeared on his album, Love Language.^[33] The single was released in 1984 and gave Houston her first taste of success, becoming a Top 5 R&B hit.^[34] It would also appear on her debut album in 1985.

1985–1986: Rise to international prominence[link]

With production from Michael Masser, Kashif, Jermaine Jackson, and Narada Michael Walden, Houston's debut album Whitney Houston was released in February 1985. Rolling Stone magazine praised Houston, calling her "one of the most exciting new voices in years" while The New York Times called the album "an impressive, musically conservative showcase for an exceptional vocal talent".^[35][36] Arista Records promoted Houston's album with three different singles from the album in the US, UK and other European countries. In the UK, the dance-funk "Someone for Me", which failed to chart in the country, was the first single while "All at Once" was in such European countries as the Netherlands and Belgium, where the song reached the top 5 on the singles charts, respectively.^[37]

In the US, the soulful ballad "You Give Good Love" was chosen as the lead single from Houston's debut to establish her in the black marketplace first.^[38] Outside the US, the song failed to get enough attention to become a hit, but in the US, it gave the album its first major hit as it peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and No. 1 on the Hot R&B chart.^[32] As a result, the album began to sell strongly, and Houston continued promotion by touring nightclubs in the US. She also began performing on late-night television talk shows, which were not usually accessible to unestablished black acts. The jazzy ballad "Saving All My Love for You" was released next and it would become Houston's first No. 1 single in both the US and the UK. She was then an opening act for singer Jeffrey Osborne on his nationwide tour. "Thinking About You" was released as the promo single only to R&B-oriented radio stations, which peaked at number ten on the US R&B Chart. At the time, MTV had received harsh criticism for not playing enough videos by black, Latino, and other racial minorities while favoring white acts.^[39] The third US single, "How Will I Know", peaked at No. 1 and introduced Houston to the MTV audience thanks to its video. Houston's subsequent singles from this, and future albums, would make her the first African-American female artist to receive consistent heavy rotation on MTV.^[26]

By 1986, a year after its initial release, Whitney Houston topped the Billboard 200 albums chart and stayed there for 14 non-consecutive weeks.^[40] The final single, "Greatest Love of All", became Houston's biggest hit at the time after peaking No. 1 and remaining there for three weeks on the Hot 100 chart, which made her debut the first album by a female artist to yield three No. 1 hits. Houston was No. 1 artist of the year and Whitney Houston was the No. 1 album of the year on the 1986 Billboard year-end charts, making her the first female artist to earn that distinction.^[40] At the time, Houston released the best-selling debut album by a solo artist.^[41] Houston then embarked on her world tour, Greatest Love Tour. The album had become an international success, and was certified 13× platinum (diamond) in the United States alone, and has sold a total of 25 million copies worldwide.^[42]

At the 1986 Grammy Awards, Houston was nominated for three awards including Album of the Year.^[43] She was not eligible for the Best New Artist category due to her previous hit R&B duet recording with Teddy Pendergrass in 1984.^[44] She won her first Grammy award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for "Saving All My Love for You".^[45] Houston's performance of the song during the Grammy telecast later earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.^[46]

Houston won seven American Music Awards in total in 1986 and 1987, and an MTV Video Music Award.^[47][48] The album's popularity would also carry over to the 1987 Grammy Awards when "Greatest Love of All" would receive a Record of the Year nomination. Houston's debut album is listed as one of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and on The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Definitive 200 list.^[49][50] Houston's grand entrance into the music industry is considered one of the 25 musical milestones of the last 25 years, according to USA Today.^[51] Following Houston's breakthrough, doors were opened for other African-American female artists such as Janet Jackson and Anita Baker to find notable success in popular music and on MTV.^[52][53]

[edit] 1987–1991: Whitney, I'm Your Baby Tonight and "The Star Spangled Banner"

With many expectations, Houston's second album, Whitney, was released in June 1987. The album again featured production from Masser, Kashif and Walden as well as Jellybean Benitez. Many critics complained that the material was too similar to her previous album. Rolling Stone said, "the narrow channel through which this talent has been directed is frustrating".^[54] Still, the album enjoyed commercial success. Houston became the first female artist in music history to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and the first artist to enter the albums chart at number one in both the US and UK, while also hitting number one or top ten in dozens of other countries around the world. The album's first single, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)", was also a massive hit worldwide, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the singles chart in many countries such as Australia, Germany and the UK. The next three singles, "Didn't We Almost Have It All", "So Emotional", and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" all peaked at number one on the US Hot 100 chart, which gave her a total of seven consecutive number one hits, breaking the record of six previously shared by The Beatles and The Bee Gees.^[55][56] Houston became the first female artist to generate four number-one singles from one album. Whitney has been certified 9× Platinum in the US for shipments of over 9 million copies, and has sold a total of 20 million copies worldwide.^[57]

At the 30th Grammy Awards in 1988, Houston was nominated for three awards, including Album of the Year, winning her second Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)".^[58][59] Houston also won two American Music Awards in 1988 and 1989, respectively, and a Soul Train Music Award.^[60][61][62] Following the release of the album, Houston embarked on the Moment of Truth World Tour, which was one of the ten highest grossing concert tours of 1987.^[63] The success of the tours during 1986–87 and her two studio albums ranked Houston No. 8 for the highest earning entertainers list according to Forbes magazine.^[64] She was the highest earning African-American woman overall and the third highest entertainer after Bill Cosby and Eddie Murphy.^[64]

Houston was a supporter of Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement. During her modeling days, the singer refused to work with any agencies who did business with the then-apartheid South Africa.^[65][66] On June 11, 1988, during the European leg of her tour, Houston joined other musicians to perform a set at Wembley Stadium in London to celebrate a then-imprisoned Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday.^[65] Over 72,000 people attended Wembley Stadium, and over a billion people tuned in worldwide as the rock concert raised over $1 million for charities while bringing awareness to apartheid.^[67] Houston then flew back to the US for a concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City in August. The show was a benefit concert that raised a quarter of a million dollars for the United Negro College Fund.^[68] In the same year, she recorded a song for NBC's coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics, "One Moment in Time", which became a Top 5 hit in the US, while reaching number one in the UK and Germany.^[69][70][71] With her world tour continuing overseas, Houston was still one of the top 20 highest earning entertainers for 1987–88 according to Forbes magazine.^[72][73]

Houston performing "Saving All My Love for You" on the Welcome Home Heroes concert in 1991

In 1989, Houston formed The Whitney Houston Foundation For Children, a non-profit organization that has raised funds for the needs of children around the world. The organization cares for homelessness, children with cancer or AIDS, and other issues of self-empowerment.^[74] With the success of her first two albums, Houston was undoubtedly an international crossover superstar, the most prominent since Michael Jackson, appealing to all demographics. However, some black critics believed she was "selling out".^[6] They felt her singing on record lacked the soul that was present during her live concerts.^[25]

At the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards, when Houston's name was called out for a nomination, a few in the audience jeered.^[75][76] Houston defended herself against the criticism, stating, "If you're gonna have a long career, there's a certain way to do it, and I did it that way. I'm not ashamed of it".^[25] Houston took a more urban direction with her third studio album, I'm Your Baby Tonight, released in November 1990. She produced and chose producers for this album and as a result, it featured production and collaborations with L.A. Reid and Babyface, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder. The album showed Houston's versatility on a new batch of tough rhythmic grooves, soulful ballads and up-tempo dance tracks. Reviews were mixed. Rolling Stone felt it was her "best and most integrated album".^[77] while Entertainment Weekly, at the time thought Houston's shift towards an urban direction was "superficial".^[78]

The album contained several hits: the first two singles, "I'm Your Baby Tonight" and "All the Man That I Need" peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; "Miracle" peaked at number nine; "My Name Is Not Susan" peaked in the top twenty; "I Belong to You" reached the top ten of the US R&B chart and garnered Houston a Grammy nomination; and the sixth single, the Stevie Wonder duet "We Didn't Know", reached the R&B top twenty. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and went on to be certified 4× platinum in the US while selling twelve million total worldwide.

In 1990, Houston was the spokesperson for a youth leadership conference hosted in Washington, D.C. She had a private audience with President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office to discuss the associated challenges.

With America entangled in the Persian Gulf War, Houston performed "The Star Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium on January 27, 1991.^[79] Due to overwhelming response to her rendition, it was released as a commercial single and video of her performance, and reached the Top 20 on the US Hot 100, making her the only act to turn the national anthem into a pop hit of that magnitude (Jose Feliciano's version reached No. 50 in November 1968).^[80][81] Houston donated all her share of the proceeds to the American Red Cross Gulf Crisis Fund. As a result, the singer was named to the Red Cross Board of Governors.^[79][82][83]

Her rendition was considered the benchmark for singers and critically acclaimed.^[84] Rolling Stone commented that "her singing stirs such strong patriotism. Unforgettable", and the performance ranked No. 1 on the 25 most memorable music moments in NFL history list. VH1 listed the performance as one of the greatest moments that rocked TV.^[85][86] Following the attacks on 9/11, it was released again by Arista Records, all profits going towards the firefighters and victims of the attacks. This time it peaked at No. 6 in the Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.^[87]

Later in 1991, Houston put together her Welcome Home Heroes concert with HBO for the soldiers fighting in the Persian Gulf War and their families. The free concert took place at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia in front of 3,500 servicemen and women. HBO descrambled the concert so that it was free for everyone to watch.^[88] Houston's concert gave HBO its highest ratings ever.^[89] She then embarked on the I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour.

[edit] 1992–1994: Marriage to Bobby Brown and The Bodyguard

Throughout the 1980s, Houston was romantically linked to American football star Randall Cunningham and actor Eddie Murphy, whom she dated.^[90] She then met R&B singer Bobby Brown at the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards. After a three-year courtship, the two were married on July 18, 1992.^[91] On March 4, 1993, Houston gave birth to their daughter Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown, her only child, and his fourth. Brown would go on to have several run-ins with the law, including some jail time.^[91]

With the commercial success of her albums, movie offers poured in, including offers to work with Robert De Niro, Quincy Jones, and Spike Lee; but Houston felt the time wasn't right.^[90] Houston's first film role was in The Bodyguard, released in 1992 and co-starring Kevin Costner. Houston played Rachel Marron, a star who is stalked by a crazed fan and hires a bodyguard to protect her. USA Today listed it as one of the 25 most memorable movie moments of the last 25 years in 2007.^[92] Houston's mainstream appeal allowed people to look at the movie color-blind.^[93]

Still, controversy arose as some felt the film's advertising intentionally hid Houston's face to hide the film's interracial relationship. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 1993, the singer commented that "people know who Whitney Houston is – I'm black. You can't hide that fact."^[21] Houston received a Razzie Award nomination for Worst Actress. The Washington Post said Houston is "doing nothing more than playing Houston, comes out largely unscathed if that is possible in so cockamamie an undertaking",^[94] and The New York Times commented that she lacked passion with her co-star.^[95] Despite the film's mixed reviews, it was hugely successful at the box office, grossing more than $121 million in the U.S. and $410 million worldwide, making it one of the top 100 grossing films in film history at its time of release, though it is no longer in the top 100 due to rising ticket prices since the time the film was released.^[96]

The film's soundtrack also enjoyed big success. Houston executive produced and contributed six songs for the motion picture's adjoining soundtrack album. Rolling Stone said it is "nothing more than pleasant, tasteful and urbane".^[97] The soundtrack's lead single was "I Will Always Love You", written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton in 1974. Houston's version of the song was acclaimed by many critics, regarding it as her "signature song" or "iconic performance". Rolling Stone and USA Today called her rendition "the tour-de-force".^[98][99] The single peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for a then-record-breaking 14 weeks, number one on the R&B chart for a then-record-breaking 11 weeks, and number one on the Adult Contemporary charts for five weeks, thus becoming the first single to top those three charts simultaneously for five weeks.^[100]

The single was certified 4× platinum by the RIAA, making Houston the first female artist with a single to reach that level in the RIAA history and becoming the best-selling single by a female artist in the US.^{[101][102][103]} The song also became a global success, hitting number-one in almost all countries, and one of the best-selling singles of all time with 12 million copies sold.^[104] The soundtrack topped the Billboard 200 chart and remained there for 20 non-consecutive weeks, the longest tenure by any album on the chart in the Nielsen SoundScan era, and became one of the fastest selling albums ever.^[105] During Christmas week of 1992, the soundtrack sold over a million copies within a week, becoming the first album to achieve that feat under Nielsen SoundScan system.^[106][107] With the follow-up singles "I'm Every Woman", a Chaka Khan cover, and "I Have Nothing" both reaching the top five, Houston became the first female artist to ever have three singles in the Top 11 simultaneously.^{[108][109][110]} The album was certified 17× platinum in the US alone,^[111] with worldwide sales of 44 million,^[112] making The Bodyguard the biggest-selling album by a female act on the list of the world's Top 10 best-selling albums, topping Shania Twain's 40 million sold for Come On Over.^[113]

Houston won three Grammys for the album in 1994, including two of the Academy's highest honors, Album of the Year and Record of the Year. In addition, she won a record 8 American Music Awards at that year's ceremony including the Award of Merit,^[114] 11 Billboard Music Awards, 3 Soul Train Music Awards in 1993–94 including Sammy Davis, Jr. Award as Entertainer of the Year,^[115] 5 NAACP Image Awards including Entertainer of the Year,^{[116][117][118]} a record 5 World Music Awards,^[119] and a BRIT award.^[120] Following the success of the project, Houston embarked on another expansive global tour, The Bodyguard World Tour, in 1993–94. Her concerts, movie, and recording grosses made her the third highest earning female entertainer of 1993–94, just behind Oprah Winfrey and Barbra Streisand according to Forbes magazine.^[121] Houston placed in the top five of Entertainment Weekly's annual "Entertainer of the Year" ranking^[122] and was labeled by Premiere magazine as one of the 100 most powerful people in Hollywood.^[123]

In October 1994, Houston attended and performed at a state dinner in the White House honoring newly elected South African president Nelson Mandela.^[124][125] At the end of her world tour, Houston performed three concerts in South Africa to honor President Mandela, playing to over 200,000 people. This would make the singer the first major musician to visit the newly unified and apartheid free nation following Mandela's winning election.^[126] The concert was broadcast live on HBO with funds of the concerts being donated to various charities in South Africa. The event was considered the nation's "biggest media event since the inauguration of Nelson Mandela".^[127]

[edit] 1995–1997: Waiting to Exhale, The Preacher's Wife, and Cinderella

In 1995, Houston starred alongside Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon in her second film Waiting to Exhale, a motion picture about four African-American women struggling with relationships. Houston played the lead character Savannah Jackson, a TV producer in love with a married man. She chose the role because she saw the film as "a breakthrough for the image of black women because it presents them both as professionals and as caring mothers".^[128] After opening at number one and grossing $67 million in the US at the box office and $81 million worldwide,^[129] it proved that a movie primarily targeting a black audience can cross over to success, while paving the way for other all-black movies such as How Stella Got Her Groove Back and the Tyler Perry movies that have become popular in the 2000s.^{[130][131][132]} The film is also notable for its portrayal of black women as strong middle class citizens as opposed to stereotypes.^[133] The reviews were mainly positive for the ensemble cast. The New York Times said "Ms. Houston has shed the defensive hauteur that made her portrayal of a pop star in 'The Bodyguard' seem so distant."^[134] Houston was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture", but lost to her co-star Bassett.

The film's accompanying soundtrack, Waiting to Exhale: Original Soundtrack Album, was produced by Houston and Babyface. Though Babyface originally wanted Houston to record the entire album, she declined. Instead, she "wanted it to be an album of women with vocal distinction", and thus gathered several African-American female artists for the soundtrack, to go along with the film's strong women message.^[128] As a result, the album featured a range of contemporary R&B female recording artists along with Houston, such as Mary J Blige, Aretha Franklin, Toni Braxton, Patti Labelle, and Brandy. Houston's "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" peaked at No. 1, and then spent a record eleven weeks at the No. 2 spot and eight weeks on top of the R&B Charts. "Count On Me", a duet with CeCe Winans, hit the US Top 10; and Houston's third contribution, "Why Does It Hurt So Bad", made the Top 30. The album debuted at No. 1, and was certified 7× Platinum in the United States, denoting shipments of seven million copies.^[57] The soundtrack received strong reviews as Entertainment Weekly said "the album goes down easy, just as you'd expect from a package framed by Whitney Houston tracks.... the soundtrack waits to exhale, hovering in sensuous suspense"^[135] and has since ranked it as one of the 100 Best Movie Soundtracks.^[136] Later that year, Houston's children's charity organization was awarded a VH1 Honor for all the charitable work.^[137]

In 1996, Houston starred in the holiday comedy The Preacher's Wife, with Denzel Washington. She plays a gospel-singing wife of a pastor (Courtney B. Vance). It was largely an updated remake of the 1948 film "The Bishop's Wife" which starred Loretta Young, David Niven and Cary Grant. Houston earned $10 million for the role, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood at the time and the highest earning African American actress in Hollywood.^[138] The movie, with its all African-American cast, was a moderate success, earning approximately $50 million at the U.S. box offices.^[139] The movie gave Houston her strongest reviews so far. The San Francisco Chronicle said Houston "is rather angelic herself, displaying a divine talent for being virtuous and flirtatious at the same time" and that she "exudes gentle yet spirited warmth, especially when praising the Lord in her gorgeous singing voice".^[140] Houston was again nominated for an NAACP Image Award and won for Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture.

Houston recorded and co-produced, with Mervyn Warren, the film's accompanying gospel soundtrack. The Preacher's Wife: Original Soundtrack Album included six gospel songs with Georgia Mass Choir that were recorded at the Great Star Rising Baptist Church in Atlanta. Houston also duetted with gospel legend Shirley Caesar. The album sold six million copies worldwide and scored hit singles with "I Believe in You and Me" and "Step by Step", becoming the largest selling gospel album of all time. The album received mainly positive reviews. Some critics, such as that of USA Today, noted the presence of her emotional depth,^[141] while The Times said "To hear Houston going at full throttle with the 35 piece Georgia Mass Choir struggling to keep up is to realise what her phenomenal voice was made for".^[142]

In 1997, Houston's production company changed its name to BrownHouse Productions and was joined by Debra Martin Chase. Their goal was "to show aspects of the lives of African-Americans that have not been brought to the screen before" while improving how African-Americans are portrayed in film and television.^[143] Their first project was a made-for-television remake of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. In addition to co-producing, Houston starred in the movie as the Fairy Godmother along with Brandy, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bernadette Peters. Houston was initially offered the role of Cinderella in 1993, but other projects intervened.^[144] The film is notable for its multi-racial cast and nonstereotypical message.^[145] An estimated 60 million viewers tuned into the special giving ABC its highest TV ratings in 16 years.^[146] The movie received seven Emmy nominations including Outstanding Variety, Musical or Comedy, while winning Outstanding Art Direction in a Variety, Musical or Comedy Special.^[147]

Houston and Chase then obtained the rights to the story of Dorothy Dandridge. Houston was to play Dandridge, who was the first African American actress to be nominated for an Oscar. She wanted the story told with dignity and honor.^[143] However, Halle Berry also had rights to the project and she got her version going first.^[148] Later that year, Houston paid tribute to her idols such as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Dionne Warwick by performing their hits during the three-night HBO Concert Classic Whitney, live from Washington, D.C. The special raised over $300,000 for the Children's Defense Fund.^[149] Houston received The Quincy Jones Award for outstanding career achievements in the field of entertainment at the 12th Soul Train Music Awards.^[150][151]

[edit] 1998–2000: My Love Is Your Love and Whitney: The Greatest Hits

After spending much of the early and mid 1990s working on motion pictures and their soundtrack albums, Houston's first studio album in eight years, the critically acclaimed My Love Is Your Love, was released in November 1998. Though originally slated to be a greatest hits album with a handful of new songs, recording sessions were so fruitful that a new full-length studio album was released. Recorded and mixed in only six weeks, it featured production from Rodney Jerkins, Wyclef Jean and Missy Elliott. The album debuted at number thirteen, its peak position, on the Billboard 200 chart.^[152] It had a funkier and edgier sound than past releases and saw Houston handling urban dance, hip hop, mid-tempo R&B, reggae, torch songs, and ballads all with great dexterity.^[153]

From late 1998 to early 2000, the album spawned several hit singles: "When You Believe" (US No. 15, UK No. 4), a duet with Mariah Carey for 1998's The Prince of Egypt soundtrack, which also became an international hit as it peaked in the Top 10 in several countries and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song;^[154] "Heartbreak Hotel" (US No. 2, UK No. 25) featured Faith Evans and Kelly Price, received a 1999 MTV VMA nomination for Best R&B Video,^[155] and number one on the US R&B chart for seven weeks; "It's Not Right But It's Okay" (US No. 4, UK No. 3) won Houston her sixth Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance;^[156] "My Love Is Your Love" (US No. 4, UK No. 2) with 3 million copies sold worldwide;^[157] and "I Learned from the Best" (US No. 27, UK No. 19).^[158][159] These singles became international hits as well, and all the singles, except "When You Believe", became number one hits on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play chart. The album sold four million copies in America, making it certified 4× platinum, and a total of eleven million copies worldwide.^[42]

The album gave Houston some of her strongest reviews ever. Rolling Stone said Houston was singing "with a bite in her voice"^[160] and The Village Voice called it "Whitney's sharpest and most satisfying so far".^[161] In 1999, Houston participated in VH-1's Divas Live '99, alongside Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Tina Turner, and Cher. The same year, Houston hit the road with her 70 date My Love Is Your Love World Tour. The European leg of the tour was Europe's highest grossing arena tour of the year.^[162] In November 1999, Houston was named Top-selling R&B Female Artist of the Century with certified US sales of 51 million copies at the time and The Bodyguard Soundtrack was named the Top-selling Soundtrack Album of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).^[163] She also won The Artist of the Decade, Female award for extraordinary artistic contributions during the 1990s at the 14th Soul Train Music Awards, and an MTV Europe Music Award for Best R&B.^{[164][165][166][167][168]}

In May 2000, Whitney: The Greatest Hits was released worldwide. The double disc set peaked at number five in the United States, reaching number one in the United Kingdom.^[159][169] In addition, the album reached the Top 10 in many other countries.^[170] While ballad songs were left unchanged, the album features house/club remixes of many of Houston's up-tempo hits. Included on the album were four new songs: "Could I Have This Kiss Forever" (a duet with Enrique Iglesias), "Same Script, Different Cast" (a duet with Deborah Cox), "If I Told You That" (a duet with George Michael), and "Fine", and three hits that had never appeared on a Houston album: "One Moment in Time", "The Star Spangled Banner", and "If You Say My Eyes Are Beautiful", a duet with Jermaine Jackson from his 1986 Precious Moments album.^[171] Along with the album, an accompanying VHS and DVD was released featuring the music videos to Houston's greatest hits, as well as several hard-to-find live performances including her 1983 debut on The Merv Griffin Show, and interviews.^[172] The greatest hits album was certified 3× platinum in the US, with worldwide sales of 10 million.^[173][174]

[edit] 2000–2005: Just Whitney, and personal struggles

Though Houston was seen as a "good girl" with a perfect image in the 1980s and early 1990s, by the late 1990s, her behavior changed. She was often hours late for interviews, photo shoots and rehearsals, and canceling concerts and talk-show appearances.^[175][176] With the missed performances and weight loss, rumors about Houston using drugs with her husband circulated. On January 11, 2000, airport security guards discovered marijuana in both Houston's and husband Bobby Brown's luggage at a Hawaii airport, but the two boarded the plane and departed before authorities could arrive. Charges were later dropped against them,^[177] but rumors of drug usage between the couple would continue to surface. Two months later, Clive Davis was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Houston had been scheduled to perform at the event, but failed to show up.^[178]

Shortly thereafter, Houston was scheduled to perform at the Academy Awards but was fired from the event by musical director and longtime friend Burt Bacharach. Her publicist cited throat problems as the reason for the cancellation. In his book The Big Show: High Times and Dirty Dealings Backstage at the Academy Awards, author Steve Pond revealed that "Houston's voice was shaky, she seemed distracted and jittery, and her attitude was casual, almost defiant", and that while Houston was to sing "Over the Rainbow", she would start singing a different song.^[179] Houston later admitted to having been fired.^[180] Later that year, Houston's long-time executive assistant and friend, Robyn Crawford, resigned from Houston's management company.^[178]

In August 2001, Houston signed the biggest record deal in music history with Arista/BMG. She renewed her contract for $100 million to deliver six new albums, on which she would also earn royalties.^{[181][182][183]} She later made an appearance on Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special. Her extremely thin frame further spurred rumors of drug use. Houston's publicist said, "Whitney has been under stress due to family matters, and when she is under stress she doesn't eat."^[184] The singer was scheduled for a second performance the following night but canceled.^[185] Within weeks, Houston's rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" would be re-released after the September 11 attacks, with the proceeds donated to the New York Firefighters 9/11 Disaster Relief Fund and the New York Fraternal Order of Police.^[186] The song peaked at No. 6 this time on the US Hot 100, topping its previous position.^[158]

In 2002, Houston became involved in a legal dispute with John Houston Enterprise. Although the company was started by her father to manage her career, it was actually run by company president Kevin Skinner. Skinner filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit and sued for $100 million (but lost), stating that Houston owed the company previously unpaid compensation for helping to negotiate her $100 million contract with Arista Records and for sorting out legal matters.^[187] Houston stated that her 81-year-old father had nothing to do with the lawsuit. Although Skinner tried to claim otherwise, John Houston never appeared in court.^[188] Houston's father later died in February 2003.^[189] The lawsuit was dismissed on April 5, 2004, and Skinner was awarded nothing.^[190]

Also in 2002, Houston did an interview with Diane Sawyer to promote her then-upcoming album. The interview was the highest-rated television interview in history.^{[citation needed]} During the prime-time special, Houston spoke on topics including rumored drug use and marriage. She was asked about the ongoing drug rumors and replied, "First of all, let's get one thing straight. Crack is cheap. I make too much money to ever smoke crack. Let's get that straight. Okay? We don't do crack. We don't do that. Crack is wack."^[180] The line was from Keith Haring's mural which was painted in 1986 on the handball court at 128th Street and 2nd Avenue.^[191] Houston did, however, admit to using other substances at times, including cocaine.^[180]

In December 2002, Houston released her fifth studio album, Just Whitney.... The album included productions from then-husband Bobby Brown, as well as Missy Elliott and Babyface, and marked the first time that Houston did not produce with Clive Davis as Davis had been released by top management at BMG. Upon its release, Just Whitney... received mixed reviews.^[192] The album debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart and it had the highest first week sales of any album Houston had ever released.^[193] The four singles released from the album, didn't fare well on the Billboard Hot 100, but became Hot Dance Club Play hits. Just Whitney... was certified platinum in the United States, and sold approximately three million worldwide.^[194]

On a June 2003 trip to Israel, Houston said of her visit, "I've never felt like this in any other country. I feel at home, I feel wonderful."^[195]

In late 2003, Houston released her first Christmas album One Wish: The Holiday Album, with a collection of traditional holiday songs. Houston produced the album with Mervyn Warren and Gordon Chambers. A single titled "One Wish (for Christmas)" reached the Top 20 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and the album was certified gold in the US. Having always been a touring artist, Houston spent most of 2004 touring and performing in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Russia. In September 2004, she gave a surprise performance at the World Music Awards in a tribute to long time friend Clive Davis. After the show, Davis and Houston announced plans to go into studio to work on her new album.^[196]

In early 2004, husband Bobby Brown starred in his own reality TV program, Being Bobby Brown (on the Bravo network), which provided a view into the domestic goings-on in the Brown household. Though it was Brown's vehicle, Houston was a prominent figure throughout the show, receiving as much screen time as Brown. The series aired in 2005 and featured Houston in, what some would say, not her most flattering moments. The Hollywood Reporter said it was "undoubtedly the most disgusting and execrable series ever to ooze its way onto television."^[197] Despite the perceived train-wreck nature of the show, the series gave Bravo its highest ratings in its time slot and continued Houston's successful forays into film and television.^[198] The show was not renewed for a second season after Houston stated that she would no longer appear in it, and Brown and Bravo could not come to an agreement for another season.^[199]

[edit] 2006–2012: Return to music, I Look to You, tour and film comeback

After years of controversy and turmoil, Houston separated from Bobby Brown in September 2006, filing for divorce the following month.^[200] On February 1, 2007, Houston asked the court to fast track their divorce.^[201] The divorce was finalized on April 24, 2007, with Houston granted custody of the couple's daughter.^[202] On May 4, Houston sold the suburban Atlanta home featured in Being Bobby Brown for $1.19 million.^[203] A few days later, Brown sued Houston in Orange County, California court in an attempt to change the terms of their custody agreement. Brown also sought child and spousal support from Houston. In the lawsuit, Brown claimed that financial and emotional problems prevented him from properly responding to Houston's divorce petition.^[204] Brown lost at his court hearing as the judge dismissed his appeal to overrule the custody terms, leaving Houston with full custody and Brown with no spousal support.^[205] In March 2007, Clive Davis of Arista Records announced that Houston would begin recording a new album.^[206] In October 2007, Arista released another compilation The Ultimate Collection outside the United States.^[207]

Houston performing "My Love Is Your Love" with her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown on Good Morning America, September 1, 2009

Houston gave her first interview in seven years in September 2009, appearing on Oprah Winfrey's season premiere. The interview was billed as "the most anticipated music interview of the decade".^[208] Whitney admitted on the show to using drugs with former husband Bobby Brown, who "laced marijuana with rock cocaine".^[209] By 1996, she told Oprah, "[doing drugs] was an everyday thing... I wasn't happy by that point in time. I was losing myself."^[210]

Houston released her new album, I Look to You, in August 2009.^[211] The album's first two singles are "I Look to You" and "Million Dollar Bill". The album entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1, with Houston's best opening-week sales of 305,000 copies, marking Houston's first number one album since The Bodyguard, and Houston's first studio album to reach number one since 1987's Whitney. Houston also appeared on European television programs to promote the album. She performed the song "I Look to You" on the German television show Wetten, dass..?. Three days later, she performed the worldwide first single from I Look To You, Million Dollar Bill, on the French television show Le Grand Journal. Houston appeared as guest mentor on The X Factor in the United Kingdom. She performed "Million Dollar Bill" on the following day's results show, completing the song even as a strap in the back of her dress popped open two minutes into the performance. She later commented that she "sang [herself] out of [her] clothes".

The performance was poorly received by the British media, and was variously described as "weird" and "ungracious",^[212] "shambolic"^[213] and a "flop". Despite this reception, "Million Dollar Bill" jumped to its peak from 14 to number 5 (her first UK top 5 for over a decade), and three weeks after release "I Look to You" went gold. Houston appeared on the Italian version of The X Factor, performing the same song "Million Dollar Bill" to excellent reviews.^[214] She was awarded the Gold Certificate for achieving over 50,000 CD sales of "I Look To You" in Italy.^[215] In November, Houston performed "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" at the 2009 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California. Two days later, Houston performed both songs on the Dancing With The Stars season 9 finale. As of December 2009, "I Look to You" has been certified platinum by the RIAA for sales of more than one million copies in the United States.^[216] On January 26, 2010, her debut album was re-released in a special edition entitled Whitney Houston – The Deluxe Anniversary Edition.^[217]

Whitney Houston at the O2 Arena, April 28, 2010, as part of her Nothing but Love World Tour

Houston later embarked on a world tour, entitled the Nothing but Love World Tour. It was her first world tour in over ten years and was announced as a triumphant comeback. However, some poor reviews and rescheduled concerts brought some negative media attention.^[218][219] Houston canceled some concerts due to illness and received widespread negative reviews from fans who were disappointed in the quality of her voice and performance. Some fans reportedly walked out of her concerts.^[220]

In January 2010, Houston was nominated for two NAACP Image Awards, one for Best Female Artist and one for Best Music Video. She won the award for Best Music Video for her single "I Look to You". On January 16, she received The BET Honors Award for Entertainer citing her lifetime achievements spanning over 25 years in the industry. The 2010 BET Honors award was held at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. and aired on February 1, 2010. Jennifer Hudson and Kim Burrell performed in honor of her, garnering positive reviews. Houston also received a nomination from the Echo Awards, Germany's version of the Grammys, for Best International Artist. In April 2010, the UK newspaper The Mirror reported that Houston was thinking about recording her eighth studio album and wanted to collaborate with will.i.am (of The Black Eyed Peas), her first choice for a collaboration.^[221]

Houston also performed the song "I Look to You" on the 2011 BET Celebration of Gospel, with gospel–jazz singer Kim Burrell, held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles. The performance aired on January 30, 2011. Early in 2011, she gave an uneven performance in tribute to cousin Dionne Warwick at music mogul Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy gala. In May 2011, Houston enrolled in a rehabilitation center again, as an out-patient, citing drug and alcohol problems. A representative for Houston said that it was a part of Houston's "longstanding recovery process".^[222]

In September 2011, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Houston would produce and star alongside Jordin Sparks and Mike Epps in the remake of the 1976 film Sparkle. In the film, Houston portrays Sparks' "not-so encouraging mother". Houston would have executive producer credits on top of acting credits according to Debra Martin Chase, producer of Sparkle. She stated that Houston deserved the title considering she had been there from the beginning in 2001, when Houston obtained Sparkle production rights. R&B singer Aaliyah – originally tapped to star as Sparkle – died in a 2001 plane crash. Her death derailed production, which would have begun in 2002.^{[223][224][225]} Houston's remake of Sparkle was filmed in the fall of 2011,^[226] and is set for release by TriStar Pictures in August 2012.^[227]

Death[link]

The Beverly Hilton Hotel, where Houston's body was found

Wikinews has related news: American pop star Whitney Houston dies at 48

On February 9, 2012, Houston visited singers Brandy and Monica, together with Clive Davis, at their rehearsals for Davis' pre-Grammy Awards party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.^[228][229] That same day, she made her last public performance, when she joined Kelly Price on stage in Hollywood, California, and sang "Jesus Loves Me".^[230][231]

On February 11, 2012, Houston was found dead in suite 434 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, submerged in the bathtub.^[232][233] The cause of death was not immediately known.^[234][235] It was later ruled by the coroner to have been an "accidental drowning".^[236] Beverly Hills paramedics arrived at approximately 3:30 p.m. and found the singer unresponsive and performed CPR. Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. PST.^[234][237] Local police said there were "no obvious signs of criminal intent."^[238] On March 22, 2012, the Los Angeles County coroner's office reported the cause of Houston's death was drowning and the "effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use".^[239] The office stated the amount of cocaine found in Houston's body indicated that she used the substance shortly before her death.^[240] Toxicology results revealed additional drugs in her system: Benadryl, Xanax, marijuana and Flexiril.^[241] The manner of death was listed as an "accident".^[242]

Houston had an invitation-only memorial on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. The service was scheduled for two hours, but lasted for four hours.^[243] Among those who performed at the funeral were Stevie Wonder (rewritten version of "Ribbon in the Sky," and "Love's in Need of Love Today"), CeCe Winans ("Don't Cry" and "Jesus Loves Me"), Alicia Keys ("Send Me an Angel"), Kim Burrell (rewritten version of "A Change Is Gonna Come") and R. Kelly ("I Look to You"), interspersed with hymns by the church choir and remarks by Clive Davis, Houston’s record producer; Kevin Costner; Ricky Minor her music director; her cousin Dionne Warwick and Ray Watson, her security guard for the past 11 years. Aretha Franklin was listed on the program and was expected to sing, but was unable to attend the service.^[244][245] Bobby Brown, Houston's ex-husband, was also invited to the funeral but he left before the service began.^[246] Houston was buried on Sunday, February 19, 2012, in Fairview Cemetery, in Westfield, New Jersey next to her father, John Russell Houston, who died in 2003.^[247]

Reaction[link]

The Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party that Houston was expected to attend, and that featured many of the biggest names in music and movies, went on as scheduled although it was quickly turned into a tribute to Houston. Davis spoke about Houston's death at the evening's start: "By now you have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney's passing. I don't have to mask my emotion in front of a room full of so many dear friends. I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years. Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight even though she wasn't scheduled to perform. Whitney was a beautiful person and a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage with her regal presence and gave so many memorable performances here over the years. Simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on."^[248]

Tony Bennett spoke of Houston's death before performing at Davis' party. He said, "First, it was Michael Jackson, then Amy Winehouse, now, the magnificent Whitney Houston". Bennett sang "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" and said of Houston, "When I first heard her, I called Clive Davis and said, 'You finally found the greatest singer I've ever heard in my life.'"^[249]

Some celebrities opposed Davis' decision to continue on the party while a police investigation was being conducted in Houston's hotel room and her body was still in the building. Chaka Khan, in an interview with CNN's Piers Morgan on February 13, 2012, shared that she felt the party should have been canceled, saying "I thought that was complete insanity. And knowing Whitney I don't believe that she would have said 'the show must go on.' She's the kind of woman that would've said 'Stop everything! Un-unh. I'm not going to be there.' [...] I don't know what could motivate a person to have a party in a building where the person whose life he had influenced so enormously and whose life had been affected by hers. They were like... I don't understand how that party went on."^[250] Sharon Osbourne condemned the Davis party, declaring "I think it was disgraceful that the party went on. I don't want to be in a hotel room when there's someone you admire who's tragically lost their life four floors up. I'm not interested in being in that environment and I think when you grieve someone, you do it privately, you do it with people who understand you. I thought it was so wrong."^[251]

Several other celebrities released statements responding to Houston's death. Dolly Parton, whose song "I Will Always Love You" was covered by Houston, said, "I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, 'Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed'." Aretha Franklin said, "It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen."^[252] Mariah Carey said, "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend ... She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth."^[253] Oprah Winfrey, who did an in-depth interview with Houston in 2009, wrote on Twitter "To me Whitney was THE VOICE. We got to hear a part of God every time she sang. Heart is heavy, spirit grateful for the GIFT of her."^[254] Quincy Jones said, "I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney’s passing. Ashford & Simpson first made me aware of Whitney when she was just sixteen, and I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly."^[253]

Moments after news of her death emerged, CNN, MSNBC and Fox News all broke from their regularly scheduled programming to dedicate time to non-stop coverage of Houston's death. All three featured live interviews with people who knew Houston including those that have worked with her, interviewed her along with some of her peers in the music industry. Saturday Night Live displayed a photo of a smiling Houston, alongside Molly Shannon, from her 1996 appearance.^[255][256] MTV and VH-1 interrupted their regularly scheduled programming on Sunday February 12 to air many of Houston's classic videos with MTV often airing news segments in between and featuring various reactions from fans and celebrities.

Houston's former husband, Bobby Brown, was reported to be "in and out of crying fits" since receiving the news. He did not cancel a scheduled performance and within hours of his ex-wife's sudden death, an audience in Mississippi observed as Brown blew kisses skyward, tearfully saying: "I love you, Whitney".^[257]

Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the 54th Grammy Awards, announced that Jennifer Hudson would perform a tribute to Houston at the February 12, 2012, awards. He said "event organizers believed Hudson – an Academy Award-winning actress and Grammy Award-winning artist – could perform a respectful musical tribute to Houston". Ehrlich went on to say: "It's too fresh in everyone's memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn't recognize Whitney's remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and in particular her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years".^[258] At the start of the awards ceremony, a footage of Houston performing "I Will Always Love You" from 1994 Grammys was shown following a prayer read by host, LL Cool J. Later in the program following a montage of photos of musicians who died in 2011 with Houston singing "Saving All My Love for You" at the 1986 Grammys, Hudson paid tribute to Houston and the other artists by performing "I Will Always Love You".^[259][260]

Houston was honored in the form of various tributes at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards, held on February 17. A image montage of Houston and important black figures who died in 2011 was followed by video footage from the 1994 ceremony, which depicted her accepting two Image Awards for outstanding female artist and entertainer of the year. Following the video tribute, Yolanda Adams delivered a rendition of "I Love the Lord" from The Preacher's Wife Soundtrack. In the finale of the ceremony, Kirk Franklin and The Family started their performance with "Greatest Love of All."^[261] The 2012 BRIT Awards, which took place at London's O2 Arena on February 21, also paid tribute to Houston by playing a 30-second-video montage of her music videos with a snippet of "One Moment in Time" as the background music in the ceremony's first segment.^[262] New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said that all New Jersey state flags would be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, February 21 to honor Houston.^[263] Accompanied by Esperanza Spalding belting out "What a Wonderful World" along with the Southern California Children's Choir, Houston was featured in the In Memoriam montage alongside other cinema greats at the 84th Academy Awards, held at the Hollywood and Highland Center on February 26, 2012.^[264][265]

Artistry and legacy[link]

Voice[link]

	"I Will Always Love You" (1992) noicon One of Houston's best selling singles worldwide and recognized songs, "I Will Always Love You" prominently uses melismas.
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

Houston was a mezzo-soprano,^[266][267] and was commonly referred to as "The Voice" in reference to her exceptional vocal talent.^[268] Her vocal range extended from G below middle C (G₃) to high B-flat (B♭₅); she could belt out to treble F (F₅).^[269] She was third in MTV's list of 22 Greatest Voices,^[270] and sixth on Online Magazine COVE's list of the 100 Best Pop Vocalists with a score of 48.5/50.^[271] In 2008, Rolling Stone listed Houston as the thirty-fourth of the 100 greatest singers of all time, stating, "Her voice is a mammoth, coruscating cry: Few vocalists could get away with opening a song with 45 unaccompanied seconds of singing, but Houston's powerhouse version of Dolly Parton's 'I Will Always Love You' is a tour de force."^[98] Matthew Perpetua from Rolling Stone also eulogized Houston's vocal, enumerating ten performances, including "How Will I Know" from the 1986 MTV VMAs and "The Star Spangled Banner" at the 1991 Super Bowl. "Whitney Houston was blessed with an astonishing vocal range and extraordinary technical skill, but what truly made her a great singer was her ability to connect with a song and drive home its drama and emotion with incredible precision," he stated. "She was a brilliant performer, and her live shows often eclipsed her studio recordings."^[272]

Jon Caramanica of The New York Times commented, "Her voice was clean and strong, with barely any grit, well suited to the songs of love and aspiration. [...] Hers was a voice of triumph and achievement, and it made for any number of stunning, time-stopping vocal performances."^[273] Mariah Carey stated, "She [Whitney] has a really rich, strong mid-belt that very few people have. She sounds really good, really strong."^[274] While in her review of I Look to You, music critic Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times writes, "[Houston's voice] stands like monuments upon the landscape of 20th century pop, defining the architecture of their times, sheltering the dreams of millions and inspiring the climbing careers of countless imitators", adding "When she was at her best, nothing could match her huge, clean, cool mezzo-soprano".^[267]

Lauren Everitt from BBC News Magazine commented on melisma used in Houston's recording and its influence. "An early 'I' in Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You' takes nearly six seconds to sing. In those seconds the former gospel singer-turned-pop star packs a series of different notes into the single syllable," stated Everitt. "The technique is repeated throughout the song, most pronouncedly on every 'I' and 'you'. The vocal technique is called melisma, and it has inspired a host of imitators. Other artists may have used it before Houston, but it was her rendition of Dolly Parton's love song that pushed the technique into the mainstream in the 90s. [...] But perhaps what Houston nailed best was moderation." Everitt said that "[i]n a climate of reality shows ripe with 'oversinging', it's easy to appreciate Houston's ability to save melisma for just the right moment".^[275]

Houston's vocal stylings have had a significant impact on the music industry. She has been called the "Queen of Pop" for her influence during the 1990s, commercially rivaling Mariah Carey and Celine Dion.^[276] Stephen Holden from The New York Times, in his review of Houston's Radio City Music Hall concert on July 20, 1993, praised her attitude as a singer, writing, "Whitney Houston is one of the few contemporary pop stars of whom it might be said: the voice suffices. While almost every performer whose albums sell in the millions calls upon an entertainer's bag of tricks, from telling jokes to dancing to circus pyrotechnics, Ms. Houston would rather just stand there and sing." With regard to her singing style, he added: "Her [Houston's] stylistic trademarks – shivery melismas that ripple up in the middle of a song, twirling embellishments at the ends of phrases that suggest an almost breathless exhilaration – infuse her interpretations with flashes of musical and emotional lightning."^[277]

Elysa Gardner of the Los Angeles Times in her review for The Preacher's Wife Soundtrack praised Houston's vocal ability highly, commenting, "She is first and foremost a pop diva – at that, the best one we have. No other female pop star – not Mariah Carey, not Celine Dion, not Barbra Streisand – quite rivals Houston in her exquisite vocal fluidity and purity of tone, and her ability to infuse a lyric with mesmerizing melodrama."^[278]

Influence[link]

A Barbie doll inspired by Houston's appearance in the music video for "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" (1987).

During the 1980s, MTV was coming into its own and received criticism for not playing enough videos by black artists. With Michael Jackson breaking down the color barrier for black male artists, Houston did the same for black female artists. She became the first black female artist to receive heavy rotation on the network following the success of the "How Will I Know" video.^[279] Following Houston's breakthrough, other African-American female artists, such as Janet Jackson and Anita Baker, were successful in popular music.^[52][53] Baker commented that "Because of what Whitney and Sade did, there was an opening for me... For radio stations, black women singers aren't taboo anymore."^[280]

Allmusic noted her contribution to the success of black artists on the pop scene, commenting, "Houston was able to handle big adult contemporary ballads, effervescent, stylish dance-pop, and slick urban contemporary soul with equal dexterity" and that "the result was an across-the-board appeal that was matched by scant few artists of her era, and helped her become one of the first black artists to find success on MTV in Michael Jackson's wake".^[281] The New York Times stated that "Houston was a major catalyst for a movement within black music that recognized the continuity of soul, pop, jazz and gospel vocal traditions".^[282] Richard Corliss of Time magazine commented on her initial success breaking various barriers:

Of her first album's ten cuts, six were ballads. This chanteuse [Houston] had to fight for air play with hard rockers. The young lady had to stand uncowed in the locker room of macho rock. The soul strutter had to seduce a music audience that anointed few black artists with superstardom. [...] She was a phenomenon waiting to happen, a canny tapping of the listener's yen for a return to the musical middle. And because every new star creates her own genre, her success has helped other blacks, other women, other smooth singers find an avid reception in the pop marketplace.^[283]

Stephen Holden of The New York Times said that Houston "revitalized the tradition of strong gospel-oriented pop-soul singing".^[284] Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times referred to the singer as a "national treasure".^[267] Jon Caramanica, other music critic of The New York Times, called Houston "R&B's great modernizer," adding "slowly but surely reconciling the ambition and praise of the church with the movements and needs of the body and the glow of the mainstream".^[273] He also drew comparisons between Houston's influence and other big names' on 1980s pop:

She was, alongside Michael Jackson and Madonna, one of the crucial figures to hybridize pop in the 1980s, though her strategy was far less radical than that of her peers. Jackson and Madonna were by turns lascivious and brutish and, crucially, willing to let their production speak more loudly than their voices, an option Ms. Houston never went for. Also, she was less prolific than either of them, achieving most of her renown on the strength of her first three solo albums and one soundtrack, released from 1985 to 1992. If she was less influential than they were in the years since, it was only because her gift was so rare, so impossible to mimic. Jackson and Madonna built worldviews around their voices; Ms. Houston’s voice was the worldview. She was someone more to be admired, like a museum piece, than to be emulated.^[273]

The Independent's music critic Andy Gill also wrote about Houston's influence on modern R&B and singing competitions, comparing it to Michael Jackson's. "Because Whitney, more than any other single artist ― Michael Jackson included ― effectively mapped out the course of modern R&B, setting the bar for standards of soul vocalese, and creating the original template for what we now routinely refer to as the 'soul diva'," stated Gill. "Jackson was a hugely talented icon, certainly, but he will be as well remembered (probably more so) for his presentational skills, his dazzling dance moves, as for his musical innovations. Whitney, on the other hand, just sang, and the ripples from her voice continue to dominate the pop landscape." Gill said that there "are few, if any, Jackson imitators on today's TV talent shows, but every other contestant is a Whitney wannabe, desperately attempting to emulate that wondrous combination of vocal effects – the flowing melisma, the soaring mezzo-soprano confidence, the tremulous fluttering that carried the ends of lines into realms of higher yearning".^[285]

Houston was considered by many to be a "singer's singer", who had an influence on countless other vocalists, both female and male.^[98][286] Similarly, Steve Huey from Allmusic wrote that the shadow of Houston's prodigious technique still looms large over nearly every pop diva and smooth urban soul singer – male or female – in her wake, and spawned a legion of imitators.^[281] Rolling Stone, on her biography, stated that Houston "redefined the image of a female soul icon and inspired singers ranging from Mariah Carey to Rihanna".^[287] Essence ranked Houston the fifth on their list of 50 Most Influential R&B Stars of all time, calling her "the diva to end all divas".^[288]

A number of artists have acknowledged Houston as an influence, including Celine Dion,^[289] Mariah Carey,^[98] Toni Braxton,^[290] Christina Aguilera,^[291] LeAnn Rimes,^[292] Jessica Simpson,^[293] Nelly Furtado,^[294][295] Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears,^[296] Ciara,^[297] P!nk,^[296] Ashanti,^[298] Robin Thicke,^[299] Jennifer Hudson, Stacie Orrico, Amerie,^[300] and Destiny's Child.^[296][301] Mariah Carey, who was often compared to Houston, said, "She [Houston] has been a big influence on me."^[302] She later told USA Today that "none of us would sound the same if Aretha Franklin hadn't ever put out a record, or Whitney Houston hadn't."^[303] Celine Dion who was the third member of the troika that dominated female pop singing in the 1990s, did a telephone interview with Good Morning America on February 13, 2012, telling "Whitney's been an amazing inspiration for me. I've been singing with her my whole career, actually. I wanted to have a career like hers, sing like her, look beautiful like her."^[304] Beyoncé told the Globe and Mail that Houston "inspired [her] to get up there and do what [she] did".^[305] She also wrote on her website on the day after Houston's death, "I, like every singer, always wanted to be just like [Houston]. Her voice was perfect. Strong but soothing. Soulful and classic. Her vibrato, her cadence, her control. So many of my life's memories are attached to a Whitney Houston song. She is our queen and she opened doors and provided a blueprint for all of us."^[306]

Mary J. Blige said that Houston inviting her onstage during VH1's Divas Live show in 1999 "opened doors for [her] all over the world".^[307] Brandy stated, "The first Whitney Houston CD was genius. That CD introduced the world to her angelic yet powerful voice. Without Whitney, half of this generation of singers wouldn't be singing."^[308] Kelly Rowland, in an Ebony's feature article celebrating black music in June 2006, recalled that "[I] wanted to be a singer after I saw Whitney Houston on TV singing 'Greatest Love of All'. I wanted to sing like Whitney Houston in that red dress." She added that "And I have never, ever forgotten that song [Greatest Love of All]. I learned it backward, forward, sideways. The video still brings chills to me. When you wish and pray for something as a kid, you never know what blessings God will give you."^[309]

Alicia Keys said "Whitney is an artist who inspired me from [the time I was] a little girl".^[310] Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson cites Houston as her biggest musical influence. She told Newsday that she learned from Houston the "difference between being able to sing and knowing how to sing".^[311] Leona Lewis, who has been called "the new Whitney Houston", also cites her as an influence. Lewis stated that she idolized her as a little girl.^[312][313]

Awards and achievements[link]

Houston was the most awarded female artist of all time, according to Guinness World Records,^[1] with two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among a total of 415 career awards as of 2010. She held the all-time record for the most American Music Awards of any female solo artist and shared the record with Michael Jackson for the most AMAs ever won in a single year with eight wins in 1994.^[314] Houston won a record 11 Billboard Music Awards at its fourth ceremony in 1993.^[315] She also had the record for the most WMAs won in a single year, winning five awards at the 6th World Music Awards in 1994.^[316]

In May 2003, Houston placed at number three on VH1's list of "50 Greatest Women of the Video Era", behind Madonna and Janet Jackson.^[317] She was also ranked at number 116 on their list of the "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons of All Time".^[318] In 2008, Billboard magazine released a list of the Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists to celebrate the US singles chart's 50th anniversary, ranking Houston at number nine.^[319][320] Similarly, she was ranked as one of the "Top 100 Greatest Artists of All Time" by VH1 in September 2010.^[321] In November 2010, Billboard released its "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years" list and ranked Houston at number three whom not only went on to earn eight number one singles on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but also landed five number ones on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.^[322]

Houston's debut album is listed as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine^[49] and is on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Definitive 200 list.^[50] In 2004, Billboard picked the success of her first release on the charts as one of 110 Musical Milestones in its history.^[323] Houston's entrance into the music industry is considered one of the 25 musical milestones of the last 25 years, according to USA Today in 2007. It stated that she paved the way for Mariah Carey's chart-topping vocal gymnastics.^[51] In 1997, the Franklin School in East Orange, New Jersey was renamed to The Whitney E. Houston Academy School of Creative and Performing Arts. In 2001, Houston was the first artist to be given a BET Lifetime Achievement Award.^[324]

Houston was one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 200 million albums and singles worldwide.^[2][3] She was ranked as the fourth best-selling female artist in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America, with 55 million certified albums sold in the US.^[216][325]

She held an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Grambling State University, Louisiana.^[326]

Discography[link]

Studio Albums

• 1985: Whitney Houston
• 1987: Whitney
• 1990: I'm Your Baby Tonight
• 1998: My Love Is Your Love
• 2002: Just Whitney
• 2009: I Look to You

Holiday Albums

• 2003: One Wish: The Holiday Album

Filmography[link]

Tours[link]

World tours The Greatest Love World Tour (1986) Moment of Truth World Tour (1987–88) I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour (1991) The Bodyguard World Tour (1993–94) My Love Is Your Love World Tour (1999) Nothing But Love World Tour (2010) Regional tours Feels So Right Tour (1990) Pacific Rim Tour (1997) The European Tour (1998) Soul Divas Tour (2004) Televised concerts Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute (1988) Welcome Home Heroes with Whitney Houston (1991) The Concert for a New South Africa (1994) Classic Whitney Live from Washington, D.C. (1997) See also[link] Whitney Houston portal Book: Whitney Houston Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print. American Music Award nominations for Whitney Houston Grammy nominations for Whitney Houston Honorific nicknames in popular music List of artists who reached number one in the United States List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance chart List of best-selling music artists Melisma References[link] ^ a b c Paul Finkelman (2009). Encyclopedia of African American history, 1896 to the present: from the age of segregation to the twenty-first century. Oxford University Press. pp. 459–460. ISBN 978-0-19-516779-5. http://books.google.com/books?id=6gbQHxb_P0QC&pg=RA1-PA459.  ^ a b Dobuzinskis, Alex (September 15, 2009). "Whitney Houston, as of 2009, said she was "drug-free"". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE58D4Y020090915. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ a b "Whitney Houston Biography". whitneyhouston.com. http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/biography. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ "The 1986 MTV Video Music Awards The Winners!". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 98 (41). October 11, 1986. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/?id=ESUEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA59&dq=1986%20mtv%20video%20music%20awards%20whitney%20houston&pg=PA59#v=onepage&q=&f=false. Retrieved February 7, 2011.  ^ a b Corliss, Richard (July 13, 1987). "The Prom Queen of Soul". Time Inc.. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,964980,00.html. Retrieved March 17, 2007.  ^ a b "A History of Soul Music". October 18, 2007. VH1.  ^ "Saving All My Love for You"; "How Will I Know"; "Greatest Love of All"; "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)"; "Didn't We Almost Have It All"; "So Emotional" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" ^ Whitney Houston and The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album ^ a b c Huey, Steve (2006). "Whitney Houston biography". Allmusic.com. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/whitney-houston-p4519/biography. Retrieved April 13, 2009  ^ "Whitney Houston Biography". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/whitney-houston/biography. Retrieved March 17, 2011  ^ Jessie Carney Smith (1996). Notable Black American women. VNR AG. pp. 304–305. ISBN 978-0-8103-9177-2. http://books.google.com/books?id=ssMBzqrUpjwC&pg=PA304.  ^ Houston, Cissy (September 2, 2009). "Visionary Project Video Interview (bottom of page) -Cissy Houston: My Family, go to the 1:00 mark". http://www.visionaryproject.org/houstoncissy/. Retrieved February 11, 2012.  ^ "Whitney's godmother: 'She was a light'". Nancy Grace spoke with Whitney Houston's godmother and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer Darlene Love.. February 13, 2012. http://nancygrace.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/13/she-was-a-light/?hpt=ng_bn3. Retrieved February 17, 2012.  ^ Whitall, Susan. "Aretha Franklin recalls meeting a young Whitney Houston". The Queen of Soul corrected one thing about her relationship to Houston. She says she wasn't Houston's godmother, but a sort of honorary aunt.. The Detroit News. http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120217/ENT09/202170397/1361/Aretha-Franklin-recalls-meeting-a-young-Whitney-Houston. Retrieved 18 February 2012.  ^ Jet (August 26 1985). Whitney Houston Sings Her Way to Stardom. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 59. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=prQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA59.  ^ Whitall, Susan. "Aretha Franklin recalls meeting a young Whitney Houston". Aretha Franklin, who will sing at Whitney Houston's funeral Saturday, spoke to Al Roker on the "Today" show Friday morning about the first time she met Houston, as a wide-eyed 8- or 9-year-old.. The Detroit News. http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120217/ENT09/202170397/1361/Aretha-Franklin-recalls-meeting-a-young-Whitney-Houston. Retrieved 18 February 2012.  ^ Ted Cox (January 1998). Whitney Houston. Chelsea House Publishers. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-7910-4456-8.  ^ "Whitney & Bobby – Addicted to Love". Vibe Magazine. September 2005. http://www.classicwhitney.com/interview/vibe_sep2005.htm. Retrieved March 17, 2007.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (February 17, 1986). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 59. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=lLQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA59.  ^ Vibe Media Group (June 2007). Vibe. Vibe Media Group. p. 78. ISSN 10704701. http://books.google.com/books?id=qyYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA78. Retrieved February 13, 2012.  ^ a b DeCurtis, Anthony (June 10, 1993). "Whitney Houston: Down and Dirty". Rolling Stone; Jann S. Wenner, editor and publisher. http://www.classicwhitney.com/interview/rollingstone_1993.htm. Retrieved March 17, 2007.  ^ a b Fred Bronson (1 October 2003). The Billboard book of number 1 hits. Random House Digital, Inc.. p. 629. ISBN 978-0-8230-7677-2. http://books.google.com/books?id=PgGqNrqfrsoC&pg=PT629.  ^ a b Jet (16 July 1990). Singer Whitney Houston a Model of Success. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 32. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=Ra8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32.  ^ Ebony (May 1995). Whitney and Cissy Houston on the Joys and Worries of Motherhood. Johnson Publishing Company. pp. 30–. ISSN 00129011. http://books.google.com/books?id=JnOSQ7xrcA8C&pg=PA30. Retrieved 15 February 2012.  ^ a b c Duckett Cain, Joy (December 2023). "The Soul of Whitney". Essence Magazine. http://www.classicwhitney.com/interview/essence_1990.htm. Retrieved February 15, 2008.  ^ a b Traister, Rebecca (April 13, 2006). "Didn't She Almost Have It All". Salon.com. http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2006/04/12/whitney_houston/index.html. Retrieved December 12, 2007.  ^ a b Johnson Publishing Company (July 16, 1990). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 32. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=Ra8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32.  ^ Christgau, Robert. "Material she was a great song writer". RobertChristgau.com. http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=Material. Retrieved December 12, 2007.  ^ Ripol, Vince. "Paul Jabara & Friends Album Review". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hbftxqrgldje. Retrieved January 14, 2010.  ^ Ebony (June 1990). Girl. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 136. ISSN 00129011. http://books.google.com/books?id=8tMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA136.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (December 1985). Ebony. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 155. ISSN 00129011. http://books.google.com/books?id=JtkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA155.  ^ a b Scoppa, Bud (December 1986). "The Long Road To Overnight Stardom". Billboard. http://www.classicwhitney.com/interview/billboard1986artistoftheyear.htm. Retrieved March 17, 2007.  ^ Wynn, Ron. "Love Language Album Review". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:d9fwxqr5ld6e. Retrieved January 14, 2010.  ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (14 December 2002). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. p. 64. ISSN 00062510. http://books.google.com/books?id=MQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA64.  ^ Shewey, Don (June 6, 1985). "Music Review: Whitney Houston". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/whitney-houston-19850606. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ Holden, Stephen (May 12, 1985). "Critic's Choice; Pop Music". The New York Times: p. A2.  ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (June 8, 1985). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. p. 54. ISSN 00062510. http://books.google.com/books?id=8yQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT54. Retrieved February 13, 2012.  ^ Paul Grein (June 8, 1986). "Houston Hits: Master Plan, Blind Luck". Los Angeles Times (Tribune Company). http://articles.latimes.com/1986-06-08/entertainment/ca-9249_1/3. Retrieved October 28, 2011.  ^ "Whitney Houston". August 11, 2000. [dead link] ^ a b Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (December 27, 1986). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. p. 52. ISSN 00062510. http://books.google.com/books?id=tiQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52.  ^ "Gold & Platinum >> Top 100 Albums". Recording Industry Association of America. http://riaa.org/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTop100. Retrieved June 13, 2010.  ^ a b "RIAA Certification Searchable Database". Recording Industry Association of America. July 29, 1999. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (January 27, 1986). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 57. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=NrMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA57.  ^ Harrington, Richard (January 10, 1986). "Dire Straits Tops List for Grammy's; We are the World Wins 6 Nominations". The Washington Post.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (March 17, 1986). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 14. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=CrQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA14.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (October 13, 1986). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 16. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=5LADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA16.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (February 17, 1986). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 56. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=lLQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA56.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (February 16, 1987). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 58. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=wLMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA58.  ^ a b "The Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Wenner Media, LLC. November 18, 2003. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/whitney-houston-whitney-houston-19691231. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ a b "The Definitive 200". The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 2007. Archived from the original on January 13, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080113130726/http://definitive200.com/200_list.php. Retrieved January 15, 2008.  ^ a b Gundersen, Edna (June 18, 2007). "25 years of memorable musical moments". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/top25-musicmoments.htm?csp=34. Retrieved January 1, 2008.  ^ a b Rizzo, Frank (August 30, 1987). "Houston Tops New Wave of Women With Pop Punch Aplenty". Orlando Sentinel (Orlando Sentinel): p. 11.  ^ a b Hunt, Dennis (February 1, 1987). "Anita Baker: 'Most Powerful Black Woman Singer of 80s'". San Francisco Chronicle: p. 44.  ^ Aletti, Vince (August 13, 1987). "Review: Whitney". Wenner Media, LLC. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/whitney-19870813. Retrieved March 16, 2011.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (May 2, 1988). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 54. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=WLADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA54.  ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (May 13, 2000). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. p. 104. ISSN 00062510. http://books.google.com/books?id=JQ8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA104.  ^ a b "Gold & Platinum search results". Recording Industry Association of America. November 29, 1995. http://riaa.org/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Whitney&artist=Whitney%20Houston&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=Multi%20Platinum&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2011&sort=Artist&perPage=25. Retrieved June 13, 2010.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (February 1, 1988). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 56. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=bbsDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA56.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (March 21, 1988). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 52. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=jrsDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (February 15, 1988). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 60. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=fbsDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (February 20, 1989). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 55. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=ib0DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA55.  ^ "Showtime: Jackson is top winner at Soul Train Awards". The Washington Afro American (African-American News & Information Consortium): p. 6C. April 5, 1988. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WHwlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Z_UFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4413,1111334&dq=1988+soul+train+music+awards&hl=en. Retrieved June 28, 2010.  ^ MacDonald, Patrick. "U2, Bon Jovi were top concert acts of 1987". Seattle Times. January 15, 1988. Page 5. Retrieved May 16, 2008. ^ a b Johnson Publishing Company (September 28, 1987). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. pp. 52–53. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=1q8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52.  ^ a b Johnson Publishing Company (June 20, 1988). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 59. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=mq4DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA59.  ^ Gilchrist, Jim (August 23, 2009). "Diva Will Always Love Limelight". The Scotsman (Edinburgh). http://news.scotsman.com/comment/Diva--will-always-love.5579673.jp. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ Watrous, Peter (June 13, 1988). "Pop Music's Homage to Mandela". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/13/arts/pop-music-s-homage-to-mandela.html.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (September 19, 1988). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 54. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=Lr0DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA54.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (September 12, 1988). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 59. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=LL0DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA59.  ^ "1988 UK Number Ones". number-ones.co.uk. http://www.number-ones.co.uk/1988-number-ones.html. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ "October 24, 1988 Single Top 100". charts.de. October 24, 1988. http://www.charts.de/charts.asp?cat=s&country=de&year=1988&date=19881024&x=38&y=11. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ "Forbes Names Jackson as the Best-Paid Star 5 Women, 3 Boxers on List of 40 Celebrities". Los Angeles Times. September 19, 1988. Page 2. ^ Johnson Publishing Company (October 3, 1988). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 12. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=za8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA12.  ^ Whitney Houston Foundation for Children ^ Johnson Publishing Company (May 1991). Ebony. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 112. ISSN 00129011. http://books.google.com/books?id=UdQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA112.  ^ Ralph M. Jr., "Interview with Whitney Houston", Dateline NBC, December 10, 1996 (transcript available at whitney-fan.com) ^ Hunter, James (January 10, 1991). "Review: I'm Your Baby Tonight". Wenner Media, LLC. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/im-your-baby-tonight-19910110. Retrieved March 16, 2011.  ^ Browne, David (November 23, 1990). "Music Review: I'm Your Baby Tonight". Time Warner. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,318684,00.html. Retrieved March 16, 2011.  ^ a b Pareles, Jon (February 24, 1991). "Pop View; Caution: Now Entering The War Zone". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/24/arts/pop-view-caution-now-entering-the-war-zone.html. Retrieved October 5, 2008.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (February 18, 1991). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 31. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=E7sDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA31.  ^ Steven Otfinoski (April 1, 2010). African Americans in the performing arts. Infobase Publishing. pp. 116–. ISBN 978-0-8160-7838-7. http://books.google.com/books?id=gnXQSqTx2h0C&pg=PT116. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (June 17, 1991). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 37. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=RrADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA37.  ^ Blair, Tom. "The village verbiage collector". The San Diego Union. May 23, 1991. Page B1. ^ "Jennifer Hudson delivers on Super Bowl stage". The Washington Times (News World Media Development). February 2, 2009. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/02/jennifer-hudson-delivers-super-bowl-stage/?page=1. Retrieved March 27, 2011.  ^ "100 Greatest Moments That Rocked TV (20–1)". VH1. http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/63773/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/shows/dynamic/includes/wildcards/the_greatest/rocked_tvmoments/complete_list_20.jhtml&event_id=63773.  ^ "Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson and The Beatles Hit the Top Slots on VH1 and TV Guide's '100 Moments That Rocked TV' Countdown" (Press release). VH1. January 9, 2003. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bill-clinton-michael-jackson-and-the-beatles-hit-the-top-slots-on-vh1-and-tv-guides-100-moments-that-rocked-tv-countdown-73759482.html. Retrieved March 19, 2011.  ^ "Gold & Platinum >> Search Results for "The Star Spangled Banner" single and its video single". Recording Industry Association of America. April 11, 1991 / October 3, 2001. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=star%20spangled%20banner&artist=whitney%20houston&format=SINGLE&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2011&sort=Artist&perPage=25. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ Smith, Patricia. "Mom, apple pie and Whitney Houston in concert for troops". The Boston Globe April 1, 1991. ^ Hodges, Anne. "Hope opens his home to U.S. troops". Houston Chronicle April 6, 1991. ^ a b Lynn Norment (May 1991). "Whitney Houston talks about the men in her life – and the rumors, lies and insults that are the high price of fame". Ebony (Johnson Publishing Company) 46 (7): 111–118. ISSN 0012-9011. http://books.google.com/books?id=UdQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA110.  ^ a b Johnson Publishing Company (April 26, 1999). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 60. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=IzsDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60.  ^ Susan Wloszczyna (July 2, 2007). "Hollywood highlights: 25 movies with real impact". USA Today (Gannett Company, Inc.). http://www.usatoday.com/life/top25-movies.htm. Retrieved October 30, 2011.  ^ "Pregnant Pause". Entertainment Weekly (Time Warner). February 5, 1993. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,305461_4,00.html. Retrieved October 30, 2011.  ^ Rita Kempley (November 25, 1992). "The Bodyguard". The Washington Post (The Washington Post Company). http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/thebodyguardrkempley_a0a2f7.htm. Retrieved October 30, 2011.  ^ Janet Maslin (November 25, 1992). "Review/Film: The Bodyguard; Tragic Flaw Meets Pampered Pop Star Over Multiple Risks". The New York Times (The New York Times Company). http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E0CE6DE1E3DF936A15752C1A964958260. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ "All Time Box Office Domestic Grosses". boxofficemojo.com. http://boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm?page=3&p=.htm. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ CD review digest: Jazz, popular, etc. Peri Press. 1994 (Volume 7, Issue 4). p. 174.  ^ a b c d "100 Greatest Singers: Whitney Houston". Rolling Stone (Wenner Media, LLC). November 2008. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/whitney-houston-19691231. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ James T. Jones IV (November 17, 1992). "Houston heroic on 'Bodyguard' album" (Payment needed to view the whole article). USA Today (Gannett Company, Inc.). http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/56240516.html?dids=56240516:56240516&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+17%2C+1992&author=James+T.+Jones+IV&pub=USA+TODAY+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Houston+heroic+on+%60Bodyguard'+album&pqatl=google. Retrieved September 25, 2010.  ^ DeKnock, Jan (January 15, 1993). "Whitney Houston Hits 4th `Triple'". Chicago Tribune (Tribune Company). http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1993-01-15/entertainment/9303162594_1_pop-singles-albums-chart-r-b-rankings. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ "RIAA certification for "I Will Always Love You" single". The Recording Industry Association of America. January 12, 1993. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Whitney%20Houston&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2010&sort=Artist&perPage=25. Retrieved July 5, 2010.  ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (April 11, 1998). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. p. 10. ISSN 00062510. http://books.google.com/books?id=rg4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA10.  ^ Gary Trust (August 28, 2009). "Battle of the Divas, Round 3". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/#/news/ask-billboard-battle-of-the-divas-round-1004007651.story. Retrieved September 25, 2010.  ^ Shawn Telford (August 10, 2008). "Behind the glitter and glitz, the real Dolly Parton shines". Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Hearst Corporation). http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/music/article/Behind-the-glitter-and-glitz-the-real-Dolly-1281795.php. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (May 13, 2000). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. p. 110. ISSN 00062510. http://books.google.com/books?id=JQ8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA110.  ^ Aleene MacMinn (December 31, 1992). "Morning Report: Pop/Rock". Los Angeles Times (Tribune Company). http://articles.latimes.com/1992-12-31/entertainment/ca-4117_1_brooks-albums. Retrieved September 1, 2010.  ^ "Whitney Houston gets a boost from Bodyguard". The Globe and Mail. January 1, 1993. Page C6. ^ DeKnock, Jan (March 19, 1993). "Houston Still Plugged In As Contender". Chicago Tribune (Tribune Company): p. O. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1993-03-19/entertainment/9303200374_1_pop-singles-chart-albums-chart-r-b-singles-list. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (December 8, 2001). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. p. 85. ISSN 00062510. http://books.google.com/books?id=UBIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA85.  ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (March 13, 1993). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. p. 134–. ISSN 00062510. http://books.google.com/books?id=0w8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA134. Retrieved February 13, 2012.  ^ "Soccer and music fans sound". Deseret Morning News. http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600142714,00.html.  ^ Patten, Dominic (2009-08-31). "Is It Too Late for Whitney's Comeback?". TheWrap.com. http://www.thewrap.com/article/it-too-late-whitneys-comeback_5711. Retrieved 2012-02-14.  ^ "Whitney Houston". Whitney Houston. http://www.whitneyhouston.com/. Retrieved June 13, 2010.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (February 28, 1994). Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 56. ISSN 00215996. http://books.google.com/books?id=vcADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA56.  ^ J.R. Reynolds (March 26, 1994). "The Rhythm and the Blues: 8th Soul Train Awards Are Aglow With Stellar Performances, Star Appearances". Billboard 106 (13): 34. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=NQgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA34. Retrieved June 29, 2010.  ^ Denise Crittendon (February–March, 1994). "Stars Shine At The NAACP Image Awards". The Crisis (The Crisis Publishing Company, Inc.) 101 (2): 34. ISSN 0011-1422. http://books.google.com/books?id=U1kEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA34.  ^ J.R. Reynolds (January 15, 1994). "The Rhythm and the Blues: Tupac's Loss May Preserve Awards' Image; New Indies Form Out West And Down South". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 106 (3): 15. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=FwgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA15. Retrieved June 29, 2010.  ^ Marisa Leonardi (January 7, 1994). "Michael Jackson Shares Whitney Houston's Spotlight, Honors: Houston wins five NAACP Image Awards, but Jackson gets cheers in a show marked by controversy". Los Angeles Times (Tribune Company). http://articles.latimes.com/1994-01-07/entertainment/ca-9458_1_whitney-houston. Retrieved June 29, 2010.  ^ Mark Dezzani (May 21, 1994). "World Music Awards Gaining Stature". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 106 (21): 41. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=TAgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA41. Retrieved June 29, 2010.  ^ "The BRITs 1994 Winners & Nominees". British Phonographic Industry. February 14, 1994. http://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/1994. Retrieved June 29, 2010.  ^ "Spielberg Dethrones Oprah As Highest-Paid Entertainer" The San Francisco Chronicle. September 12, 1994. Page C16. ^ "Steven Spielberg Is Mr. Entertainer". San Francisco Chronicle (Hearst Corporation): p. D11. December 24, 1994.  ^ Jim Keogh (April 15, 1993). "Few women producers make the top 100 list". Telegram & Gazette (The New York Times Company): p. C2.  ^ Kelly, Katy (October 5, 1994). "Greeting Mandela with elegance and esteem". USA Today (Gannett Company, Inc.): p. D02.  ^ Nita Lelyveld (October 5, 1994). "White House Lionizes Mandela". The Free Lance–Star (The Free Lance–Star Publishing Company): p. A8. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FQMzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uQcGAAAAIBAJ&pg=6934,786142&dq. Retrieved June 12, 2011.  ^ Paeth, Greg (November 9, 1994). "HBO worth seeing". Cincinnati Post (E. W. Scripps Company): p. 7B.  ^ "Whitney in South Africa". Ebony (Johnson Publishing Company) 50 (4): 116–124. February 1995. ISSN 0012-9011. http://books.google.com/books?id=8_W-QMJlBHIC&pg=PA116.  ^ a b Farley, Christopher John (December 4, 1995). "No More Prissy". Time. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,983795-2,00.html. Retrieved March 17, 2007.  ^ "Waiting to Exhale (1995)". Box Office Mojo. March 2, 1996. http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=waitingtoexhale.htm. Retrieved June 13, 2010.  ^ African American Filmmakers, African American Films: A Bibliography of Materials in the UC Berkeley Library, UC Berkeley Library (last visited February 15, 2008). ^ Rebecca Ascher-Walsh, "Back in the Groove?", Entertainment Weekly, August 14, 1998. ^ Nicole LaPorte, "Diary of a Mad Niche Hit", Variety, March 6, 2005. ^ White, Jack E. (January 15, 1996). "Heavy Breathing". Time. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,983966,00.html. Retrieved March 17, 2007.  ^ New York Times, December 22, 1995 ^ Entertainment Weekly December 1, 1995 pg.73 ^ Willman, Chris (October 12, 2001). "100 Best Movie Soundtracks". Entertainment Weekly. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,254121,00.html. Retrieved March 17, 2007.  ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (15 July 1995). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. pp. 38–. ISSN 00062510. http://books.google.com/books?id=ygsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA38. Retrieved 15 February 2012.  ^ Laurence, Charles. "The Arts: The gospel according to Whitney", The Daily Telegraph, December 14, 1996. Retrieved on January 1, 2008 ^ IMDb, Box office / business for "The Preacher's Wife" (last visited February 15, 2008). ^ Peter Stack, Human Comedy's Divine in 'Preacher's Wife', San Francisco Chronicle, December 13, 1996. ^ Jones, Steve (November 26, 1996). "'Preacher's Wife' steeped in the spirit". USA Today. http://www.whitney-fan.com/music/review/pw/012.shtml. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ "The Preacher's Wife Soundtrack Reviews". The Times. UK. http://www.whitney-fan.com/music/review/pw/014.shtml. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ a b Whitney scores as producer and star. Ebony Magazine. November, 1997. Retrieved on May 25, 2008. ^ Todd S. Purdum, "Television; The Slipper Still Fits, Though the Style Is New", The New York Times, November 2, 1997. ^ "Whitney & Brandy in 'Cinderella.' – updated version of 'Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella' – includes related article on producer and actress Whitney Houston", Ebony, November 1997. ^ Carter, Bill (November 5, 1997). "TV Notes; Happy Ending For 'Cinderella'". The New York Times: p. 7. http://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/05/arts/tv-notes-happy-ending-for-cinderella.html.  ^ "Cinderella: Emmy Nominations". classicwhitney.com. July 23, 998. http://www.classicwhitney.com/newsfile/reports/movienews/cinderella/emmys23jul1998.htm. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ Whitney Houston To Take On "Christie Love". MTV News. April 9, 1997. ^ "Streetwise Houston tries new approach Singer's tour hits town Monday" (Article ID: R00018180056). The Washington Times. July 3, 1999. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=WT&p_theme=wt&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB0F3AC7B4905E3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM.  ^ Anita M. Samuels (March 14, 1998). "Badu Heads Soul Train; Singer Picks Up 4 Awards". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 110 (11): 10. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=6w4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA7&lr&rview=1&pg=PA10#v=onepage&q&f=false. Retrieved June 30, 2010.  ^ "Soul Train Music Awards Library: 1998 The 12th Soul Train Music Awards". Don Cornelius Productions, Inc. February 27, 1998. http://www.soultrain.com/stma/library.html. Retrieved June 30, 2010.  ^ "The Billboard 200 chart listing for the week of December 5, 1998". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 110 (49): 126. December 5, 1998. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.ca/books?id=LgoEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA1&pg=RA1-PA126#v=onepage&q&f=false. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ Melinda Newman (October 31, 1998). "Houston Finds a New Groove with Arista Set". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 110 (44): 1, 86. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=IwoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA1. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ "The 71st Academy Awards (1999) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. March 21, 1999. http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/71st-winners.html. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ "1999 MTV Video Music Awards". MTV Network. September 9, 1999. http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1999/. Retrieved July 3, 2010.  ^ "Past Winners Search: Whitney Houston". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. February 23, 2000. http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=whitney+houston&title=&year=All&genre=All. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ ""My Love Is Your Love" single; triple platinum worldwide". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 111 (47): 137. November 20, 1999. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=fwgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA137. Retrieved September 25, 2010.  ^ a b "Whitney Houston Billboard chart history". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/whitney-houston/chart-history/4849. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ a b "Artist Chart History: Whitney Houston". The Official Charts Company. http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/whitney%20houston/. Retrieved October, 29, 2011.  ^ Vibe Media Group (April 1999). Vibe. Vibe Media Group. p. 60. ISSN 10704701. http://books.google.com/books?id=sigEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60.  ^ Vince Aletti, "Look Who's Ticking", The Village Voice, December 8, 1998 ^ "Whitney Houston World Tour '99 Becomes Europe's Highest Grossing Arena Tour of the Year". AllBusiness.com. October 19, 1999. http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/movies-sound-recording/6714253-1.html. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ "The American Recording Industry Announces its Artists of the Century". Recording Industry Association of America. November 10, 1999. http://www.riaa.net/newsitem.php?news_month_filter=11&news_year_filter=1999&resultpage=&id=3ABF3EC8-EF5B-58F9-E949-3B57F5E313DF. Retrieved July 23, 2010.  ^ David Basham (February 11, 2000). "TLC Nominated For Three Soul Train Music Awards". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1434868/20000211/tlc.jhtml. Retrieved July 4, 2010.  ^ Gail Mitchell (March 18, 2000). "TLC Rides Soul Train". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 112 (12): 20. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=nA4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA10&dq=soul%20train%20music%20awards%2014th&pg=PA20#v=onepage&q&f=false. Retrieved July 4, 2010.  ^ "Entertainment: Dublin gears up for MTV show". BBC News Online. November 11, 1999. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/515689.stm. Retrieved July 3, 2010.  ^ "Spears Tops 1999 MTV Europe Music Awards". Prometheus Global Media. November 12, 1999. http://www.billboard.com/news/spears-tops-1999-mtv-europe-music-awards-949845.story#/news/spears-tops-1999-mtv-europe-music-awards-949845.story. Retrieved July 2, 2010.  ^ Brian Ives (November 12, 1999). "Bono Honored As Britney Spears Dominates MTV Europe Awards". MTV Network. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1434401/19991112/spears_britney.jhtml. Retrieved July 3, 2010.  ^ "The Billboard 200 chart listing for the week of June 3, 2000". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 112 (23): 116. June 3, 2000. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=mQ8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA116. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ "Hits of the World". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 112 (25): 72–73. June 17, 2000. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=mw8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA88-IA2. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ "Reviews & Previews: Spotlight". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 112 (21): 26. May 20, 2000. ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=PA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA26. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ Steve Huey. "Whitney: The Greatest Hits review". Allmusic.com. http://www.allmusic.com/album/greatest-hits-import-version-r1226396/review. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ "RIAA Gold & Platinum searchable database". Recording Industry Association of America. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?content_selector=gold-platinum-searchable-database. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ "Florida Orchestra Sues Arista Over Anthem". Prometheus Global Media. December 17, 2001. http://www.billboard.com/news/florida-orchestra-sues-arista-over-anthem-1206586.story#/news/florida-orchestra-sues-arista-over-anthem-1206586.story. Retrieved October 29, 2011.  ^ "Whitney Houston biography". Rolling Stone. 2012. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/whitneyhouston/biography. Retrieved February 12, 2012. [dead link] ^ Larry McShane, "Whitney Houston Gets Bad Press", The Washington Post, April 6, 2000. ^ TCM Breaking News, "Fears for Whitney Houston Grow", September 11, 2001. ^ a b Andrew Dansby, "Whitney Insider Tells of Drug Use, Failed Intervention", Rolling Stone, June 7, 2000. ^ Movie & TV News @ IMDb.com, "Houston's Oscar Confusion", December 23, 2004. Houston was replaced at that Oscar telecast by singer Faith Hill. ^ a b c Diane Sawyer, Interview, ABC Primetime, December 4, 2002 (transcript available at whitney-fan.com). ^ Lafranco, Robert; Binelli, Mark; Goodman, Fred (July 4, 2002). "The Rolling Stone Money Report: The pop stars who earned the most last year – and how they did it". Wenner Media, LLC. http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938443/the_rolling_stone_money_report. Retrieved January 15, 2010.  ^ Whitney Houston Signs $100 Million Contract with Arista Records (p18). August 20, 2001. http://books.google.com/books?id=BbUDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA18. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ Mitchell, Gail (December 14, 2002). "Arista Aims New Houston Album At 'Core Urban' Fans". Billboard (Nielson Business Media, Inc.). http://books.google.com/books?id=MQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA1. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ Knolle, Sharon (September 13, 2001). "Reports of Whitney Houston's Death Denied". ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=102477&page=1. Retrieved March 17, 2007.  ^ Lynette Holloway, "In Switch, Whitney Houston Has to Sell an Album", The New York Times, November 11, 2002. ^ Shaheem Reid (September 17, 2001). "Whitney Houston's 'Star-Spangled Banner' To Wave Again". MTV Networks (Viacom). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1448905/whitneys-starspangled-banner-waves-again.jhtml. Retrieved February 14, 2012.  ^ "Whitney Houston Sued For $100 Million By Dad's Company". MTV. October 8, 2002. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458015/20021008/houston_whitney.jhtml?headlines=true. Retrieved January 15, 2008.  ^ "Whitney Houston is sued for $100 million by her father's entertainment company – Entertainment". Jet Magazine. October 28, 2002. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_19_102/ai_93457202. Retrieved January 15, 2008.  ^ Friedman, Roger. Whitney and Bobby No-Shows at Dad's Funeral FOXNews.com. February 10, 2003 ^ "Judge throws out Houston lawsuit". BBC News Online. April 15, 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3628169.stm. Retrieved January 15, 2008.  ^ Haring, Keith. "Crack is Wack". Crack is Wack Mural. http://www.haring.com/cgi-bin/art_lrg.cgi?date=1986&genre=Public%20Projects&id=00108.  ^ MetaCritic.com, "Just Whitney" by Whitney Houston (last visited February 15, 2008). ^ Vibe Media Group (September 2003). Vibe. Vibe Media Group. p. 186. ISSN 10704701. http://books.google.com/books?id=3iYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA186.  ^ "RIAA Certification Searchable Database". RIAA. January 10, 2003. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ "Whitney Houston calls Israel 'home'". Israel21c.org. 2003-06-01. http://www.israel21c.org/culture/whitney-houston-calls-israel-home. Retrieved 2012-02-13.  ^ Paul Cashmere, "Whitney Back With Clive Davis", Pops by Paul Cashmere, September 17, 2004 ^ Barry Garron, "'Being Bobby Brown' Is Disgusting", MSNBC, July 7, 2005. ^ Steve Rogers, "Report: Bravo's 'Being Bobby Brown' coming back for second season", RealityTV World, October 31, 2005. ^ "Brown Reality Show Cancelled", SFGate, The Daily Dish, January 10, 2007. ^ "Whitney Houston Files for Divorce From Bobby Brown". Associated Press. Fox News. September 13, 2006. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,213689,00.html.  ^ "Whitney wants to speed up her divorce". USA Today. February 1, 2007. http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-02-01-whitney-houston_x.htm. Retrieved October 5, 2008.  ^ Breuer, Howard; Keith, Amy (April 5, 2007). "Whitney Houston Wins Custody in Divorce From Bobby Brown". People. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20033741,00.html. Retrieved October 5, 2008.  ^ Listing for 1014 Tullamore Place in Fulton County, Georgia, tax records City-Data.com ^ Keith, Amy Elisa (May 11, 2007). "Bobby Brown Sues Whitney Houston for Custody, Spousal Support". People. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20038695,00.html. Retrieved October 5, 2008.  ^ Brown Cannot Overturn Houston Divorce Terms After Court No-Show, "The Daily Dish!", SFGate, January 7, 2008 ^ Friedman, Roger (March 13, 2007). "Whitney Houston Starts Work on New Album Today". Fox News. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,258421,00.html. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ "Whitney Houston – The Ultimate Collection (CD)". Amazon.co.uk. Amazon. October 29, 2007. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whitney-Houston-Ultimate-Collection/dp/B000WAEJZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300371753&sr=8-1. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ "Whitney Houston to Tell All On Oprah" CBS, August 20, 2009 ^ "Whitney Houston – Houston Details Drug Use: 'We Laced Marijuana With Rock Cocaine". Contact Music. September 15, 2009. http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/houston-details-drug-use-we-laced-marijuana-with-rock-cocaine_1116018. Retrieved November 11, 2010.  ^ Nekesa Mumbi Moody (Associated Press), "Whitney Houston, pop superstar, dies in Beverly Hills hotel" The Globe and Mail, February 11, 2012 ^ "Whitney Houston Album Due Out Sept. 1; 'American Idol' Auditions Kick Off". VOA News. Voice of America. June 9, 2009. http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-06-09-voa47.cfm. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ Singh, Anita (October 20, 2009). "Whitney Houston's weird performance on The X-Factor gives her top five hit". The Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/x-factor/6387117/Whitney-Houstons-weird-performance-on-The-X-Factor-gives-her-top-five-hit.html. Retrieved October 20, 2009.  ^ Nathan, Sara (October 20, 2009). "Nearly 15m watch X Factor as Cheryl Cole performs solo single (apart from the bits she mimed)". Mail Online (Associated Newspapers Ltd). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1221703/Nearly-15m-watch-X-Factor-Cheryl-Cole-performs-solo-single.html. Retrieved October 20, 2009.  ^ Harmsworth, Andrei (October 23, 2009). "Whitney Houston sparkles on Italian X Factor". Metro.co.uk (Associated Newspapers Ltd). http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/756506-whitney-houston-sparkles-on-italian-x-factor. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ "Whitney Conquers Italy – Again!". Official Whitney Houston Site. Sony Music Entertainment. October 21, 2009. http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/news/whitney-conquers-italy-again. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ a b "'I Look To You' Album Certified Platinum". whitneyhouston.com. December 1, 2009. http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/news/i-look-you-album-certified-platinum. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ ""Whitney Houston" 25th Anniversary". Official Whitney Houston Site. Sony Music Entertainment. November 20, 2009. http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/news/whitney-houston-25th-anniversary. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ Reliable, The (February 24, 2010). "This just in: Whitney Houston disappoints in Australia, Charlie Sheen enters rehab, Placido Domingo to undergo surgery". The Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/02/this_just_in_whitney_houston_d.html. Retrieved June 13, 2010.  ^ "Whitney cancels more shows". ITN. April 7, 2010. http://news.sky.com/home/showbiz-news/article/15601644. Retrieved June 13, 2010.  ^ Belinda Goldsmit (April 6, 201). "Due To Illness". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/news/whitney-houston-postpones-paris-show-due-1004080731.story#/news/whitney-houston-postpones-paris-show-due-1004080731.story. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ "Houston eyes will.i.am collaboration". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. April 6, 2010. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a212730/houston-eyes-william-collaboration.html. Retrieved June 13, 2010.  ^ D'Zurilla, Christie (May 9, 2011). "Whitney Houston in outpatient rehab for alcohol, drugs". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/05/whitney-houston-rehab-alcohol-drugs.html. Retrieved May 11, 2011.  ^ Billboard. September 12, 2011. Retrieved September 18, 2011 ^ Hibberd, James (September 12, 2011). "Whitney Houston circling 'Sparkle' musical remake with Jordin Sparks". Inside Movies – EW.com. Entertainment Weekly Inc. http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/09/12/whitney-houston-sparkle-remake-jordin-sparks-mike-epps/. Retrieved January 2, 2012.  ^ Kit, Borys (September 12, 2011). "Whitney Houston in Talks to Star in Music-Themed Drama 'Sparkle' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/whitney-houston-talks-star-music-234137.  ^ Sneider, Jeff (2011-09-23). "Cee-Lo Green joins 'Sparkle' cast – Entertainment News, Top News, Media". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118043361?categoryid=13&cs=1&cmpid=RSS. Retrieved 2011-11-18.  ^ Sneider, Jeff (2011-12-08). "Sony dates a trio of pics". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118047236?categoryid=13&cs=1&cmpid=RSS#.Tue4Z3y43ah.facebook.  ^ McCartney, Anthony (February 13, 2012). "Investigators seek answers to Houston's death". ABC News 4 (WorldNow). http://www.abcnews4.com/story/16918074/investigators-seek-answers-to-houstons-death. Retrieved February 14, 2012. [dead link] ^ Gerrick D. Kennedy (February 13, 2012). "Grammys 2012: Clive Davis sets the stage for Brandy/Monica redux". Los Angeles Times Blogs. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/02/grammys-2012-clive-davis-brandy-monica.html. Retrieved February 13, 2012.  ^ Fashingbauer, Gael (February 12, 2012). "Watch Whitney Houston's final performance". MSNBC.com Entertainment. MSNBC. http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/12/10391173-watch-whitney-houstons-final-performance. Retrieved February 13, 2012.  ^ "Whitney Houston's 'haunting' last performance". Yahoo! News. February 13, 2012. http://news.yahoo.com/whitney-houstons-haunting-last-performance-102000518.html. Retrieved February 13, 2012.  ^ Richard Winton; Andrew Blankstein (February 13, 2012). "Whitney Houston was found underwater in bathtub, police say". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/02/whitney-houston-found-underwater-bathtub-unconscious.html. Retrieved February 13, 2012.  ^ Whitney: Tribute to a Music Legend (Boca Raton, Florida: American Media, Inc.). 2012.  (one-time newsstand collector's publication) Pg. 37: "434: The room number at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles in which she was found dead on Feb 11, 2012." ^ a b Andrew Blankstein; Randy Lewis. "Whitney Houston's death: Medics performed CPR for about 20 minutes". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/02/whitney-houston-death-cpr.html. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ Jon Pareles; Adam Nagourney (February 11, 2012). "Whitney Houston, Pop Superstar, Dies at 48". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/arts/music/whitney-houston-dies.html?pagewanted=print. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ "Whitney Houston drowned after cocaine use, says coroner". BBC. March 22, 2012.  ^ Sheila Marikar (February 12, 2012). "Whitney Houston, Iconic Pop Star, Dies at 48". ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/whitney-houston-iconic-pop-star-dies-48/story?id=15565260. Retrieved February 22, 2012.  ^ Yan, Holly; Quan, Denise (February 12, 2012). "Music exec: Whitney Houston looked 'healthy and beautiful' days earlier". CNN. http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/12/showbiz/whitney-houston-death/. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ Wynter, Kareen; Martinez, Michael (March 22, 2012). "Coroner: Drowning, heart disease, cocaine use killed Houston". CNN. http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/22/coroner-drowning-heart-disease-cocaine-use-killed-houston/. Retrieved March 22, 2012.  ^ "Coroner: Whitney Houston died of accidental drowning". Entertainment on Today. MSNBC. March 22, 2012. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftodayentertainment.today.msnbc.msn.com%2F_news%2F2012%2F03%2F22%2F10815850-coroner-whitney-houston-died-of-accidental-drowning&date=2012-03-22. Retrieved March 23, 2012.  ^ McCartney, Anthony (March 22, 2012). "Houston died from drowning, coroner says". Associated Press (via Y! Music). http://music.yahoo.com/news/houston-died-drowning-coroner-says-213627189.html. Retrieved March 22, 2012.  ^ "Whitney Houston: Final coroner’s report". The Los Angeles Times. latimes.com. April 4, 2012. http://documents.latimes.com/whitney-houston-coroners-report-final/. Retrieved April 6, 2012.  ^ NEWCOMB, ALYSSA. "Whitney Houston Funeral: Singer Laid to Rest". abcnews.go.com. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/whitney-houston-funeral-singer-laid-rest/story?id=15745349. Retrieved 19 February 2012.  ^ "Whitney Houston's funeral: Love and humor dominate remembrances of pop superstar". NJ.com. 2011-11-01. http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/02/whitney_houstons_funeral_love_1.html. Retrieved 2012-02-19.  ^ Gamboa, Glenn (February 18, 2012). "Whitney Houston funeral notable moments and celebrities". Newsday. Fred Groser. http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/backstage-pass-1.811987/whitney-houston-funeral-notable-moments-and-celebrities-1.3539880. Retrieved February 20, 2012.  ^ 02/18/2012 by Olivia Allin. "Whitney Houston funeral: Bobby Brown leaves shortly after service began – 02/19/2012 | Entertainment News from". OnTheRedCarpet.com. http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Whitney-Houston-funeral:-Bobby-Brown-leaves-shortly-after-service-began/8549147. Retrieved 2012-02-19.  ^ Terruso, Julia (18 February 2012). "Whitney Houston to be buried in Westfield: A Jersey girl comes home". The Star-Ledger. http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/02/whitney_houston_to_be_buried_i.html. Retrieved 18 February 2012.  ^ "Clive Davis: Whitney Houston would have wanted the music to go on". Los Angeles Times. February 12, 2012. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/02/clive-davis-whitney-houston-dead.html. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ "Tony Bennett calls for legalization of drugs". Toronto Sun. 12 February 2012. http://www.torontosun.com/2012/02/12/tony-bennett-calls-for-legalization-of-drugs. Retrieved 14 February 2012.  ^ Gipson, Brooklyne (February 14, 2012). "Chaka Khan: Clive Davis Should Have Canceled His Party". BET. BET Interactive, LLC. http://www.bet.com/news/music/2012/02/14/chaka-khan-clive-davis-should-have-canceled-his-party.html. Retrieved February 17, 2012.  ^ Harp, Justin (February 16, 2012). "Sharon Osbourne slams Clive Davis party after Whitney Houston death". Digital Spy. Digital Spy Ltd. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a366189/sharon-osbourne-slams-clive-davis-party-after-whitney-houston-death.html. Retrieved February 17, 2012.  ^ "Singer Whitney Houston dies at 48". CNN. February 12, 2012. http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/11/showbiz/whitney-houston-dead/. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ a b "Mariah Carey, Diddy, Others React to Whitney Houston's Death". Rolling Stone. February 12, 2012. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/mariah-carey-diddy-others-react-to-whitney-houstons-death-20120212. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ Rice, Lynette (February 11, 2012). "Celebs react to Whitney Houston death: 'Please tell me it's not true'". Entertainment Weekly (Entertainment Weekly Inc.). http://music-mix.ew.com/2012/02/11/celebs-react-to-whitney-houston-death-please-tell-me-its-not-true/. Retrieved February 17, 2012.  ^ "'SNL' Showcases Karmin, Honors Whitney Houston". Idolator. February 12, 2012. http://idolator.com/6178091/karmin-snl-whitney-houston. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ "'SNL' Honors Whitney Houston". The Daily Beast. February 12, 2012. http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2012/02/12/snl-honors-whitney-houston.html. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ "Bobby Brown Says 'I Love You, Whitney' During Emotional Concert". Billboard. February 12, 2012. http://www.billboard.com/news/bobby-brown-says-i-love-you-whitney-during-1006170152.story#/news/bobby-brown-says-i-love-you-whitney-during-1006170152.story. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ "Singer Whitney Houston found dead". FoxNews. February 12, 2012. http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/02/11/whitney-houston-dies-at-48/. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ "Grammys honor 'fallen sister' Houston". New York Post (NYP Holdings, Inc.). February 13, 2012. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/grammys_honor_fallen_sister_houston_uColauGmHTD4fS2KlENCHM. Retrieved February 17, 2012.  ^ Botelho, Greg (February 12, 2012). "Grammys salute late icon: 'Whitney, we will always love you'". CNN (Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.). http://articles.cnn.com/2012-02-12/entertainment/showbiz_whitney-houston-grammy-tribute_1_whitney-houston-54th-annual-grammy-awards-grammy-winner?_s=PM:SHOWBIZ. Retrieved February 17, 2012.  ^ Rahman, Ray (February 18, 2012). "NAACP Image Awards tributes Whitney Houston, hands prizes to 'The Help' and George Lucas". Entertainment Weekly. Entertainment Weekly Inc.. http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/02/18/naacp-image-awards-whitney-houston-the-help/. Retrieved February 22, 2012.  ^ "Brit Awards 2012: Rhianna and Bruno Mars win international gongs at Brit Awards 2012". The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group Ltd. February 22, 2012. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newsvideo/celebrity-news-video/9097919/Brit-Awards-2012-Rhianna-and-Bruno-Mars-win-international-gongs-at-Brit-Awards-2012.html. Retrieved February 22, 2012.  ^ "Michigan man burns N.J. state flag to protest lowering of flags for Whitney Houston". NJ.com. Associated Press. 20 February 2012. http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/02/michican_man_burns_nj_state_fl.html#incart_hbx. Retrieved 21 February 2012.  ^ J. Downey, Ryan (February 27, 2012). "Whitney Houston, Elizabeth Taylor Remembered At Oscars". MTV. Viacom International Inc.. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1679980/oscars-2012-memoriam-whitney-houston.jhtml. Retrieved February 27, 2012.  ^ "Academy pays tribute to Whitney Houston at Oscars". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Ltd. February 27, 2012. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/feb/27/whitney-houston-oscars-tribute. Retrieved February 27, 2012.  ^ Maury Dean (June 1, 2003). Rock 'n' roll: Gold rush : a singles un-encyclopedia. Algora Publishing. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-87586-207-1. http://books.google.com/books?id=lJS4EArRBwoC&pg=PA87.  ^ a b c Powers, Ann. "Album Review: Whitney Houston's 'I Look To You'". Los Angeles Times. August 25, 2009 ^ "Whitney Houston: the life, death and rebirth of a pop princess". Times UK. http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6876609.ece. Retrieved February 5, 2012.  ^ Saint Bris, Gonzague (2009) (in French). La Malibran. Belfond. p. 105. ISBN 978-2-7144-4542-1.  ^ "Blender Magazine's 22 Greatest Voices". Blender. http://www.amiannoying.com/(S(2il2p4555xuggu3m5gbfneam))/collection.aspx?collection=534. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ "100 Outstanding Pop Vocalists". COVE. http://celebrities-group.popsugar.com/1659579. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ Perpetua, Matthew (February 13, 2012). "Photos: Ten Incredible Whitney Houston Performances". Rolling Stone. Jann S. Wenne. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/ten-incredible-whitney-houston-performances-20120213. Retrieved February 18, 2012.  ^ a b c Caramanica, Jon (February 12, 2012). "A Voice of Triumph, the Queen of Pain". The New York Times (The New York Times Company). http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/13/arts/music/whitney-houstons-voice-of-triumph-and-pain.html. Retrieved February 18, 2012.  ^ "Higher and Higher. Mariah Daily Journal". Web.archive.org. Archived from the original on June 1, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080601235137/http://www.mariahdaily.com/infozone/magazines/1998/vibe/index.shtml. Retrieved November 11, 2010.  ^ Everitt, Lauren (February 15, 2012). "Whitney Houston and the art of melisma". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17039208. Retrieved February 20, 2012.  ^ "If Ella Fitzgerald is the queen of jazz, Billie Holiday first lady of the blues, and Aretha Franklin the queen of soul, then who is the queen of pop? In the 1990s, it would seem to be a three-way tie between Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion. Certainly all three have their devotees and detractors, but their presence has been inescapable." in Lister, Linda (2001). "Divafication: The Deification of Modern Female Pop Stars". Popular Music and Society 25 (3/4): p. 1. ISSN 03007766  ^ Holden, Stephen (July 22, 1993). "Review/Pop; For Whitney Houston, Showy Doesn't Count: The Show Is the Voice". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/22/arts/review-pop-for-whitney-houston-showy-doesn-t-count-the-show-is-the-voice.html. Retrieved March 13, 2011.  ^ Gardner, Elysa (November 24, 1996). "Oh, Whitney – for Heaven's Sake". Los Angeles Times.  ^ "Whitney Houston". Headliners and Legends. NBC. August 8, 2000. ^ Hunt, Dennis (January 18, 1987). "Baker And The Rise Of Black Women In Pop". Los Angeles Times (Tribune Company). http://articles.latimes.com/1987-01-18/entertainment/ca-5281_1_other-black-women. Retrieved March 26, 2011.  ^ a b Huey, Steve. "Whitney Houston Biography". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/whitney-houston-p4519/biography. Retrieved October 16, 2010.  ^ Holden, Stephen. "The Pop Life; 1986, A Musically Conservative Year". The New York Times. December 31, 1986. ^ Corliss, Richard, Elizabeth L. Bland, and Elaine Dutka (July 13, 1987). "Show Business: The Prom Queen of Soul". Time. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,964980-2,00.html. Retrieved October 16, 2010.  ^ Holden, Stephen. "Review/Pop; Diana Ross Flirts With a Willing Audience". The New York Times. June 16, 1989. ^ Gill, Any (February 17, 2012). "Whitney Houston, the greatest voice of her generation". The Independant (Independent Print Ltd.). http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/whitney-houston-the-greatest-voice-of-her-generation-6988653.html. Retrieved February 20, 2012.  ^ Song Woong-ki (March 29, 2010). "Whitney Houston to perform in Seoul". The Korea Herald. http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20100108000023. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ Macnie, Jim (2001). "Whitney Houston Biography". Rolling Stone. Jann S. Wenner. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/whitney-houston/biography. Retrieved October 16, 2010.  ^ "50 Most Influential RnB Stars". Essence. June 21, 2011. http://photos.essence.com/galleries/50_most_influential_black_musicians#811963. Retrieved July 1, 2011.  ^ "Whitney Houston obituary". The Guardian. Feb 2012. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/feb/12/whitney-houston-obituary. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ Toni Braxton Talks About Her Hit Love Songs, Sexy Image and Religious Background. January 17, 1994. http://books.google.com/books?id=2LkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA39. Retrieved October 17, 2010.  ^ Rodman Sarah. "Teen queen Aguilera belts 'em out like Whitney Houston". Boston Herald. September 5, 1999. Page 064 ^ IBTimes Staff Reporter (February 14, 2012). "LeAnn Rimes Performs Whitney Houston Tribute of 'I Will Always Love You'". International Business Times. The International Business Times Inc.. http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/298549/20120214/whitney-houston-tribute-leann-rimes-video-song.htm. Retrieved February 20, 2012.  ^ "Jessica Simpson Biography". Bandbiographies.com. July 10, 1980. http://www.bandbiographies.com/jessica_simpson/biography.htm. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ Nelly Furtado. "show". Isound.com. http://www.isound.com/nelly_furtado. Retrieved February 12, 2012.  ^ "Jessica simpson online – Actress Singer Photo gallery wallpapers biography". Jessicasimpsonlive.info. http://www.jessicasimpsonlive.info/. Retrieved January 2, 2012.  ^ a b c "Everybody Talk About Pop Music!". MTV. August 2001. ^ Good Morning America. ABC. August 20, 2009. ^ "From Beyonce to Gaga: 8 Singers Influenced by Whitney Houston – Ashanti". ABC News. ABC News Internet Ventures. February 16, 2012. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/singers-influenced-whitney-houston/story?id=15632234#7. Retrieved February 20, 2012.  ^ Cordova, Randy. "R&B singer-songwriter Robin Thicke follows his own tune". Arizona Republic. March 4, 2009. ^ Hall, Rashaun (July 27, 2002). Amerie Offers 'All' She Has. http://books.google.com/books?id=AAwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA20. Retrieved October 19, 2010.  ^ Roberts, Damone (October 7, 2010). "Beauty 101: Kelly Rowland's Next Chapter". Essence. http://www.essence.com/entertainment/celebrity_spotlight/damone_roberts_kelly_rowland_new_music_hairstyle.php. Retrieved October 17, 2010.  ^ Friedman, Roger (December 18, 2002). "Mariah Calls, Whitney Falls". Fox News. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,73318,00.html. Retrieved April 25, 2009.  ^ Gardner, Elysa. "Carey frees her spirit, and it is named 'Mimi'". USA Today. April 11, 2005. ^ "From Beyonce to Gaga: 8 Singers Influenced by Whitney Houston – Celine Dion". ABC News. ABC News Internet Ventures. February 16, 2012. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/singers-influenced-whitney-houston/story?id=15632234#6. Retrieved February 20, 2012.  ^ Caldwell, Rebecca. "Destiny's Child". The Globe and Mail. July 21, 2001 page R1. ^ Beyoncé "From Beyonce to Gaga: 8 Singers Influenced by Whitney Houston – Beyoncé". ABC News. ABC News Internet Ventures. February 16, 2012. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/singers-influenced-whitney-houston/story?id=15632234#3 – Beyoncé. Retrieved February 20, 2012.  ^ 1st Annual BET Awards. Black Entertainment Television. June 19, 2001. ^ Johnson, Billy, Jr. (June 25, 2010). "Brandy On Whitney Houston's Self-Titled Debut: Black Music Month Album Spotlight No. 15". Yahoo! Music. http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/282721/brandy-on-whitney-houstons-self-titled-debut-black-music-month-album-spotlight-15/. Retrieved October 17, 2010.  ^ "Celebrating Black Music". EBONY (Johnson Publishing Company) 61 (8): 166. June 2006. ISSN =0012-9011. http://books.google.com/books?id=eIFwcIQHLeQC&pg=PA166. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ Mitchell, Gail (November 14, 2009). The Elements of Style. http://books.google.com/books?id=Pnp_Xu47q9cC&pg=PT21. Retrieved October 19, 2010.  ^ Seymour, Gene. "Destiny's real child, Jennifer Hudson looks headed for stardom, and maybe an Oscar, with 'Dreamgirls'". Newsday. December 10, 2006. Page C06. ^ Bull, Sarah (October 19, 2007). "Leona Lewis' Spirited chart bid". The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2007/10/19/leona_lewis_spirited_chart_bid/. Retrieved October 18, 2010.  ^ Newman, Melinda. "Jennifer Hudson to 'surprise duet' at Davis party". The Associated Press. February 6, 2008. ^ Talarico, Brittany (November 11, 2009). "Whitney Houston to Take the Stage at the AMAs". OK!. http://www.okmagazine.com/2009/11/whitney-houston-to-take-the-stage-at-the-amas/. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ Willman, Chris (December 10, 1993). "Pop Music Review: Houston Tops Off Record Night With Show's Highlight". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1993-12-10/entertainment/ca-373_1_pop-music-review. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ Dezzani, Mark (May 21, 1994). "World Music Awards Gaining Stature". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 106 (21). ISSN 0006-2510. http://books.google.com/books?id=TAgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA41. Retrieved February 9, 2010.  ^ "The Greatest " Ep. 071 "50 Greatest Women of the Video Era"". VH1. May 17, 2003. http://www.vh1.com/shows/the_greatest/episode.jhtml?episodeID=66355#moreinfo. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ "The 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons Complete Ranked List" (Press release). VH1. July 21–25, 2003. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-200-greatest-pop-culture-icons-complete-ranked-list-70807437.html. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ "The Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists". Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. 2008. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/specials/hot100/charts/top100-artists-20.shtml. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ Holden, Stephen (February 16, 1985). "Cabaret: Whitney Houston". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1985/02/16/arts/cabaret-whitney-houston.html. Retrieved January 13, 2009.  ^ "Who Will Come Out On Top Of VH1's 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time? | Vh1 Blog". Blog.vh1.com. August 25, 2010. http://blog.vh1.com/2010-08-25/who-will-come-out-on-top-of-vh1s-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time. Retrieved November 11, 2010.  ^ "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years". Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. November 18, 2010. http://www.billboard.com/#/column/the-juice/the-top-50-r-b-hip-hop-artists-of-the-past-1004127916.story?page=5. Retrieved March 17, 2011.  ^ Billboard 110 Years: A Billboard Anniversary Salute. November 27, 2004. http://books.google.com/books?id=bBMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA17. Retrieved October 19, 2010.  ^ Susman, Gary (June 22, 2001). "Black Power, Plus Phantom Menace DVD will compete with pirated edit, another movie ad scandal, and more". Entertainment Weekly. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,131512,00.html. Retrieved January 12, 2010.  ^ "Top Selling Artists". RIAA. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTopArt. Retrieved June 9, 2008.  ^ Johnson Publishing Company (June 1990). Ebony. Johnson Publishing Company. pp. 138–. ISSN 00129011. http://books.google.com/books?id=8tMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA138. Retrieved February 13, 2012.  ^ "MTV Movie Awards: Best Female Performance". swaptree.com. July 13, 1993. http://www.swaptree.com/DVDs/awards/mtv-movie-awards-best-female-performance/5/43/. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "MTV Movie Awards: Best Breakthrough Performance". swaptree.com. July 13, 1993. http://www.swaptree.com/DVDs/awards/mtv-movie-awards-breakthrough-perf-female/5/53/. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "MTV Movie Awards: Best On-Screen Duo". swaptree.com. July 13, 1993. http://www.swaptree.com/DVDs/awards/mtv-movie-awards-best-screen-team/5/49/. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ 1992 RAZZIE Nominees & "Winners" Razzie Awards'.' Retrieved February 21, 2010. ^ "Whitney Houston: Blurbs". tv.com. http://www.tv.com/whitney-houston/person/23304/trivia.html. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ EBONY's 50th Anniversary Show, Denzel Washington Among NAACP Image Award Winners (p60). March 3, 1997. http://books.google.com/books?id=mjkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA58. Retrieved January 8, 2010.  ^ Fitzpatrick, Eileen (February 1, 1997). 1996 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards Nominees Announced. http://books.google.com/books?id=zA4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA61. Retrieved June 15, 2010.  ^ "1997 Kids' Choice Awards". Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/Sections/Awards/Kids_Choice_Awards_USA/1997. Retrieved January 13, 2010.  ^ Stewart, Bhob. "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella Description". Allmovie. http://www.allmovie.com/dvd/rodgers-hammersteins-cinderella-34500. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ a b "1998 Emmy Awards: nominees for Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special". emmys.com. September 13, 1998. http://www.emmys.com/award_history_search?person=&program=&start_year=1998&end_year=1998&network=All&web_category=425&winner=All. Retrieved October 16, 2010.  ^ a b The 29th NAACP Image Awards Official Ballot. The Crisis. December 1997 – January 1998. http://books.google.com/books?id=RVkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA24-IA2. Retrieved June 30, 2010.  ^ a b "Whitney Houston Film Appearances". filmreference.com. http://www.filmreference.com/film/14/Whitney-Houston.html. Retrieved September 26, 2009.  ^ "Commercial Breaks: Stars Who Made Their Screen Debuts in TV Commercials, Whitney Houston (3 of 13)". television.aol.com. http://television.aol.com/photos/commercial-breaks-celebrity-debuts. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "Other works for Whitney Houston". Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001365/otherworks. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "Whitney Houston Diet Coke Commercial (1986)". starsinginglessons.com. http://starsinginglessons.com/blog/24/diet-coke-commercial-music/. Retrieved January 10, 2010.  ^ "Whitney Houston Diet Coke Commercial "Just for the Taste of It" (1988)". advertisementave.com. http://www.advertisementave.com/tv/ad.asp?adid=186. Retrieved January 10, 2010.  ^ Lisa D. Campbell (1993). Michael Jackson: the king of pop. Branden Books. p. 185. ISBN 978-0-8283-1957-7. http://books.google.com/books?id=BVC9zltjf-EC&pg=PA185.  ^ Evans Price, Deborah (October 14, 1995). Pop Writer/Producer Keith Thomas Overcoming Nashville's Country Stigma. http://books.google.com/books?id=iA4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA45. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "アイム・ユア・ベイビー・トゥナイト ~ ホイットニー・ヒューストン(Whitney Houston's I'm Your Baby Tonght Japanese edition)". amazon.co.jp. http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%A0%E3%83%BB%E3%83%A6%E3%82%A2%E3%83%BB%E3%83%99%E3%82%A4%E3%83%93%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%88%E3%82%A5%E3%83%8A%E3%82%A4%E3%83%88-%E3%83%9B%E3%82%A4%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%BB%E3%83%92%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%83%88%E3%83%B3/dp/B000J10DXY/. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "Whitney Houston's Early TV Commercials: She Could Really Sell It – 1990 Sanyo". Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc.. February 12, 2012. http://www.businessinsider.com/whitney-houstons-early-tv-commercials-she-could-really-sell-it-2012-2#sanyo-1990-3. Retrieved February 22, 2012.  ^ Whitney On Wheels. July 11, 1994. http://books.google.com/books?id=NuQCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA7. Retrieved January 10, 2010.  ^ Elliott, Stuart (June 15, 1994). "The Media Business: Advertising – Addenda; Whitney Houston In Deal With AT&T". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/15/business/the-media-business-advertising-addenda-whitney-houston-in-deal-with-at-t.html. Retrieved January 15, 2010.  ^ "Whitney Houston's Early TV Commercials: She Could Really Sell It". Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc.. February 12, 2012. http://www.businessinsider.com/whitney-houstons-early-tv-commercials-she-could-really-sell-it-2012-2#. Retrieved February 22, 2012.  ^ "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella Production Credits". Allmovie. http://www.allmovie.com/work/rodgers-amp-hammersteins-cinderella-160176/credits. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "The Princess Diaries Production Credits". Allmovie. http://www.allmovie.com/work/the-princess-diaries-249183/credits. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "2002 Young Artist Awards Winners & Nominees". Internet Movie Database. April 7, 2002. http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000716/2002. Retrieved October 16, 2010.  ^ "2002 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards Winners & Nominees". Internet Movie Database. January 11, 2002. http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000133/2002. Retrieved October 16, 2010.  ^ "2002 Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards Winners & Nominees". Internet Movie Database. January 29, 2002. http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0001104/2002. Retrieved October 16, 2010.  ^ "2002 Teen Choice Awards Winners & Nominees". Internet Movie Database. August 4, 2002. http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000644/2002. Retrieved October 16, 2010.  ^ "The Cheetah Girls Production Credits". Allmovie. http://www.allmovie.com/work/the-cheetah-girls-292197/credits. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement Production Credits". Allmovie. http://www.allmovie.com/work/the-princess-diaries-2-royal-engagement-295941/credits. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  ^ "The Cheetah Girls 2: When in Spain Production Credits". Allmovie. http://www.allmovie.com/work/the-cheetah-girls-2-when-in-spain-353844/credits. Retrieved January 11, 2010.  Further reading[link] Whitney Houston (March 1999). My love is your love: piano, vocal, chords. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.. ISBN 978-0-7692-7734-9.  Kevin Ammons (April 1998). Good Girl, Bad Girl: An Insider's Biography of Whitney Houston. Carol Pub Group. ISBN 978-0-8065-8012-8.  Jeffery Bowman (February 1995). Diva: the totally unauthorized biography of Whitney Houston. Harper. ISBN 978-0-06-100853-5.  Craig Halstead (September 2010). Whitney Houston: For the Record. Authors OnLine, Limited. ISBN 978-0-7552-1278-1.  James Robert Parish (September 2003). Whitney Houston: The Unauthorized Biography. Aurum Press. ISBN 978-1-85410-921-7.  James Robert Parish (April 2010). Whitney Houston: Return of the Diva. John Blake. ISBN 978-1-84454-919-1.  External links[link] Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Whitney Houston Official website Whitney Houston at RollingStone Whitney Houston at the Internet Movie Database Whitney Houston collected news and commentary at The New York Times Whitney Houston collected news and commentary at The Wall Street Journal Whitney Houston collected news and commentary at The Guardian Works by Whitney Houston on Open Library at the Internet Archive Whitney Houston at MTV v t e Whitney Houston Discography Videography Tours and concerts Awards and nominations Studio albums Whitney Houston (1985) Whitney (1987) I'm Your Baby Tonight (1990) My Love Is Your Love (1998) Just Whitney... (2002) One Wish: The Holiday Album (2003) I Look to You (2009) Soundtrack albums The Bodyguard (1992) Waiting to Exhale (1995) The Preacher's Wife (1996) Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997) Compilation albums Whitney: The Greatest Hits (2000) Love, Whitney (2001) The Ultimate Collection (2007) Concert tours The Greatest Love World Tour (1986) Moment of Truth World Tour (1987–88) Feels So Right Tour (1990) I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour (1991) The Bodyguard World Tour (1993–94) The Pacific Rim Tour (1997) The European Tour (1998) My Love Is Your Love World Tour (1999) Soul Divas Tour (2004) Nothing but Love World Tour (2010) Notable concerts & appearances Freedomfest: Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Celebration (1988) Welcome Home Heroes with Whitney Houston (1991) The Concert for a New South Africa (1994) Brunei: The Royal Wedding Celebration (1996) Classic Whitney Live from Washington, D.C. (1997) VH1 Divas Live '99 VH1 Divas Duets: A Concert to Benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation (2003) Achievements Chart records and achievements Grammy awards history American Music Awards history Related articles Super Bowl XXV Arista Records "Heart" "Dance with Somebody" "The Bodyguard (musical)" Book Category Portal v t e Whitney Houston singles Whitney Houston "You Give Good Love" (1985) "All at Once" (1985) "Saving All My Love for You" (1985) "Thinking About You" (1985) "How Will I Know" (1986) "The Greatest Love of All" (1986) Whitney "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" (1987) "Didn't We Almost Have It All" (1987) "So Emotional" (1987) "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" (1988) "Love Will Save the Day" (1988) "I Know Him So Well" (1989) I'm Your Baby Tonight "I'm Your Baby Tonight" (1990) "All the Man That I Need" (1990) "Miracle" (1991) "My Name Is Not Susan" (1991) "I Belong to You" (1991) "We Didn't Know" (1991) The Bodyguard "I Will Always Love You" (1992) "I'm Every Woman" (1993) "I Have Nothing" (1993) "Run to You" (1993) "Queen of the Night" (1993) Waiting to Exhale "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (1995) "Count on Me" (1996) "Why Does It Hurt So Bad" (1996) The Preacher's Wife "I Believe in You and Me" (1996) "Step by Step" (1997) "My Heart Is Calling" (1997) My Love Is Your Love "When You Believe" (1998) "Heartbreak Hotel" (1999) "It's Not Right but It's Okay" (1999) "My Love Is Your Love" (1999) "I Learned from the Best" (2000) Whitney: The Greatest Hits "Could I Have This Kiss Forever" (2000) "If I Told You That" (2000) "Fine" (2000) "Same Script, Different Cast" (2000) Just Whitney "Whatchulookinat" (2002) "One of Those Days" (2003) "Try It on My Own" (2003) "Love That Man" (2003) One Wish: The Holiday Album "One Wish (for Christmas)" (2004) I Look to You "I Look to You" (2009) "Million Dollar Bill" (2009) Featured singles "Hold Me" (1984) "It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Never Gonna Be" (1989) "Something in Common" (1994) Other songs "One Moment in Time" (1988) "The Star Spangled Banner" (1991) "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" (2009) Book Category Portal   Whitney Houston honors v t e Primetime Emmy Award for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program (1976–2000) Harvey Korman / Brenda Vaccaro (1974) Jack Albertson / Cloris Leachman (1975) Chevy Chase / Vicki Lawrence (1976) Tim Conway / Rita Moreno (1977) Tim Conway / Gilda Radner (1978) Cloris Leachman (1984) George Hearn (1985) Whitney Houston (1986) Robin Williams (1987) Robin Williams (1988) Linda Ronstadt (1989) Tracey Ullman (1990) Billy Crystal (1991) Billy Crystal (1992) Dana Carvey (1993) Tracey Ullman (1994) Barbra Streisand (1995) Tony Bennett (1996) Bette Midler (1997) Billy Crystal (1998) John Leguizamo (1999) Eddie Izzard (2000) Complete list (1976–2000) (2001–2025) v t e Grammy Award for Record of the Year (1990s) "Wind Beneath My Wings"* by Bette Midler produced by Arif Mardin (1990) "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins produced by Hugh Padgham & Phil Collins (1991) "Unforgettable"* by Natalie Cole with Nat King Cole produced by David Foster (1992) "Tears in Heaven"* by Eric Clapton produced by Russ Titelman (1993) "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston produced by David Foster (1994) "All I Wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow produced by Bill Bottrell (1995) "Kiss from a Rose"* by Seal produced by Trevor Horn (1996) "Change the World"* by Eric Clapton produced by Babyface (1997) "Sunny Came Home"* by Shawn Colvin produced by John Leventhal (1998) "My Heart Will Go On"* by Celine Dion engineered/mixed by David Gleeson, Humberto Gatica & Simon Franglen; produced by James Horner, Simon Franglen & Walter Afanasieff (1999) Complete list (1960s) (1970s) (1980s) (1990s) (2000s) (2010s) v t e Grammy Award for Album of the Year (1990s) Year Album Artist(s) Producer(s)* 1990 Nick of Time Bonnie Raitt Don Was 1991 Back on the Block Quincy Jones and various artists Quincy Jones 1992 Unforgettable… with Love Natalie Cole André Fischer, David Foster, Tommy LiPuma 1993 Unplugged Eric Clapton Russ Titelman 1994 The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album Whitney Houston Babyface, BeBe Winans, David Cole, David Foster, L.A. Reid, Narada Michael Walden, Robert Clivilles 1995 MTV Unplugged Tony Bennett David Kahne 1996 Jagged Little Pill Alanis Morissette Glen Ballard 1997 Falling into You Celine Dion Aldo Nova, Billy Steinberg, Dan Hill, David Foster, Humberto Gatica, Jean-Jacques Goldman, Jeff Bova, Jim Steinman, John Jones, Ric Wake, Rick Hahn, Rick Nowels, Roy Bittan, Steven Rinkoff 1998 Time Out of Mind Bob Dylan Daniel Lanois 1999 The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Lauryn Hill Lauryn Hill Complete list (1960s) (1970s) (1980s) (1990s) (2000s) (2010s) *Engineers/Mixers hidden unless notable v t e Billboard Year-End number one singles (1980–1999) 1980: "Call Me" – Blondie 1981: "Bette Davis Eyes" – Kim Carnes 1982: "Physical" – Olivia Newton-John 1983: "Every Breath You Take" – The Police 1984: "When Doves Cry" – Prince 1985: "Careless Whisper" – Wham! featuring George Michael 1986: "That's What Friends Are For" – Dionne & Friends 1987: "Walk Like an Egyptian" – The Bangles 1988: "Faith" – George Michael 1989: "Look Away" – Chicago 1990: "Hold On" – Wilson Phillips 1991: "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" – Bryan Adams 1992: "End of the Road" – Boyz II Men 1993: "I Will Always Love You" – Whitney Houston 1994: "The Sign" – Ace of Base 1995: "Gangsta's Paradise" – Coolio featuring L.V. 1996: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix) – Los del Río 1997: "Candle in the Wind 1997"/"Something About the Way You Look Tonight" – Elton John 1998: "Too Close" – Next 1999: "Believe" – Cher Complete list (1946–1959) (1960–1979) (1980–1999) (2000–2019) v t e Billboard Year-End number one albums (1970–1989) 1970: Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel 1971: Jesus Christ Superstar – Soundtrack 1972: Harvest – Neil Young 1973: The World Is a Ghetto – War 1974: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John 1975: Elton John's Greatest Hits -Elton John 1976: Frampton Comes Alive! – Peter Frampton 1977: Rumours – Fleetwood Mac 1978: Saturday Night Fever – Soundtrack 1979: 52nd Street – Billy Joel 1980: The Wall – Pink Floyd 1981: Hi Infidelity – REO Speedwagon 1982: Asia – Asia 1983: Thriller – Michael Jackson 1984: Thriller – Michael Jackson 1985: Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen 1986: Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston 1987: Slippery When Wet – Bon Jovi 1988: Faith – George Michael 1989: Don't Be Cruel – Bobby Brown Complete list (1956–1969) (1970–1989) (1990–2009) (2010–2029) v t e UK best-selling singles (by year) (1990–2009) 1990: "Unchained Melody" - The Righteous Brothers · 1991: "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" - Bryan Adams · 1992: "I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston · 1993: "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" - Meat Loaf · 1994: "Love Is All Around" - Wet Wet Wet · 1995: "Unchained Melody" - Robson & Jerome · 1996: "Killing Me Softly" - Fugees · 1997: "Something About the Way You Look Tonight"/"Candle in the Wind 1997" - Elton John · 1998: "Believe" - Cher · 1999: "...Baby One More Time" - Britney Spears · 2000: "Can We Fix It?" - Bob the Builder · 2001: "It Wasn't Me" - Shaggy feat. Rikrok · 2002: "Anything Is Possible"/"Evergreen" - Will Young · 2003: "Where Is the Love?" - The Black Eyed Peas · 2004: "Do They Know It's Christmas?" - Band Aid 20 · 2005: "Is This the Way to Amarillo" - Tony Christie feat. Peter Kay · 2006: "Crazy" - Gnarls Barkley · 2007: "Bleeding Love" - Leona Lewis · 2008: "Hallelujah" - Alexandra Burke · 2009: "Poker Face" - Lady Gaga Complete list (1952–1969) (1970–1989) (1990–2009) (2010–2029) Authority control: PND: 118852663 | LCCN: n87938447 | VIAF: 100252201 | WorldCat Persondata Name Houston, Whitney Elizabeth Alternative names Whitney Houston Short description American popular singer, songwriter, actress, arranger, film producer, model Date of birth 1963-08-09 Place of birth Newark, New Jersey, United States Date of death 2011-02-11 Place of death Beverly Hills, California, United States