Whitney Houston – short story of big star

“I decided long ago to never walk in someones shadow; If I fail, or if I succeed at least I did as I believed” - Whitney Houston

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey on August 9, 1963. Her mother, Emily "Cissy" Houston (née Drinkard), was a member of The Drinkard Singers and later joined The Sweet Inspirations, a popular vocal group. Cissy recorded albums with the group and sang background vocals for artists such as Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Elvis Presley.

She even received a Grammy nomination for her song, "Sweet Inspiration". Whitney's father, John Russell Houston Jr., was an ex-Army serviceman and worked as a Newark city administrator for then-mayor Kenneth A. Gibson. He also managed The Sweet Inspirations. Whitney had an elder brother, Michael, who was a songwriter, as well as an elder maternal half-brother named Gary Garland, who was a former basketball player and singer. Additionally, she had an elder paternal half-brother named John III.

Order custom essay Whitney Houston – short story of big star with free plagiarism report

450+ experts on 30 subjects Starting from 3 hours delivery

Get Essay Help

Whitney's parents were both African-American, but it's been alleged that she had Dutch and Native American ancestry on her mother's side. Through her mother, Whitney was a first cousin of singers Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick and a distant cousin of opera singer Leontyne Price.

In 1985, Clive Davis and Arista Records released her debut album called “Whitney Houston”. This album lead Whitney to her first Grammy. After two years she released her second album in 1987. This received even more popularity with the hit song “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”. Whitney Houston was very successful, winning around 60 awards and selling 200 million records and singles. She sang a version of “I Will Always Love You” which is still today, the biggest selling single of all time by a female artist! Whitney also was an actress in over 12 movies. Her most famous movie she acted in was “The Bodyguard”.

In 1989, Houston started her own charity to help children in need. She supported over 16 charities. Whitney would visit children in hospitals and send personal letters to charities in which she was involved . In total she donated over half a million dollars to charity. One of her many awards was because of her humanitarian work.

In 1992, Whitney Houston married Bobby Brown. Soon afterwards, they had their first kid, Bobbi Houston. There were lots of rumors about drug and alcohol abuse in their relationship. Through the rumors, Whitney still persevered. In the following years she released another album and was named the most awarded female artist of all time by Guinness World Records. In 2007, Whitney and Bobby divorced.

On February 11, 2012 Whitney Houston sadly died. It was the night before the Grammy Show, when she accidentally drowned in her hotel bath tub. That day the world lost a legend.

Whitney Houston was a remarkable lady with passion and generosity. Her voice is extraordinary but what is also great is, her heart. I admire her because of her willingness to fight through hard times and to still give back to others in the process. The world will forever remember her and the impact she has made on present and future artists. She will always be one of the greatest singers of all time!

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Run a free check or have your essay done for you

Check my essay Hire Writer