Whitney Houston was an iconic American singer, actress, and producer who became one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, she was raised in a family rich with musical talent—her mother was gospel singer Cissy Houston, her cousin was singer Dionne Warwick, and Aretha Franklin was a close family friend. Whitney began singing in her church choir as a child and quickly displayed extraordinary vocal talent. In 1983, she was discovered by music executive Clive Davis, who signed her to Arista Records. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1985, was a massive success and included hits like "Greatest Love of All" and "How Will I Know." Her follow-up album, "Whitney" (1987), made her the first female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Over her career, she became known for her powerful voice, effortless range, and emotionally resonant performances, with songs like "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," "Saving All My Love for You," and the record-breaking "I Will Always Love You." Whitney also achieved success in film, starring in box office hits like "The Bodyguard" (1992), which featured her signature song "I Will Always Love You," as well as "Waiting to Exhale" (1995) and "The Preacher’s Wife" (1996). Her work in both music and film earned her numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards, 22 American Music Awards, and an Emmy Award. She also influenced generations of artists, inspiring countless vocalists with her unmatched talent and artistry. Despite her professional success, Whitney faced personal struggles, including issues with substance abuse, which affected her career and well-being. On February 11, 2012, Whitney tragically passed away at the age of 48, just hours before a pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills. Her death was ruled as an accidental drowning, with heart disease and drug use as contributing factors. Whitney Houston's legacy endures as one of the greatest voices in music history, and she is remembered for her groundbreaking achievements, unparalleled vocal talent, and indelible impact on the worlds of music and entertainment.