Whitney Houston Rebounds With New Music
I Look To You Re-Launches the Popular Singer’s Career
Born August 9, 1963 in Newark, New Jersey, Whitney Elizabeth Houston, is the daughter of Cissy and John Houston. Her mother sang with the gospel group the Sweet Sensations; they are the same group that sang backup for Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, a woman who is also Whitney’s godmother.
Music Is In Whitney Houston’s Genes
Music is in Whitney Houston’s genes. She was a teenager when she decided that she wanted to follow in her mother and godmother’s footsteps and launch her own singing career. Familiar with the strains of the road and the demands of celebrity, her mother checked with her to make sure that she wanted to build a career as a performer and not solely as a recording artist.
In March 1985, two years after he first heard Whitney sing at a nightclub, Arista Records’ executive, Clive Davis, launched a then 18 year old Whitney Houston’s first album. Titled Whitney Houston, the album sold over 12 million units worldwide. Produced by Jermaine Jackson, Michael Masser, Narada Walden and Kashif, the album was the most highly selling debut album by a solo artist in history. It was only the beginning.
Two years later in June 1987, Whitney’s second album, Whitney, was released. With the album Whitney earned seven consecutive number one hits. As if wanting to share the rewards of her success, in 1989 Whitney started the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children. The nonprofit organization provides resources for children around the world who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and healthcare challenges.
Continuing Success for Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s third album, I’m Your Baby Tonight, sold eight million copies. Seven years into her career in 1992, the singer appeared in her first major motion picture, The Bodyguard. One of the songs from the movie that was originally recorded beautifully by country music sensation, Dolly Parton, “I Will Always Love You,” became an instant hit. The movie soundtrack went on to sell over 42 million copies.
1992 was a big year for Whitney. July 18, 1992 she married singer Bobby Brown, member of the group New Edition. Whitney became a first time mother on March 4, 1993 when she gave birth to Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown. Bobbi Kristina would go on to play a significant and pivotal role in her mother’s life.
Waiting to Exhale and a Growing Film Career
Whitney’s next major motion picture appearance was in the movie Waiting to Exhale. Based on bestselling writer Terry McMillan’s novel by the same name, the movie was a runaway hit and pulled in more than $70 million at the box office.
Whitney, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Brandy, Patti Labelle, Faith Evans, Chante Moore, Shanna, SWV, TLC, For Real and Aretha Franklin sang on the soundtrack. With the myriad of talented singers contributing to the recording, the soundtrack went on to sale nearly 14 million units worldwide.
The Preacher’s Wife, which paired Houston with Denzel Washington,and The Bishop’s Wife were Whitney’s next film projects. Busy with films, Whitney’s next solo album was not released until 1998. The album, titled My Love Is Your Love, was certified platinum four times. In 2002 and 2003 Whitney released a compilation of her greatest hits and a Christmas album, consecutively.
The Challenging Years
The next years for Whitney were a haze of rumors and suspected drug abuse. After appearing in the Bravo reality television series, “Being Bobby Brown,” Whitney stepped out of the spotlight. On April 24, 2007 she divorced from Bobby.
Determined to see her daughter live a rewarding life, Cissy Houston reached deeply into spiritual roots and prayed diligently for her daughter. In time Whitney entered rehab and began to rebuild her personal life and her career.
An Icon Returns
Whitney has said that her daughter Bobbi Kristina is a key reason that she will release a new album on September 1, 2009. At the July 2009 preview for I Look To You, Whitney credited her daughter with encouraging her to advance while she worked on the album, especially during times when the singer experienced doubts.
Songs on the new album include “Nothin’ But Love,” “I Look To You,” “Like I Never Left” and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” At the album preview, Whitney made it clear that she wants to be known for her music and not her personal life.
Her voice would seem ample reward. She has covered more number one hits than any other recording artist. She has won 20 American Music Awards, more than any other solo artist. She and Michael Jackson have the most World Music Awards at five a piece. She has also won seven Grammy Awards. The release of I Look To You on September 1 should be a long awaited treat.
Sources:
Whitney Houston Official Website. 27 July 2009.
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