The Legacy of Whitney Houston

No embellishment was needed to describe Whitney Houston’s vocal talent — she was “The Voice.” With her octave-spanning instrument, Houston could inject drama into a song with unparalleled emotional power. Recall her 1985 hit “How Will I Know.” In just seconds, Houston transforms what could’ve been an ordinary pop song into a four-and-a-half-minute tour de force about the desire to be seen.

Rise to Stardom

Houston’s coruscating voice propelled her to superstardom. Her first two albums — 1985’s “Whitney Houston” and 1987’s “Whitney” — spawned a record-setting seven consecutive No. 1 hits. Nearly three decades after its release, “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, which features Houston’s iconic version of “I Will Always Love You,” remains the best-selling soundtrack album of all time.

Diverse Musical Genres

Some listeners know only Houston’s pop tunes — 1987’s electrifying “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” for instance. However, the singer worked immaculately across a variety of genres. From her new-jack-swing track “My Name Is Not Susan” (1990) to her gospel-influenced version of “I Believe in You and Me” (1996), Houston showcased her versatility. Additionally, her skittering R&B toe-tapper “If I Told You That” (1998) further demonstrates her breadth.

Challenges and Triumphs

By the time Houston passed away from a drug-related accidental drowning on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48, her life had evolved into a spectacle filled with challenges. She faced relentless scrutiny regarding her personal life, including her turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown and the public’s judgment of her struggles with addiction and the deterioration of her voice.

Musical Institution

Nevertheless, Houston was much more than the gossip surrounding her life; she was a musical institution. At her zenith, she was capable of delivering rafter-shaking vocal performances that left a lasting impact on the music industry and her audience alike.