On February 11, shortly before 4pm (US time) saw the confirmation of the death of arguably the world’s greatest R&B singer spread across the music world: Whitney Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. There have been no details released as of yet, regarding the circumstances of her death.
The voice that produced the likes of I Will Always Love You and Saving All My Love for You lit up our ears from the early 80s, shone through the 90s and broke through fearful allegations in the ‘noughties’. She was an inspiration to all music fans, and was a true legend of her trade, from nightclub crooner to international sensation in a matter of years.
Houston, the goddaughter to Aretha Franklin, sparkled her way into the spotlight and took up acting in 1992 starring in The Bodyguard alongside Kevin Costner. She was currently working on the remake of the 1976 film Sparkle, alongside fellow soul-singers Cee-Lo Green and Jordin Sparks, portraying the story of the infamous Williams sisters. It seems almost on the edge of irony that Whitney passed away on Grammy Award weekend.
The soul-sensation was riddled with drug allegations late in her career, initiated after her frail form sparked media rumours when she appeared in Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Special in 2001. Despite admitting to drug use in late 2003, Houston made a triumphant return to the mic in 2009 with her album, I Look to You.
However, unconvincing performances whilst on X Factor and whilst on tour with her new album revived some of the dormant doubt in the eyes of the media and her fans alike.
170 million records sold, 17th on the all-time sales list, Houston was and will always be a sensation, with a voice that will ring throughout time.
