Singer Whitney Houston was found dead on Saturday February 11, 2012. Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. PT; she was 48 years
old. Despite her last years being taunt with tabloid rumors and drug addiction, Houston was getting back on track. She had undergone rehab, released a #1 album in 2009 (I Look To You), and had recently finished filming the movie Sparkle set to hit theaters in August this year. Currently, the cause of death is unknown and is under investigation. Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said there were “no obvious signs of foul play and no obvious signs of a cause of death.”
The news of Houston’s death was a shock to her family, friends, and fans. Saturday was the eve of the Grammy Awards, which frantically tried to get a tribute together for the late singer for the Sunday broadcast. Clive Davis was Houston’s mentor and had this to say at his Pre-Grammy event: “I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me. She was full of life, looking forward for tonight. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrated music. Whitney was a beautiful person and she had a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage … so many times. So simply put: Whitney would have wanted the music to go on.”
Dozens of stars have shared all over Twitter, Facebook, and the news of Houston’s immense influence on them. Just a few tweets from those Houston has influenced the most.
Mariah Carey: “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.”
Alicia Keys: “I feel sick…. Life is precious, we are fragile souls. Let’s love each other! I miss you beautiful Whitney, the whole world misses you!!”
Jennifer Lopez: “Such a loss. One of the greatest voices of our time. Sending out prayers to her family… #R.I.P.Whitney.”
Wyclef Jean: “The voice of an Angel, the Heart of a Lamb, the spirit of a Lioness, the presence of a Goddess, love you R.I.P Whitney Houston.”
Rihanna: “No words! Just tears #DearWhitney.”
Houston’s true legacy will be her voice. Many have called her the best singer in the world. She was able to span across genres and brought pop, R&B, and gospel all to the top of the charts. Undoubtedly Houston’s biggest hit was “I Will Always Love You,” the theme to Houston’s successful film The Bodyguard. The song went on to spend 14 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100 and made Houston the first female artist to have a single be certified 4X platinum. Houston wasn’t only known for just one song, she had an entire career of setting and breaking records. The following is just a few of the records Houston holds that truly show the scope of her influence.
– The first female artist to have an album (Whitney Houston) reach diamond certification for sales by the RIAA
– The first and only artist to have seven consecutive #1 hits on the Hot 100
– The first female to ever debut on the Billboard 200 at #1, for her album Whitney
– Guinness lists Houston as the most awarded female artist of all time with over 415 awards
Overall, Houston has sold over 170 million albums, singles, and videos worldwide according to her official website. Houston was a daughter, sister, mother, friend, and idol to her family, friends, and fans. Leaving behind a daughter, Bobbi Kristina, Houston will be remembered as a true legend and one of the, if not the greatest female singer of all time.
