Origins & Early Life

Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, film producer, and record producer. Commonly referred to as "the Voice", Houston is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of more than 220 million records worldwide. She is among the most awarded artists of all time. A cultural icon, Houston broke down gender and racial barriers through her artistic achievements, Hollywood crossover, and music videos.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Known for her vocal delivery, gospel singing style, crossover appeal, and live performances, she was ranked second on Rolling Stone's list of the greatest singers of all time in 2023. Houston became one of the first black women to appear on the cover of Seventeen after becoming a teen model in 1981. She signed to Arista Records at the age of 19. Her first two studio albums, Whitney Houston (1985) and Whitney (1987), topped the Billboard 200 for 14 and 11 weeks, respectively. The former remains the best-selling debut album by a solo artist, while the latter made her the first woman to debut atop the US and UK charts.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Houston took a more urban turn with her third album, I'm Your Baby Tonight (1990), and performed an acclaimed...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abd el-Krim — Contemporary (Died in 1963) (1963): Moroccan revolutionary leader who spearheaded the revolt against French and Spanish Protectorates.
• Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke — Contemporary (Died in 1963) (1963): British Field Marshal and Chief of the Imperial General Staff during WWII.
• Aldous Huxley — Contemporary (Died in 1963) (1963): English writer and philosopher known for social satire and mystical explorations.
• Adam Yauch — Contemporary (Died in 2012) (2012): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Albert O. Hirschman — Contemporary (Died in 2012) (2012): Pioneering American economist known for development and political economy theories.
• Alfred F. Young — Contemporary (Died in 2012) (2012): Pioneering American historian of the Revolution and working-class social history.
• Alexandre Alexeieff — Shared historical date (08-09 · Died) (1982): Russian-born artist, filmmaker, and illustrator known for inventing the pinscreen technique.
• Amedeo Avogadro — Shared historical date (08-09 · Born) (1776): Pioneering Italian scientist known for Avogadro's law on gas volumes and molecular theory.
• Antony Flew — Shared historical date (02-11 · Born) (1923): English analytic and evidentialist philosopher known for his critique of religion.
• Brandy Norwood — Shared historical date (02-11 · Born) (1979): Iconic R&B vocalist, songwriter, and actress known for her vocal prowess.
• 1963 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1963
• August 9 (08-09) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 9
• 2012 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2012
• February 11 (02-11) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 11