On August 9 music fans across the US will commemorate the 60th birthday of musical icon Whitney Houston. With her musical prowess and soulful voice Houston has left an indelible impression on the world. She made her debut with gospel music and then became renowned for blending pop music with gospel singing techniques. She constantly topped Billboard charts and swept accolades at various award ceremonies.
Whitney started as an artist by singing in church. She had also sung backup vocals for artists like Chaka Khan and Lou Rawls, honing her skills while learning from experienced performers. Her career-defining moment came at the age of 19 when she signed with Arista Records, which took her from gospel music to the world of pop music. Whitney’s debut album, Whitney Houston (1985), was an indicator of the new talent in American music, as the album produced three US number ones.
For her stellar vocal capabilities and finesse, fans labeled her “The Voice.” The power, range, and emotive quality of her voice were unparalleled to any other artist of her generation. Her songs were a wonderful example of how emotions could be impactfully conveyed through vocals.. Songs like “I Will Always Love You,” which spent 14 weeks on top of music charts, were examples of the versatility with which Whitney Houston sang.
Having constantly broken records and delivered chartbusters, Whitney also inspired a generation of singers. Her oeuvre also inspired messages of resilience and empowerment and resonated with listeners across age groups.
Her untimely demise in 2012 was a heartbreaking moment for the fans of the artist. Even after 11 years since her passing, Whitney’s legacy continues to be reflected and carried forward.
