Today marks three years since the world class singer and icon Whitney Houston died. During her time here, Whitney gave us countless records, movies and a smile worthy of its own award that will live on forever. It’s simply impossible to name every single Whitney moment, but we did gather a few of our favorites. As you celebrate the life and legacy of The Greatest Voice Of All Time, hold these memories in your hearts and share some of your own below.
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Whitney Houston, 1985
Whitney’s self-titled debut album dropped on Valentine’s Day of 1985. It featured singles “How Will I know” and “Saving All My Love for You.” Whitney Houston was the first debut album to achieve three number-one singles.
Whitney, 1987
Whitney was the album that soared Houston into international fame. It was the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, introducing the hit single “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).”
The Star Spangled Banner, 1991
For the Super Bowl XXV halftime, Whitney sung “The Star Spangled Banner.” The rendition was just after the onset of the Persian Gulf War and released as a single. Since then, entertainers have tried to imitate Whitney’s nuances but the original still ranks as the nation’s most popular version.
The Bodyguard, 1992
Whitney was handpicked by The Bodyguard co-star Kevin Costner to play the role of Rachel Marron. The actor received a lot of flak for selecting an African American woman lead, but he recently said on The Meredith Vieira Show, “I thought she was the cutest girl I’ve ever seen.”
I Will Always Love You, 1992
The classic single was written and originally performed by country wonder Dolly Parton in 1974. In 1992, Whitney Houston re-recorded the song for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Houston’s arrangement is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
When You Believe, 1998
Whitney Houston joined vocals with Mariah Carey for an epic collaboration, “When You Believe.” The inspirational song was recorded for the Prince of Egypt soundtrack and received an Academy Award. The pair went on to perform it on The Oprah Winfrey Show and the Oscars.
The Preacher’s Wife, 1996
The Preacher’s Wife was Whitney’s third feature film. She took on the role of Julia Biggs and sang several songs for the movie’s soundtrack, including a spirited version of “I Love the Lord.” Co-starring was Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance.
Cinderella, 1997
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was the first time the fairytale
featured an ethnically diverse cast. Houston co-produced the movie and personally called R&B icon Brandy to play Cinderlla. Brandy agreed, but only under the condition that Whitney act as Fairy Godmother.I Look to You, 2009
I Look to You is Houston’s sixth studio album and features the title single. “I Look to You” was written specifically for Whitney Houston by R. Kelly and was considered among fans to be a comeback record for the singer. The album has earned platinum status since its release.
Whitney Houston and Bobbi Kristina on Oprah, 2009
After a private interview with Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston and Bobbi Kristina joined Oprah in front of a studio audience to talk about her won battle with drugs. When Winfrey asked Bobby Kristina how proud she was of her mother, she responded, “Words can’t explain how proud I am of her.” She described her mother as her best-friend.
I Didn’t Know My Own Strength AMA Performance, 2009
At the 2009 AMA’s, Whitney Houston performed “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” from her I Look to You album. She lit the entire Nokia Theater in a head-to-toe white gown. Celebrities, like country sensation Reba McEntire, rejoiced in tears over the emotional performance. Others, like rapper Jay-Z, took to their feet and praised the singer with applause.
Sparkle, 2012
The 2012 remake of Sparkle stars Jordin Sparks as Sparkle and Whitney Houston as her mother, Emma. In the film, Houston plays a churchgoing single mother who tries to steer her daughters from their show business dreams. In one scene, the singer/actress gives a riveting solo of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” This was her last film before her passing.