Born in East Orange, N.J., Whitney Houston’s voice enabled her to travel the world, inspire fans, build a family and leave a legacy. Here are some key dates in the life of Whitney Houston:
1963: Whitney Elizabeth Houston is born in East Orange, N.J. to gospel singer Cissy Houston on Aug. 9.
1974: Starts performing as soloist in junior gospel choir at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
1978: Sings backup on mother’s album “Think It Over,” beginning run of backup performances for artists including Chaka Khan, Jermaine Jackson and Lou Rawls.
1983: Arista records executive sees her performing on stage with her mother, label head Clive Davis sees her soon after and signs her to contract.
1985: Debut album, “Whitney Houston,” is released, selling millions and spawning huge hits “How Will I Know,” ”You Give Good Love,” ”Saving All My Love For You” and “Greatest Love of All.”
1987: Multiplatinum follow-up album “Whitney” is released. Includes hits “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” ”So Emotional” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.”
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1988: Records theme song for Seoul Olympics, “One Moment In Time.”
1991: Returns to limelight with performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl during the first Gulf War.
1992: Stars opposite Kevin Costner in “The Bodyguard.” The hit film makes Houston a Hollywood star and its theme song, “I Will Always Love You,” becomes a signature hit that tops charts for weeks and wins Grammys for record of the year and best female pop vocal.
1992: Begins high profile and tumultuous marriage to former New Edition member and soul-singing star Bobby Brown.
1993: Has daughter with Brown, Bobbi Kristina.
1995: Stars in movie “Waiting to Exhale.”
1996: Stars opposite Denzel Washington in “The Preacher’s Wife.”
1997: Appears as fairy godmother in TV version of Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”
1998: Releases album “My Love Is Your Love.” Song “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” brings Grammy for best female R&B vocal.
2003: Police respond to domestic violence call from Houston about Brown. Police find Houston with cut lip and bruised cheek.
2004: Briefly enters drug rehabilitation clinic.
2005: Returns to drug rehab under court order.
2005: Appears in reality TV show “Being Bobby Brown.”
2006: Files for legal separation from Brown.
2007: Divorces Brown.
2009: Comeback album “I Look To You” debuts at top of charts, eventually goes platinum.
2009: In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, declares herself drug free. She would return to rehab in 2011.
2012: Dies at age 48 in a hotel room in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Feb. 11.
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