Looking in, Whitney Houston did have it all: beauty, fame and talent. Unfortunately, the music legend had fought a well-publicized battle with drugs and alcohol that ended in taking her life. She was found dead in her suite at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday February 10. She was 48.
Houston was seen two days prior to her death at LA nightclub, Tru, for R&B singer, Kelly Price’s, pre-Grammy party. She was scheduled to appear at her mentor, Clive Davis’s, annual Grammy Gala. According to CBS News, Houston had shown up to Gala rehearsals looking “disheveled” and reeking of alcohol and cigarettes.
Houston had a career most could only dream of. Her debut album was released in 1985 and from there she became one of the best selling female artists of all time. In 1992 she appeared in her first film, The Bodyguard. The movie itself received mixed reviews, but the soundtrack she recorded was a monster hit and contained what would become her signature song, a cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
She married New Edition member, Bobby Brown, in 1993 and, for many, this was the turning point in Houston’s life. Her marriage to Brown was volatile and often toxic. In the years following her marriage, Houston’s demeanor began to change. She and Brown became a tabloid staple and her previous successes were eclipsed by her bizarre behavior. Bravo’s television series Being Bobby Brown depicted Houston almost as a former shell of herself, prone to outrageous outbursts. She and Brown divorced in 2007 and many expected (and hoped) for a comeback. After stints in rehab and two “comeback” albums, it became apparent that Houston’s voice was shot. The years of drug and alcohol abuse had ravaged one of the most beautiful voices ever recorded. She had, in fact, had it all, but let the temptations of fame get the best of her.
As was expected, Grammy host LL Cool J kicked off Sunday’s Grammy awards with a short prayer in honor of Houston, followed by a clip of her performing “I Will Always Love You” in her prime. The entire audience got on its and clapped, likely remembering Whitney the way she was.
