On the eve of the Grammys, word of pop superstar Whitney Houston’s death shocked the industry and led to an outpouring of grief across social-media platforms.
Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Hollywood by one of her bodyguards Saturday afternoon, just hours before she was scheduled to appear at a pre-Grammys party.
Whitney Houston inspired many female artists in the music industry and broke racial barriers throughout her career, said Akil Houston, an Ohio University professor of black media who is not related to Whitney Houston.
“She was an amazing talent on many levels, and her vocal range ensured she didn’t have to rely on scantily clad outfits, shock and gimmicks to sell records when she was at her peak,” Houston said in an email.
Houston, who allegedly had an abusive marriage with R&B singer Bobby Brown in the 2000s and publically battled allegations of drug addiction, boasts sales of more than 170 million albums worldwide.
Her soundtrack to the 1992 film The Bodyguard is the best-selling soundtrack in recording history, with an estimated 44 million albums sold worldwide.
Houston, who was named Guinness World Records’ Most Awarded Female Act of All Time, has won two Emmys, six Grammys, more than 20 American Music Awards and 30 Billboard Awards during a career spanning more than three decades.
Clive Davis, Houston’s producer, promoted her as the “Black Madonna” of the ’80s, leading her to outsell other artists of the time, Akil Houston said.
Akil Houston added that Whitney Houston will be remembered for her accomplishments and influence in the music industry rather than her personal problems.
“Houston was a true innovator in pop music,” he said. “All female artists today owe her a debt of gratitude — from Rihanna and Beyoncé to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.”
At last night’s Grammy Awards, host L.L. Cool J kicked off the show with a prayer dedicated to Houston. Later in the show, after the Grammy tribute to music industry greats who passed last year, singer Jennifer Hudson sang Houston’s famous rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”
Houston’s cause of death has not yet been determined, but an autopsy was scheduled to take place Sunday.
jj360410@ohiou.edu
