A year ago today , Whitney Houston was found dead in her guest room at the Beverley Hilton Hotel , having accidentally drowned in her bathtub. She was just 48 years of age. An extraordinary voice , that had sold in excess of 200 million records worldwide , had been tragically silenced by years of chronic cocaine use.
It was a tragic denouement to one of music's biggest and most successful fairytale stories. Born in Newark , New Jersey to the legendary gospel singer Cissy Houston and cousin to Dionne Warwick , music was interwined in her DNA. Plucked from obscurity by revered mogul Clive Davis , Whitney Houston was an idol to million. The definitive "hairbrush in the mirror " singer , her voice was unrivaled , her songs timeless.
And here's why. These are Whitney Houston's 10 most definitive and quintessential songs.
1. I Have Nothing ( 1993 )
Quite Simply the greatest song , Houston ever put that immaculate voice to. On eof the many highlights of the legendary The Bodyguard soundtrack. Here was Whitney at the peak of her vocal powers. Stunning , epic chorus. Her finest moment
2. I Will Always Love You (1992 )
When you look back at Whitney Houstons music, this is THE song. Her trademark , her calling card , her opus dei. A Dolly Parton cover that has become of the most beloved songs of all time and one of the most successful. Probably , the ultimate power ballad. The quiet intro as Whitney softly sings " If I should stay / " The rest was record breaking history. That final boom before that glorious chorus. Divine
3. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (1987 )
This was Whitney's pop moment. A bona fide 80s classic with video to match. It was an unashamedly , euphoric pop romp. From the opening "Woooh " . Whitney was on the verge of icon status. this was an exquisite pop moment. Superb
4. One Moment In Time ( 1988 )
The official anthem for the Seoul Olympics, one of Whitneys most famous ballads. A vocal performance that shone. Cheesy , yes , but it's a staple Whitney ballad
5. How Will I Know (1985 )
An early precursor to I Wanna Dance With Somebody. A young Whitney embraced the 80s pop sound of the time with this cutesy , irresistible anthem.
" Theres a boy I know , he's the one I dream of " It was as catchy and playful and carefree as her music ever got
6. Saving All My Love For You (1985 )
Whitney first Number 1 in both the US and UK. " A few stolen moments is all that we share " It was slinky , seductive and showcased that legendary voice , in its first big hit. Vintage
7. The Greatest Love Of All ( 1986 )
Whitney seemed unstoppable at this point in her career. Perhaps her cheesiest ballad , but most quoted too " I believe the children are our future" Its gone on to be a karaoke classic , but only Whitney could belt it out with such natural , easy finesse. "Learning to love yourself , it is the greatest love of all "
8. My Love Is Your Love (1999 )
Probably Whitney's last great anthem , as her life spiraled out of control throughout the Noughties. This was a huge summer anthem , produced by Wyclef Jean. A fitting way for her to see out the Nineties
9. Step By Step (1997 )
From The Preachers Wife soundtrack , this Annie Lennox reboot was one of Houstons most overlooked tracks. Uplifting and funky , its become somewhat of an afterthought in her back catalogue. But for me , its Whitney at her best
10. It's Not Right , But It's Okay (1999 )
This was one of Whitney's finest pure RnB moments , if not her finest. A fiesty yet forgiving Houston calls out a cheating lover , telling him " pack yo bags , leave your key , dont you dare coming running back to me " It was Whitney at her most defiant and fresh , and a song that not just slotted in with the RnB scene of the time , but shone above it
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