The Bodyguard

soundtrack. Her multi-octave vocal range became her signature sound, and led to her discovery by Arista Records’ president Clive Davis.

Whitney signed with Arista in 1983 and released her self-titled debut album two years later.

The New York Times

called her first effort, “an impressive, musically conservative showcase for an exceptional vocal talent.” She continued to garner similar accolades for subsequent albums, while her fast-growing fan base catapulted her into the realm of world-class entertainer. She crossed over into acting, starring in the Hollywood blockbusters “The Bodyguard,” “Waiting To Exhale,” and “The Preacher’s Wife.” In 1998, she released her most musically-diverse album to date, “My Love Is Your Love.” The title track became her third best-selling single ever.

The past 10 years were filled with highs and lows. While Whitney’s contract at Arista Records was renewed for $100 million, album sales began to slide. Her 14-year marriage to singer Bobby Brown ended in 2007, she canceled concerts and interviews, and allegations arose of drug abuse. As recently as May 2011, she was enrolled at a rehabilitation facility for drug and alcohol problems. Her final album

I Look To You

, sold more than two million copies and reached the Number One spot in 2009.

Houston’s untimely death prompted tributes the world over. Celebrities in Los Angeles for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards spoke glowingly about her influences and contributions. Mariah Carey said, “She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices ever to grace the earth.” And Tony Bennett, who dedicated a song to her at a pre-Grammy party, said, “When I first heard her I called Clive Davis and said, ‘You finally found the greatest singer I’ve ever heard in my life.’”