Practically since her birth on August 9, 1963, it just appeared that Whitney Elizabeth Houston had a destiny of greatness awaiting her. Born as the youngest of 3 children to Grammy-winning Gospel artist Cissy Houston, and father, John R. Houston (1920-2003), an Armed Forces veteran and entertainment executive, Whitney, not surprisingly, got started at an early age.
On many occasion, young Whitney would accompany her mother when Cissy herself would perform. It would be an insult and a half to think that she was just an observer. A pre-teen Whitney first learned her craft by playing piano at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. Where she would also perform her first solo - "Guide Me, O' Thou Great Jehovah" (Boy, Did He Ever)!
Whitney did, as mentioned, perform in choirs under director Cissy's tutelage. As it would turn out, the young teen with the petite frame would yield one of the most powerful voices in recent memory. Its clarity was stunning, the sound, though melodic, was near deafening. Kind of like a Lion-Queen. Yes, even as a kid, Whitney Houston could surely roar.
Suddenly, the legendary pedigree that included parents John & Cissy Houston, cousin Dionne Warwick, and godmother, Aretha Franklin would take hold forever more. Many offers and fans would come her way. Soon, all wanted to not just see, not just hear, but experience the sweet girl with the sensational voice.
Among her mentors: Chaka Khan. Gladys Knight. Roberta Flack. It was through her mother, Warwick, and Franklin, which she would inevitably credit these three with the impact her career would have.
Because her mother wanted her to finish school, In 1980, 17-year old Whitney Houston declined offers from The Michael Zager Band, and Elektra Records. This despite singing backups to Khan, Lou Rawls and Jermaine Jackson just 3 years earlier. However, this turned out to be a wise choice on Cissy's part because while mother and daughter were performing together in a nightclub---in NYC no less---Whitney was noticed yet again by Arista Records rep. Gerry Griffith.
This meeting with an all-impressed Griffith led to another meeting with Arista boss Clive Davis. Davis, a fine marketeer with one of the keenest eyes for talent, was sold on Whitney himself. After taking the time to see her perform, she did not disappoint in the slightest. By 1983, this time with her mother's blessing, Whitney Houston was officially signed with Arista Records. Soon after which, Whitney Houston was a prominent star.
On many occasion, young Whitney would accompany her mother when Cissy herself would perform. It would be an insult and a half to think that she was just an observer. A pre-teen Whitney first learned her craft by playing piano at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. Where she would also perform her first solo - "Guide Me, O' Thou Great Jehovah" (Boy, Did He Ever)!
Whitney did, as mentioned, perform in choirs under director Cissy's tutelage. As it would turn out, the young teen with the petite frame would yield one of the most powerful voices in recent memory. Its clarity was stunning, the sound, though melodic, was near deafening. Kind of like a Lion-Queen. Yes, even as a kid, Whitney Houston could surely roar.
Suddenly, the legendary pedigree that included parents John & Cissy Houston, cousin Dionne Warwick, and godmother, Aretha Franklin would take hold forever more. Many offers and fans would come her way. Soon, all wanted to not just see, not just hear, but experience the sweet girl with the sensational voice.
Among her mentors: Chaka Khan. Gladys Knight. Roberta Flack. It was through her mother, Warwick, and Franklin, which she would inevitably credit these three with the impact her career would have.
Because her mother wanted her to finish school, In 1980, 17-year old Whitney Houston declined offers from The Michael Zager Band, and Elektra Records. This despite singing backups to Khan, Lou Rawls and Jermaine Jackson just 3 years earlier. However, this turned out to be a wise choice on Cissy's part because while mother and daughter were performing together in a nightclub---in NYC no less---Whitney was noticed yet again by Arista Records rep. Gerry Griffith.
This meeting with an all-impressed Griffith led to another meeting with Arista boss Clive Davis. Davis, a fine marketeer with one of the keenest eyes for talent, was sold on Whitney himself. After taking the time to see her perform, she did not disappoint in the slightest. By 1983, this time with her mother's blessing, Whitney Houston was officially signed with Arista Records. Soon after which, Whitney Houston was a prominent star.
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