Whitney Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was one of the most celebrated female singers of all time. In 2009, the Guinness World Records name her the most-awarded female performing artist of the 20th century. Gifted with a glorious voice, she released her debut single, the ballad "You Give Good Love" in February 1985 which topped the charts and was certified diamond. She went on to release several follow up albums, 1987's "Whitney," 1990's "I'm Your Baby Tonight," and 1992's "The Bodyguard" soundtrack. Her list of awards, totaling over 400, includes two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards. Houston was also one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 170 million albums worldwide.

Whitney Houston spent most of her last years mired in a drug addiction that sapped her will to sing and left her in a shambolic state. On February 11, 2012, the eve of the Grammys, Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel at the age of 48.