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Whitney Houston's Birthday: 10 Facts About the Late Songstress

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Last year, the iconic Whitney Houston unexpectedly passed way at the age of 48. Her death on the eve of the Grammys was a shock to the music world that the "I Will Always Love You" singer once reigned over as queen of pop. Though plagued over the years by drug use and drama from her marriage to Bobby Brown, her majestic voice will always mark her as a regal figure within the music world.

On what would've been her 49th birthday (Aug. 9), The BoomBox celebrates all things Whitney by featuring 10 little known facts about the singing diva. Who knew we had Kevin Costner to thank for the use of "I Will Always Love You" in "The Bodyguard"?

1. Of all the artists to blow up on the Billboard charts, Whitney Houston is the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Top 100 Singles.

2. Before she started her career as a singer and actress, she was a teen model. Houston was one of the first African-Americans to grace the cover of Seventeen magazine at the tender age of 17.

3. The singer's tumultuous marriage to Bobby Brown constantly put them in the spotlight for less than favorable reasons. However, looking back at their wedding reveals an over-the-top event to rival those of today. Whitney's favorite color was purple so the entire bridal party wore attire in the hue. Groomsmen even wore purple tuxedos with matching custom-made alligator dress shoes.

4. Just like anyone else, she had her particular preferences. Her favorite actress was Jessica Lange and her favorite cereal was the sugary sweet Fruity Pebbles.

5. Supposedly Robert DeNiro had a major crush on the lovely Ms. Houston in the late '80s. "She's the sexiest woman I have ever seen. She is gorgeous. I want her by my side," he is rumored to have said. If only Whitney had chosen Robert over Bobby.

6. She shares a birthday with three famous people: NBA star Derek Fisher, actor Sam Elliott, and "Working Girl" star Melanie Griffith.

7. Whitney Houston was the definition of a triple threat. She's in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only artist with at least one Grammy, Emmy, MTV Video Music Award, MTV Movie Award, People's Choice Award and Billboard Music Award. This makes her officially the "The Most Awarded Female Artist of All Time."

8. Although offered a role on "The Cosby Show" playing Sondra Huxtable, the "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" singer turned it down. She told director Jay Sandrich she needed to be free to tour, even though she didn't have a record deal yet.

9. The movie star wasn't set to sing "I Will Always Love You" as the closing song for "The Bodyguard." The tune that was supposed to be used was a cover of "What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted" but when her co-star Kevin Costner found out that song was being used in the film "Fried Green Tomatoes," he searched for the Dolly Parton original for Houston to sing. It was also his idea for Whitney to perform it a cappella.

10. In a 2002 interview with Diane Sawyer, Houston was asked to look 10 years into the future and paint a picture of what her perfect life would be. In Whitney's words, if she was alive today, she would be "retired, siitting, looking at my daughter grow up, become a great woman of God, grandchildren."

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Paza

just as Tiffany implied I'm stunned that some one able to get paid $5098 in one month on the computer. have you seen this web link N u Tt yR i C h d o t cOM

August 15 2012 at 8:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Hello Billijo

Not to be nit-picky but,the article states that Whitney died last year. No,she died
THIS year(February 11th). It may seem as though it was last year,but,it was
only a mere 7(?)MONTHS ago! Man! I,still,can't believe that she's gone. (SMH)
What a loss! What a VOICE!

August 09 2012 at 11:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ademoranville

Helll YEeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally It Happened.....I got rid of all my ISHHH
from my credit report y'all - I was in deep for 5 years. Coudn't buy
sheeet. Just approved for that 25k loan to buy a new CAMAARO!!!

IF YOU GOT PROBLEMS WITH THAT CRE DIT HISTORY ISHH, CLEAN ALL THAT BS RIGHT OFF. YOu can get yours too, call these PROS at 877-499-4850 - THEY ARE CHEAP AND DID AN INCREDIBLE JOB FOR ME. Got Rid of all my Shyyyt - i coudn't believe how quick they work.

My homeboy was in terrible
shape too, and he clean in a matter of this summer! Gettin a condo now!

Hit em up - they will help!!!!!!

August 09 2012 at 1:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
EKG

Whitney Houston is spending her 49th birthday with Jesus. She went to see Jesus THIS YEAR...not last year. I'm that's a typo.

August 09 2012 at 12:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Alyssa

Whitney Houston, by far the most gifted vocalist ever in popular music, very deeply touched the hearts and stirred the souls of millions around the world. Whitney's gave us beautiful, timeless, inspirational songs with a meaningful message; her pure, soothing, powerful yet angelic voice conveys heartfelt emotion. She performed with boundless energy, warmth, passion, grace and great stage presence despite a constantly grueling work schedule. Whitney wore other hats, such as that of movie producer, model, actress and she was also a great philanthropist. She had a good heart and spread love. She lives on through her musical legacy

August 09 2012 at 12:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Frank David King

When I think about what happened to Whitney, I'm reminded of Heath Ledger, Amy Winehouse and Michael Jackson. Together, the four of them inspired this essay: bit.ly/Ml8I6U

August 09 2012 at 11:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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