Whitney Houston
USA, 1977–2012
American singer (1963-2012), gospel-trained, known as the Voice. Her range and control on 'I Will Always Love You' and 'How Will I Know' made her among the best-selling and most-awarded pop-soul singers of her time.
MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Whitney Houston and 2 artists Whitney Houston influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Whitney Houston?
- Cissy Houston — Whitney's mother Cissy Houston was her main vocal influence and teacher — the gospel technique and power at the root of 'The Voice'.
- Dionne Warwick — Whitney's cousin Dionne Warwick was her model for stage presence and showmanship, watched since early childhood.
- Aretha Franklin — Aretha Franklin — Whitney's honorary aunt 'Ree Ree' — was a main musical inspiration, the gospel-soul summit she reached toward.
Which artists did Whitney Houston influence?
- Beyoncé — Whitney Houston inspired Beyoncé to pursue singing — the gospel-powered pop-soul voice she measured herself against.
- Mariah Carey — Houston is the immediate precedent for the kind of pop-gospel singing Carey came into the charts with.