Childhood and Education Journey of Whitney Houston in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Whitney Houston. A timeline of key moments.

Whitney Houston, nicknamed "The Voice," was a highly acclaimed American singer, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Renowned for her exceptional vocal talent and captivating performances, she achieved remarkable chart success and broke down gender and racial barriers in the music industry. Houston remains a cultural icon, recognized as one of the most awarded performers and ranked among the greatest singers of all time.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

August 9, 1963: Whitney Houston's Birth

On August 9, 1963, Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born. She would become an iconic American singer, actress, film producer, and philanthropist known as "The Voice."

Others born on this day/year

1964: Houston's Parents' Marriage

In the spring of 1964, Whitney Houston's parents got married, months before her first birthday.

1967: Witnessing Newark Race Riots

In 1967, at the age of three, Whitney Houston witnessed the Newark race riots.

1970: Family Relocation

In 1970, the Houston family relocated to a suburban area of East Orange, New Jersey.

1976: Original Release of "Sparkle"

In 1976, the original movie "Sparkle" was released, which was later remade in 2012 starring Whitney Houston.

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1981: Graduation from Mount Saint Dominic Academy

In 1981, Whitney Houston graduated from Mount Saint Dominic Academy, a Catholic girls' high school in Caldwell, New Jersey.

1986: Concert Raises Money for AIDS Action Committee

In 1986, The Advocate reported that one of Whitney Houston's concerts at the Boston Common in Boston raised $30,000 for the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts and the Gay and Lesbian Counseling Service.

June 11, 1988: Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert

On June 11, 1988, Whitney Houston participated in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in London, which was watched by over half a billion viewers and raised $1 million for charities while raising awareness of apartheid.

1988: Raises Money for the United Negro College Fund

At a 1988 Madison Square Garden concert, Whitney Houston earned more than $250,000 for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

1988: Participation in Freedomfest for Nelson Mandela

In 1988, Whitney Houston's participation at the Freedomfest performance in London (for a then-imprisoned Nelson Mandela) grabbed the attention of other musicians and the media.

January 1989: Formation of The Whitney Houston Foundation For Children

In January 1989, Whitney Houston established The Whitney Houston Foundation For Children, a non-profit dedicated to raising funds for children globally, addressing issues like homelessness, cancer, AIDS, and self-empowerment. It is now known as the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation.

1989: Establishes Whitney Houston Foundation for Children

In 1989, Whitney Houston established the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children, offering medical assistance to sick and homeless children, preventing child abuse, teaching children to read, creating inner-city parks and playgrounds, and granting college scholarships.

1989: Meeting Bobby Brown

In 1989, Whitney Houston met R&B singer Bobby Brown at the Soul Train Music Awards.

1990: Takes Part in Arista Records' AIDS Benefit Gala

In 1990, Whitney Houston took part in Arista Records' 15th anniversary gala, which was an AIDS benefit, where she sang "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)", "Greatest Love of All" and, with cousin Dionne Warwick, "That's What Friends Are For".

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September 1991: Participates in Reach Out & Touch Someone AIDS Vigil

In September 1991, Whitney Houston participated in the Reach Out & Touch Someone AIDS vigil at London while finishing her ten-date residency at London's Wembley Arena, stressing the importance of AIDS research and addressing HIV stigma.

1991: Donates Earnings from Super Bowl Performance

In 1991, Whitney Houston donated all the earnings from her Super Bowl XXV performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" sales to Gulf War servicemen and their families. The record label followed suit and she was voted to the American Red Cross Board of Directors as a result.

July 18, 1992: Marriage to Bobby Brown

On July 18, 1992, Whitney Houston married Bobby Brown after a three-year courtship.

March 4, 1993: Birth of Bobbi Kristina Brown

On March 4, 1993, Whitney Houston gave birth to her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown.

July 1994: Miscarriage

In July 1994, Whitney Houston suffered a miscarriage during her marriage to Bobby Brown.

December 1996: Miscarriage

In December 1996, Whitney Houston experienced another miscarriage during her marriage to Bobby Brown.

June 1999: Surprise Performance at NYC Lesbian & Gay Pride Dance

In June 1999, Whitney Houston gave a surprise performance at the 13th Annual New York City Lesbian & Gay Pride Dance, ushering in a new era of high-profile artists performing at LGBTQ events.

May 2000: Robyn Crawford Resigned

In May 2000, Robyn Crawford, Whitney Houston's longtime executive assistant and friend, resigned from Houston's management company.

2000: Robyn Crawford Leaves Houston's Employ

In 2000, Robyn Crawford left Whitney Houston's employment, ending their professional relationship and platonic friendship.

September 2001: Performance at Michael Jackson Anniversary and Re-release of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

In September 2001, Whitney Houston's performance at Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Special led to rumors of drug use due to her thin appearance. She canceled a second performance. Also in September 2001, her rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' was re-released after the September 11 attacks to raise funds for relief efforts.

October 2001: Re-releases "The Star-Spangled Banner" for 9/11 Relief

In October 2001, following the terrorist attacks, Whitney Houston re-released "The Star-Spangled Banner" to support the New York Firefighters 9/11 Disaster Relief Fund and the New York Fraternal Order of Police, waiving her royalty rights and generating more than $1 million.

February 2003: Death of John Houston

In February 2003, Whitney Houston's father, John Houston, passed away.

June 2005: Premiere of "Being Bobby Brown"

In June 2005, the reality show "Being Bobby Brown" premiered on Bravo. The show received criticism, but also achieved high ratings. It was not renewed for a second season after Whitney Houston declined further participation.

2005: Gary Catona Begins Working with Houston

In 2005, voice coach Gary Catona began working with Whitney Houston, noting she had lost a significant portion of her voice due to lifestyle choices, but after working with him, her voice reached about 75-80% of its former capacity.

September 2006: Filing for Legal Separation

In September 2006, Whitney Houston filed for legal separation from Bobby Brown.

April 24, 2007: Divorce Granted

On April 24, 2007, Whitney Houston's divorce from Bobby Brown was granted, citing irreconcilable differences.

May 2011: Enrollment in Rehabilitation

In May 2011, Whitney Houston enrolled in rehabilitation again due to drug and alcohol problems, as part of her "longstanding recovery process".

February 11, 2012: Whitney Houston's Death

On February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston passed away. She was an American singer, actress, film producer, and philanthropist.

February 18, 2012: Memorial Service

On February 18, 2012, Whitney Houston's memorial service was held at her home church, New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, New Jersey.

July 26, 2015: Death of Bobbi Kristina Brown

On July 26, 2015, Whitney Houston's daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, passed away.

2019: Crawford's Memoir Release

In 2019, Robyn Crawford, Whitney Houston's longtime executive assistant and friend, released her memoirs, "A Song for You: My Life with Whitney Houston", stating that she left Houston's management company after Houston declined to seek help for drug dependency.