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, an iconic American singer, actress, and producer, nicknamed "the Voice," is celebrated as one of the most awarded artists ever. Her success transcended genres, breaking down racial and gender barriers in pop culture. Renowned for her exceptional vocal talent and captivating live performances, she was recognized as one of the greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023. Houston's influence on music and entertainment remains profound.
August 9, 1963: Whitney Houston's Birth
On August 9, 1963, Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born. She later became a highly acclaimed American singer, actress, and film producer.
1967: Newark Race Riots
Following the Newark race riots of 1967, the Houston family relocated to a suburban area of East Orange.
1988: Concert 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), demonstrating her commitment to supporting education.
1988: Freedomfest Performance
Whitney Houston's participation at the 1988 Freedomfest performance in London (for a then-imprisoned Nelson Mandela) grabbed the attention of other musicians and the media.
January 1989: The Whitney Houston Foundation For Children Formation
In January 1989, Whitney Houston established The Whitney Houston Foundation For Children, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding children globally. The organization, now known as the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, addresses issues such as homelessness, childhood cancer, AIDS, and self-empowerment.
1989: Whitney Houston Foundation for Children Established
In 1989, Whitney Houston established the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children, which offered medical assistance to sick and homeless children, fought to prevent child abuse, and supported educational initiatives.
1990: Arista Records' 15th Anniversary Gala
In 1990, Whitney Houston participated 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".
September 1991: Reach Out & Touch Someone AIDS vigil
In September 1991, Whitney Houston participated in the Reach Out & Touch Someone AIDS vigil in London, stressing the importance of AIDS research and addressing HIV stigma.
1991: Super Bowl Performance Donation
In 1991, Whitney Houston donated all of 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 R&B singer 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 only child, Bobbi Kristina Brown.
July 1994: Miscarriage
In July 1994, Whitney Houston suffered a miscarriage during her marriage to Bobby Brown.
October 1994: Performance at White House State Dinner
In October 1994, Whitney Houston attended and performed at a state dinner at the White House, honoring newly elected South African president Nelson Mandela.
December 1996: Miscarriage
In December 1996, Whitney Houston suffered another miscarriage during her marriage to Bobby Brown.
June 1999: Performance at NYC Lesbian & Gay Pride Dance
In June 1999, during her tour to promote the My Love Is Your Love album, Whitney Houston gave a surprise performance at the 13th Annual New York City Lesbian & Gay Pride Dance, titled Dance 13: The Last Dance of the Century. She said, "we're all God's children, honey".
2000: Crawford Leaves Houston's Employ
In 2000, Robyn Crawford left Whitney Houston's employ, ending their professional relationship and platonic friendship.
October 2001: Re-release of "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Following the terrorist attacks in 2001, 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. She waived her royalty rights to the song, which reached number one on charts in October 2001 and generated more than $1 million.
February 2003: Father's Death
In February 2003, Whitney Houston's father died.
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.
May 2011: Rehabilitation
In May 2011, Whitney Houston enrolled in rehabilitation again due to drug and alcohol problems.
February 11, 2012: Whitney Houston's Death
February 11, 2012, marks the day of Whitney Houston's death. She was an American singer, actress, and film producer.
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.
March 22, 2012: Cause of Death Reported
On March 22, 2012, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office reported that Whitney Houston's death was caused by drowning and the "effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use", with the manner of death listed as "accident".
July 26, 2015: Death of Bobbi Kristina Brown
On July 26, 2015, Bobbi Kristina Brown, Whitney Houston's daughter, passed away.
