Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston emerged from a lineage of gospel and soul singers to become one of pop's most technically extraordinary vocalists, her 1985 debut launching an unbroken run of chart-topping singles. 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' and The Bodyguard's 'I Will Always Love You' showcased a voice that could move from restrained control to towering, note-bending power within a single phrase. Her career set the vocal standard against which generations of pop and R&B singers, Britney Spears included, have been measured.
Cissy Houston, her mother, was Whitney's main vocal influence and personally trained her technique and phrasing throughout her teens.
listen forHear the disciplined, gospel-schooled control of Cissy's 'Think It Over' underneath the poised, held-back-then-released balladry of Whitney's 'Greatest Love of All.'
Dionne Warwick, her cousin, was Whitney's early model for poised stage presence and showmanship, which she watched from childhood.
listen forCompare the cool, elegant phrasing of Dionne's 'Walk On By' to the composed, aching restraint of Whitney's 'Saving All My Love for You.'
Aretha Franklin, an "honorary aunt" to Whitney, was one of the gospel-rooted vocal powerhouses Whitney named as a core inspiration.
listen forCompare the commanding gospel-soul belt of Aretha's 'Respect' to the towering climactic key change of Whitney's 'I Will Always Love You.'