<P> Whitney Elizabeth Houston ( August 9 , 1963 -- February 11 , 2012 ) was an American singer , actress , producer , and model . In 2009 , Guinness World Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time . Houston is one of the best - selling music artists of all - time , with 200 million records sold worldwide . She released seven studio albums and two soundtrack albums , all of which have diamond , multi-platinum , platinum , or gold certification . Houston 's crossover appeal on the popular music charts -- as well as her prominence on MTV , starting with her video for `` How Will I Know '' -- influenced several African - American women artists who followed in her footsteps . </P>
<P> Whitney Elizabeth Houston ( August 9 , 1963 -- February 11 , 2012 ) was an American singer , actress , producer , and model . In 2009 , Guinness World Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time . Houston is one of the best - selling music artists of all - time , with 200 million records sold worldwide . She released seven studio albums and two soundtrack albums , all of which have diamond , multi-platinum , platinum , or gold certification . Houston 's crossover appeal on the popular music charts -- as well as her prominence on MTV , starting with her video for `` How Will I Know '' -- influenced several African - American women artists who followed in her footsteps . </P>
what kind of music did whitney houston sing
what kind of music did whitney houston sing
crossover
crossover