Whitney Elizabeth Houston (born August 9, 1963) is an
American singer,
song writer,
actress,
record producer,
film producer, and former
fashion model. Houston rose to international fame in the mid-1980s and her crossover success opened doors for many other
African American women to find success in pop music and movies.
She is frequently referred to as "The Voice"
, and is known for her "powerful, penetrating pop-gospel voice". Houston has been credited as having a five octave
vocal range.
