Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston's self-titled debut album in 1985 catapulted her from unknown newcomer to the peak of both cultural and commercial success. With guidance from Clive Davis of Arista Records, the 10-song album was carefully crafted over two years to fulfill Davis' vision of bridging the gap between the R&B and pop markets.

Houston, at just 21 years old, was the perfect package for marketers - possessing the girl-next-door charm while wielding a powerful and impressive voice that could captivate audiences worldwide. What made Houston truly stand out for Arista, however, was not just her ability to sing, but her skill in delivering a range of styles - from soulful hymns reminiscent of Aretha Franklin, to smooth R&B vibes akin to Chaka Khan, to energetic pop anthems worthy of Diana Ross. In essence, Houston was the perfect heir to these musical legacies, bringing together the best of R&B and pop and paving the way for her meteoric rise.