Whitney Houston: From "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" to "I Wanna Settle My Debts"
Whitney Houston, the legendary voice behind hits like "I Will Always Love You" and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," was a true musical icon. But when it comes to her bank account at the time of her passing in 2012, things get a little more complicated than a Mariah Carey high note.
So, how much moolah did Whitney leave behind?
Here's the thing, honey, there are conflicting reports that would make your head spin faster than Whitney at a rave. Wikipedia claims Whitney's career earnings amounted to a whopping $250 million. That's enough to buy a bathtub full of diamonds and a lifetime supply of hairspray!
However, other sources tell a different story. More like a country music ballad kind of different. They say Whitney, bless her heart, might have actually been in some debt when she passed. Some reports estimate this debt could be as high as $20 million. Yikes! Maybe all that dancing with somebody who loved her just wasn't enough to cover the bills.
But wait, there's more!
Now, here's the twist that would make M. Night Shyamalan proud. Even though Whitney herself might have been a little short on cash, her estate has actually been doing quite well since her passing. Thanks to smart management (and maybe a little help from that whole "greatest voice of a generation" thing), her music continues to rake in the dough. New deals, biopics (looking at you, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"), and merchandise have helped the Whitney Houston brand boom.
So, what's the takeaway?
The truth is, Whitney Houston's financial situation is a bit of a mystery. One thing's for sure, though: her talent is worth its weight in gold. Even if she wasn't rolling in dough at the end, her music continues to touch hearts and fill wallets (including, hopefully, the wallets of her estate).
So, the next time you belt out a Whitney Houston classic at karaoke, remember the legacy she left behind. A legacy of power, a legacy of soul, and a cautionary tale about the importance of financial planning (though, let's be honest, who can think straight with a voice like that?)
