Whitney Houston: From New Jersey Choir Girl to Arista's Diamond Queen
Hold on, honey! Before you bust out the dusty record player and cue up your favorite Whitney Houston jams, let's settle a question that might be bubbling up in your brain like champagne on New Year's Eve: What record label did Whitney Houston bless with her powerhouse vocals?
Now, you might be thinking, "This is basic music trivia, baby!" But hey, even the most die-hard Whitney fan (we see you in the back, belting out "I Wanna Dance With Somebody") deserves a little musical refresher every now and then.
Enter The Record Deal Heard 'Round the World (Well, At Least the Music Industry)
Back in the day, when Whitney was just a teenager with a voice like an angel dipped in glitter, a record label bidding war broke out that would make Jay-Z blush.
Clive Davis, the man, the myth, the legend (and future Whitney champion) was head honcho at Arista Records. He caught wind of this phenomenal young talent and, let me tell you, his ears perked up faster than a bloodhound on a steak scent.
One listen later, and Clive knew he had to snag Whitney. He whisked her into a private audition, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Arista Records Says "I Will Always Love You" (Whitney)
That's right, folks! Whitney Houston officially signed with Arista Records in 1983, and their partnership became the stuff of music industry fairytales.
Fun Fact: Whitney's signing with Arista was such a big deal, it was the most expensive record deal for a new artist at the time. Let's just say Clive Davis knew what he was doing (and Whitney was definitely worth every penny).
Whitney + Arista = A Match Made in Music Heaven
Under the magic touch of Arista, Whitney's career exploded like a firework finale. Her debut album, simply titled "Whitney Houston," became the best-selling album by a female artist at the time.
From there, it was a hit parade. "Greatest Love of All," "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)," "I Will Always Love You" (the Bodyguard soundtrack version, of course) - Whitney churned out chart-topping anthems that still have us swaying in our seats (or, ahem, karaoke booths) today.
So there you have it! The mystery of Whitney Houston's record label is solved. Now, hit play on your favorite Whitney jam and let the nostalgia wash over you. Just remember, Arista Records definitely had "The Voice" to thank for a whole lot of musical magic.
