Who broke the ground running with the award of the top female artist in 1993? Let’s discuss one of the greatest African American women singers in history, Whitney Houston. Whitney rose to the stage during the 1990’s and quickly proved that she was deserving of the number one spot for best hits. She took control of the music community and thrived. Not only did she flourish then, but is still prevalent in our lives today. Whitney Houston was an exceptional vocalist who shaped, and is still shaping lives and the music industry.

Whitney Houston changed the culture of music with powerful words and motivational lyrics. She removed racist attitudes towards black artists in the music industry and she helped form the pop industry today. She inspired many African American women by showing them that they can achieve their dreams. One artist that is very well known, Lady Gaga, talks about Whitney in such a way that shows how much she impacted everyone by saying,“‘I need to say thank you tonight to Whitney Houston,’ Gaga said. ‘I wanted to thank Whitney because when I wrote 'Born This Way,' I imagined she was singing it, because I wasn't secure enough in myself to imagine I was a superstar. So Whitney, I imagined you were singing 'Born This Way' when I wrote it. Thank you’” (“Whitney”). This conveys that Whitney Houston motivated people through her music. She was one of Gaga’s role models and who she looked up to while she was writing new music. Gaga explains how she helped her write one of her most famous songs, even though she had passed away. Her legacy is exemplified today because even though she is gone, she is still helping people today. This proves that Whitney Houston aided in the success of  many music artists. Whitney Houston was an inspiration to a lot of artists because of how moving her music was. Not only do other artists prove this, but her 40+ awards alone also highlight how jaw dropping her music was. According to this article, “The numbers do not lie; twenty-three American Music Awards, sixteen Billboard Music Awards, six Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards later, Houston’s musical legacy is undeniable. Even so, there were other important dimensions of her life and work—like her commitment to social activism—the details of which, have been all but lost” (DeGregory). This quote indicates just how much Whitney Houston accomplished. Through three albums, she was awarded with forty-seven different music awards. Through these awards and albums, she morphed the music world by having a combination of different music types. She was able to inspire people through her remarkable and heartwarming songs. After winning 47 awards, her music started to be heard worldwide. Millions of upcoming women and black pop stars started to take interest from her glorious words. An example of this is when an article states, There was a hypnotizing, angelic voice whose advancement as a singer opened the doors for female stars of all races (Mitchell). This piece displays that her role in the music industry influenced the lives of many. It is important to know that she paved the way for many pop artists. Whitney’s voice alone was causing women to believe in themselves and their capabilities. She set the way for women of all color to prosper in their dreams. Her strength and ability to motivate people was a truly beautiful gift of hers.

Whitney was not only an exceptional artist, but also helped struggling communities. Even though she was rich and famous, she still remembered the less fortunate people. She helped them as much as she possibly could while still making and maintaining her music. Even while she was becoming a very popular artist, Whitney Houston was a good person and worked to help many others around her community. Whitney dedicated her money to help people who were struggling. She did everything that she could to visit people and help them anyway she could. She organized events for homeless people around the holidays to spread love to all (“Charity”). Outside of singing and performing, Whitney was always out restoring her community. She gave her life to helping others and was truly an inspiring woman. She volunteered at a variety of shelters and even formed her own. Even though she had such a busy schedule, she made time for those in need. It was crucial for her to give back to the community. Houston never gloated about her part in the rebuilding of young people. Whitney not only assisted the struggling people in poor communities, but to do this on a higher level, she created her own foundation. An article that shows this states that, In 1989, she even founded her own charity called, The Whitney Houston Foundation for Children. The charity worked towards the improvement and success of young children. It provided many opportunities for them like scholarships, reading, food, and much more (Curtis-Horsfall). The fact is that Whitney Houston didn’t just donate to charities or volunteer, she truly acted. She created her own foundation to help others around her community. She provided children education, playing time, and new opportunities. She made a difference and set the curve. In addition to creating her own foundation, she set up concert fundraisers to which all the proceeds would go to charities helping people in excruciating conditions, “Gramblinites should take special pride in Houston’s involvement with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), a relationship dating back as far as 1988, when she performed at Madison Square Garden, generating more than $200,000 for the fund” (DeGregory). This piece of evidence portrays how Whitney also took pride in her skin tone. She helped raise funds for people of color to attend college and receive education. Whitney Houston gave others opportunities they were denied. Many people of color were not given the same education opportunities as everyone else. Whitney Houston generously donated to the UNCF by using her talented voice to give them the funds to learn new things. Whitney Houston was a giving soul that was always willing to help others. 

Whitney Houston was such a moving person in the music industry but also to other people. Houston’s legacy is one of the most impactful to ever happen. She inspired other music artists and her fans. Whitney Houston’s legacy continues on. Many of Whitney’s close friends or family members made sure people remembered the old Whitney when she had passed and what kind of an impactful person she was. They went on to documentaries, interviews, and even wrote books for her (Rys). This quote reveals that people cared deeply about Whitney. They went on to talk and appreciate who she was. Many people respected her and her accomplishments. They were so proud of her that they went on to talk about her and who she was. Her impressive history made it easy for others to talk highly of her. One person who really shared the impact of her legacy is Beyonce. In an interview she says, "’So many of my life's memories are attached to a Whitney Houston song,’ Beyoncé said in a statement in 2012 —. ‘She is our queen and she opened doors and provided a blueprint for all of us’” (Jefferson). This article conveys how Whitney Houston was an inspiration to other artists. She left a galvanizing legacy and created a new outlook for others. Famous artists like Beyonce look up to her and she helped guide others to find themselves. Mariah Carey, a very popular pop artist, did a project with Whitney. In an interview she explains how impactful Houston was on her life and how her legacy will continue live on, “Carey, who recorded "When You Believe" from The Prince of Egypt with Houston and canceled a Good Morning America appearance while still reeling from the singer's sudden death, tweeted at the time, "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth"(“Whitney”). This evidence shows that even after her death, the news shocked the world. Everyone was devastated. Her close friends and fan base were overcome with grief. This is because of the impact she had and still has on the world and the music industry. Her achievements inspired the lives of many. She will forever be remembered for her radiant energy and striking voice. 

Overall, Whitney Houston has created an inspiring image towards the music industry. She changed the future of music through her powerful lyrics and words. As an exceptional vocalist, Whitney Houston was able to shape lives and change the music industry for generations to come. Whitney Houston influenced people through her music, she helped contribute to those in her community, modified racial attitudes, and her legacy still continues to inspirit others.