whitney houston

First Things First: A Timeline Of Black Music History Milestones

by
Black History Month
Getty Image/Merle Cooper

When it comes to diversity and inclusion in our everyday lives, we’re reminded both of how far we have come and how far we still have to go. While there have been immeasurable societal strides, particularly within the last few years, the work won’t end until all races, ethnicities, and genders feel seen, accepted, and included.

This fact is especially pertinent in the arts, as this portion of the culture largely serves as a microcosm for the world at large. Many of the artists we know and love had their share of struggles when it came to inclusion, yet their hard work and dedication to their craft paid off in historic spades.

As Black History Month commences, take a look at some of the iconic “firsts” in music history throughout genres. Black musicians helped to pave the way for artists all over to create magic of their own, and continue to do so decades — even centuries — later.

GENERAL

1890: George W. Johnson is the first Black person to record a best-selling phonograph record. His novelty vaudeville hit “The Whistling Coon” showcased his vocal abilities in more ways than one.

1955: Marian Anderson is the first Black singer to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera.

BLUES

1920: Mamie Smith’s “Crazy Blues” is heralded as the first significant blues song ever recorded by a Black musician. It was entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994 and was entered into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2005.

1969: Blues trumpeter WC Handy becomes the first Black musician to be featured on a U.S. postage stamp.

JAZZ

1925: Louis Armstrong records his Hot Five and Hot Seven combos, considered by many as the pieces of music that kicked off the jazz revolution.

1958: Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie become the first Black musicians to win a Grammy Award. Both artists took home two trophies.

1992: Thanks to her album Unforgettable… With Love, Natalie Cole becomes the first Black woman to win the Grammy Award for Album Of The Year. So far, there have only been two other Black women to take this award home: Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill.

GOSPEL

2018: Due to her work on the SpongeBob SquarePants musical, Yolanda Adams is the first gospel artist to be nominated for a Tony Award. (Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre.)

COUNTRY

1971: Charley Pride is the first (and so far last) Black artist to win the Country Music Association’s most prestigious award, Entertainer Of The Year. In 2000, he became the first Black inductee at the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Harmonica player DeFord Bailey is the second (and only other) Black artist to be inducted into this prestigious academy.

2020: Mickey Guyton becomes the first Black female musician to be nominated for a country music Grammy Award in a solo performance category: Best Country Solo Performance for her song “Black Like Me.” (The Pointer Sisters won the award in 1974 for their writing work, not their music.)

ROCK

1977: Black Death — widely acknowledged as the first Black heavy metal band — is formed.

1986: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inaugural class is announced, and the first Black musicians inducted are Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, and Little Richard.

1987: Aretha Franklin is the first Black woman (and first woman) inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

1990: Thanks to their song “Cult of Personality,” Living Colour becomes the first Black band (and first musicians) to win the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance. They would go on to win it again in 1991.

HOUSE

1984: “On & On,” Jesse Saunders’ single with Vince Lawrence, becomes the first record featuring a house DJ to ever be pressed and sold to the public.

1987: Steve Silk Hurley’s single “Jack Your Body” becomes the first house track to top the UK charts.

POP

1950: Nat King Cole becomes the first Black solo artist to have a No. 1 hit on the Billboard charts. His song “Mona Lisa” hit the top of the now-defunct “Best Sellers In Stores” chart.

1958: Tommy Edwards becomes the first Black artist to have a No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for his song “It’s All In The Game.” A year later, The Platters became the first Black group to have a No. 1 on the Hot 100 with their song, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.”

1983: Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” is the first music video by a Black artist to play on MTV, which was heavily focused on rock in their earliest years. In 1991, MJ was also the first Black artist (and first artist) to have a song debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to his song “You Are Not Alone.”

1987: Whitney Houston becomes the first Black woman (and first woman) to have an album debut at No. 1, thanks to her eponymous album. In 1992, she also became the first Black artist (and first artist) to have an album sell a million copies in a single week with The Bodyguard soundtrack.

R&B

1972: Isaac Hayes becomes the first Black artist to win an Academy Award in a non-acting category. The “Theme From Shaft” won the Oscar for Best Original Song. He is also the first musician to have written and performed their own Oscar-winning song.

1974: Stevie Wonder is the first Black artist to win the Grammy Award for Album Of The Year for Innervisions.

HIP-HOP

1980: “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang becomes the first rap song to chart on Billboard’s Hot 100, peaking at No. 36.

1989: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince win the first Grammy in the hip-hop genre. “Parents Just Don’t Understand” won for Best Rap Performance, but the duo famously boycotted the ceremony to protest the historic honor not being televised.

1990: Tone Loc becomes the first rapper to be nominated in the Best New Artist category.

1999- Lauryn Hill becomes the first hip-hop artist to win a Grammy for Album of the Year for her sole solo LP, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill. She is still the only woman hip-hop artist to do so.

2006: Three 6 Mafia becomes the first hip hop group to win an Oscar for Best Original Song. (“It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” from Hustle & Flow.) Per an interview with Variety, Juicy J recalled the win seeming “unreal.” (“We didn’t prepare no speech because we didn’t think we was gonna win,” he said.)

2018: Kendrick Lamar becomes the first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, thanks to his album DAMN.

Kelly Clarkson, The Beatles, Justin Timberlake, And Other Musicians Had Some Of TV’s Most Impactful Moments Ever, Says The Emmys

by
The Beatles 1965
Getty Image

A few days ago, The Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences (aka the Television Academy, the organization behind the Primetime Emmy Awards), shared a list of the “Top 75 Most Impactful Television Moments.” As for how the list was decided, they explained, “In celebration of the Emmy Awards’ 75th Anniversary, we invited Television Academy members to review several hundred programs and news moments submitted by our Peer Group Executive Committees, and to then vote on those they felt have had the greatest impact on the viewing public over the past 75 years.”

Music has long played a major role in TV history, and this new list makes that clear. Two music moments made the top 10: The Beatles’ iconic performance on The Ed Sullivan Show is No. 3, behind only the Apollo 11 moon landing at No. 1 and 9/11 news coverage at No. 2. At No. 9 is the first music video that aired on MTV, The Buggles’ “Video Killed The Radio Star.”

Just outside the top 10, at No. 11, is an Elvis Presley performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Other notable moments include Live Aid (No. 37); the first season finale of American Idol, which saw Kelly Clarkson named the winner (No. 44); the debut of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video on MTV (No. 48); Justin Timberlake exposing Janet Jackson’s breast during the Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show (No. 61); and Whitney Houston singing the “Star Spangled Banner” before Super Bowl XXV (No. 65).

This list was compiled and shared ahead of the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, which airs tonight (January 15) at 8 p.m. ET (learn how to watch the show here). Ahead of then, check out the full list here.

From Beyonce To Aaliyah: Songs Fans Probably Didn’t Know Were Covers

by

Beyonce, Aaliyah, Whitney Houston

Many fan-favorite tunes are covers of earlier melodies created by pioneers that may have been unknown by some fans. Some include top hits sung by chart-topping artists such as Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Salt-N-Pepa, and more.

Beyoncé – ‘If I Were A Boy’

Queen Bey surprised fans with her 2008 hit “If I Were A Boy,” a cover of BC Jean and Toby Gad’s song. This rendition reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and garnered multi-platinum certifications in various countries.

Salt- N- Pepa’s ‘Whatta Man’

Salt N Pepa’s timeless hit “Whatta Man” was a cover of Linda Lyndell’s 1968 original. The duo’s version reached impressive positions on the Billboard Hot 100, the UK Singles Chart, and the UK Dance Singles Chart.

Aaliyah’s ‘At Your Best’

Aaliyah’s 1994 hit “At Your Best” was a beautiful rendition of The Isley Brothers’ 1976 smash hit “At Your Best (You Are Love).” The single spent weeks on the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 3 in September 1994.

Destiny’s Child – ‘Emotion’

Destiny’s Child, the iconic girl group, also tried their hand at covering songs. In 2002, they released their version of Samantha Sang’s 1978 hit, “Emotion,” which became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Lauryn Hill’s ‘Killin’ Me Softly’

Lauryn Hill captivated audiences in 1996 with her rendition of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly.” This cover topped the Mainstream Top 40 chart, leaving an indelible mark on music history.

Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”

Whitney Houston’s 1992 rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is considered a classic. 

However, not many people know that the original belongs to Dolly Parton. Houston’s emotional tribute to Bobby Brown took the song to new heights.

Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”

Aretha Franklin’s iconic anthem “Respect” won her a Grammy and became a major feminist anthem. But it was originally written, and performed by the late music great Otis Redding in 1965.

These surprising covers remind us of the innovation and creativity that artists bring to their craft. While making a song, they pay homage to the original creators and introduce these timeless melodies to a new generation of listeners.

What’s The Problem? 

In the world of hip-hop, sampling has been a long-standing tradition. 

However, there are concerns about the overuse of sampling by newer artists, which some argue leads to a lack of originality in the genre. Hip-hop fans are divided on the issue, with some appreciating the homage paid to older tracks, while others feel it stifles the growth and creativity of the genre. 

Goodie Mob Gets Real

Sampling has been a prominent element of hip-hop, and artists like Goodie Mob have witnessed its impact. In an exclusive interview with SOHH, members of Goodie Mob discussed their perspectives on hip-hop sampling, the state of the modern hip-hop world, and the influence of Drake’s success.

The post From Beyonce To Aaliyah: Songs Fans Probably Didn’t Know Were Covers appeared first on SOHH.com.

Sharon Osbourne Claims Whitney Houston Once Accused Her of ‘Trying to F–k’ Bobby Brown

by
Bobbi Sharon Whitney

Sharon Osbourne recently shared a wild story about a time when legendary singer Whitney Houston accused her of wanting her then-husband Bobby Brown. Sharon says Whitney was finishing her sound check and noticed Bobby sitting next to Sharon when she interrupted herself onstage to ask Sharon,”Mrs Osbourne, are you trying to f**k my husband?” Sharon says she ran down the aisle to profess her innocence when Whitney noticed Sharon’s pave diamond ring to which Sharon tossed at her as a distraction.

The Daily Mail reports:

Sharon Osbourne has revealed that Whitney Houston once accused her of trying to sleep with her husband Bobby Brown, leaving her so flustered by the shock encounter that she gave the late singer her ring in an attempt to calm her.

The former X Factor judge, 71, said the confusion occurred during rehearsals for VH1 show, Divas Duets, in 2003, when Whitney was rehearsing, and Bobby and their daughter Bobbi Kristina, ended up sitting alongside Sharon to watch.

According to Sharon however, her apparent closeness with Bobby didn’t sit too well with Whitney when she finished her sound check on-stage.

‘I was hosting the Divas for VH1 and I was at sound check and Whitney was up on stage doing her sound check,’ Sharon recalled on her family podcast, The Osbournes.

‘Her little girl obviously liked watching [our former MTV reality show] The Osbournes and she came up and sat next to me – gorgeous little thing. And then suddenly her dad came and sat the other side of me, Bobby.’

She continued: ‘Whitney’s up there singing and she stops singing and the track is still going, and slowly the track stops. And she goes, “Mrs Osbourne, are you trying to f**k my husband?” And I’m like, “No, no please, I’m not!”‘

Sharon, who had been married to Ozzy Osbourne for 21 years at the time, jumped out of her seat in panic and ran down the aisle professing her innocence.

‘I was going, “No no no, you don’t understand. I wasn’t”,’ she said.

Fortunately, her pave diamond ring saved her from further embarrassment, by distracting the singer, who demanded a closer look.

Sharon continued: ‘She goes, “Let me see that ring,” and I was like, “I’d love you to have it”.

‘I gave her the ring, threw it at her, and said, “I promise you, I’m not interested in your husband, I’m married!”‘

The post Sharon Osbourne Claims Whitney Houston Once Accused Her of ‘Trying to F–k’ Bobby Brown first appeared on The Source.

The post Sharon Osbourne Claims Whitney Houston Once Accused Her of ‘Trying to F–k’ Bobby Brown appeared first on The Source.

Halle Bailey And DDG Dress Up As Whitney And Bobby, Tells People To Touch Grass

by

Halloween, the time of the year when creativity and imagination run wild, often brings out the most spectacular costumes. This year, two notable artists, DDG and Halle Bailey, graced the occasion by dressing up as iconic legends Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, paying a heartwarming tribute to the iconic music duo. This is another iconic look that they recreated, as the other day they dressed up as Tupac and Janet Jackson. DDG, a rapper and YouTuber known for his multifaceted talents, and Halle Bailey, also known as Disney’s Little Mermaid, decided to step into the shoes of Whitney and Bobby for Halloween this year. They definitely envoked the spirit of the legendary power couple. The tribute was visually on point as they recreated three of their iconic photos.

Halle Bailey took to social media to share the photos with her fans and well-wishers. In a post that radiated positivity and enthusiasm, she wrote, “I hope everyone has a safe and lovely Halloween!!! I had so much fun dressing up as legends this yearrr ✨ Get off Twitter, go dress up, touch grass, and have fun outside!!!!” Her message served as a gentle nudge to encourage people to immerse themselves in the joy of Halloween and escape the digital world for a while. “It’s the touch grass for me, this roughness I like it,” one person commented.

Read More: Halle Bailey’s “Baby Bump” Missing From Latest IG Post As Fans Continue To Speculate

Chloe And DDG As Whitney And Bobby

Dressing up as the iconic couple, Halle Bailey and DDG perfectly captured the essence of Whitney and Bobby, complete with the unforgettable style and grace that characterized their era. Whitney Houston, often referred to as the “Queen of Pop,” left a huge mark on the music industry with her astounding vocals, and Bobby Brown was a trailblazing artist in his own right. By donning these personas, the artists not only showcased their admiration for the legendary figures but also highlighted the timeless impact of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown on music and pop culture. Their tribute serves as a testament to the enduring influence of these iconic artists, even in a new generation.

Nonetheless, fans were impressed with the pics. “The last photo of you two got me messed up cause y’all really look like them from the side!! Y’all are SERVING this Halloween!” one person commented. “The 7th photo is tripping me out. I thought it was the original photo for inspo and then I swiped over and literally spit my coffee out. These are so good,” another said. Halloween can be more than just a spooky holiday; it can be an opportunity to pay tribute to those who’ve left an indelible mark on our lives. What do you think of Halle and DDG’s costume?

Read More: Halle Bailey & DDG Win Halloween With Tupac & Janet Jackson “Poetic Justice” Tribute

The post Halle Bailey And DDG Dress Up As Whitney And Bobby, Tells People To Touch Grass appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dead or Alive: The Most Influential Artists Evident in Today’s Music

by

Nicki Minaj, Michael Jackson, Beyonce

The music industry has been shaped and influenced by countless artists throughout history. These musicians have significantly impacted the industry, from their unique styles to powerful voices. Artists from the past continue to inspire and influence the music we hear today. Here’s a closer look at some of the most influential artists and their impact […]

The post Dead or Alive: The Most Influential Artists Evident in Today’s Music appeared first on SOHH.com.

Cardi B’s Latest Collaborator Is A Random Busker Outside Of A Fashion Show In Paris

by
Cardi B Paris Fashion Week 2023
Getty Image

We’re currently in the midst of Paris Fashion Week, and Cardi B found herself in the area. While there, she gave an impromptu street performance.

As she left the Thom Browne Fashion Show yesterday (July 3), a street busker asked Cardi if she’d join him for a performance. She initially refused, saying, “No, I’m scared.” She quickly changed her mind, though, approaching his microphone and quietly singing a few lines of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” as the busker strummed his guitar. Cardi then gave a mischievous laugh before leaving and getting into her car. It makes sense that Cardi B would cut things off before the giant hook, since she’s not known as a singer and Houston is an incredibly high bar. TMZ has video of the moment.

Meanwhile, Offset seemingly accused Cardi of cheating on him recently, and she responded, “Listen: Don’t pay attention to that country man, y’all. Don’t pay attention to the country man. […] I’m f*cking Cardi B, n****. I think sometimes, motherf*ckers forget I’m Cardi B. If I was giving this p*ssy to anybody, it would be out. I’m just not anybody. I can’t f*ckin’ no regular degular shmegular because they gon’ tell the world. I can’t f*ck nobody in the industry cause they gon’ tell, too.”

Cardi B is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Cardi B Sings Whitney Houston After Thom Browne Show At Paris Fashion Week

by

When Cardi B is invited to an event, you can almost always expect her to be the best dressed in the building. In particular, the Hustlers actress has become a favourite at Fashion Week, with Paris being her first stop of the season. She began things with a bang at Schiaparelli earlier on Monday (July 3), covering her curves in a stunning black and gold corset-back gown that the internet is currently raving about.

Later in the day, Cardi made an appearance at the Thom Browne runway. Here, she looked incredibly elegant in a multi-coloured suit, though her massive cleavage was still visible beneath her cropped jacket. Upon leaving the show, the New Yorker briefly stopped to chat with photographers and locals, even quietly singing a few bars of Whitney Houston into a microphone as her fans watched on. “I Will Always Love You” was the rap diva’s song of choice, even with the confusing drama unfolding between her and Offset in recent weeks.

Read More: Cardi B Is An Hourglass-Shaped Dream At Schiaparelli Couture Despite Near-Wardrobe Malfunction

Cardi B Reminds Us How Classy She Is at Thom Browne F/W 2023/24

Cardi B Thom Browne 2023
Cardi B attends the Thom Browne Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Palais Garnier on July 03, 2023, in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images)

You can find a video of the comedic moment here. It also features Cardi sharing her thoughts on Browne’s F/W 2023/24 show, which she was obviously excited about. Elsewhere at Paris Fashion Week, her “Put It On Da Floor Again” collaborator Latto looked stunning at the Iris van Herpen runway today.

She may know how to put together an outfit that makes her look professional, but Cardi B will never fully let go of the wild child who lives inside her. Just last month, the 30-year-old was twerking in the backseat of a moving vehicle as her husband, Offset, hyped her up. See that video at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Offset Hypes Up Cardi B As She Twerks In The Back Seat Of A Moving Vehicle: Watch

[Via]

The post Cardi B Sings Whitney Houston After Thom Browne Show At Paris Fashion Week appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Whitney Houston Songs: Her Best Hits

by

Whitney Houston is widely celebrated as one of the most phenomenal vocalists of our time. Her passing in 2012 left behind a legacy that continues to captivate our hearts and minds decades later. With 11 consecutive songs debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, alongside a repertoire that spans pop, R&B, dance, and gospel music, it’s no wonder her influence covers almost every genre.

This can be seen in her memorable acting roles in The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale, and The Preacher’s Wife. She created an impressive body of work that reached unparalleled commercial success. For this purpose, the task of narrowing down Whitney Houston’s songs may seem impossible due to her wide catalog. However, the impact of her discography will forever linger in our hearts and speakers.

7. “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” (1998)

In “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay,” Whitney Houston reveals newfound wisdom when confronting her lover’s infidelity, sagely intoning, “It’s not right, but it’s okay.” Unrelenting in her stance, she forgoes the traditional sorrowing melodrama for resilience and resolution. As a result, two distinct remixes of the track achieved tremendous success. The Darkchild album mix, with its syncopated marimba beat, was featured in the music video. The Thunderpuss dance mix garnered substantial radio airplay. Proving her pop proficiency still held firm, Houston earned a 2000 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Additionally, the song achieved a Top 5 ranking on the Hot 100. This classic track is a testament to the singer’s masterful ability to bridge heartbreak and hope through her art.

6. “I’m Your Baby Tonight”  (1990)

A shocking episode unfolded in 1989 during the Soul Train Music Awards. Whitney Houston was met with jeers from some members of the audience. Apparently, her presence at the ceremony was considered an insult to R&B music due to her fame in the pop ranks. Consequently, driven by a desire to restore Houston’s reputation within rhythm and blues, music executive Clive Davis enlisted producers Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid to write a riveting piece that would be sure to resonate with R&B radio stations. The result? An unabashedly sensual New Jack Swing opus, titled simply “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” soared to the peak of the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart, propelling Babyface and Reid’s first-ever entry into the Hot 100.

5. “How Will I Know” (1985)

When selecting Whitney Houston songs to include in her debut album, A&R head Clive Davis recognized the value of a lively tune akin to Deniece Williams’ popular “Let’s Hear it for the Boy.” Meeting that criteria, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam jointly wrote this delightful song with production from Narada Michael Walden. Necessary to realize, right after the emotive release of “Saving All My Love For You,” the catchy melody of this single demonstrated the breadth of Houston’s talent. The vivid visuals of its Day-Glo music video capture all of the song’s joyous energy.

4. “I Have Nothing” (1993)

Composed by David Foster and Linda Thompson, the powerful ballad “I Will Always Love You” from the film The Bodyguard was praised with two Academy Award nominations in 1992 (the other being “Run to You”). Houston delicately yet powerfully narrates the captivating lyrics of “Don’t make me close one more door,” making its mark as impactful as Jennifer Holliday’s electrifying performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Imbued with poignancy and resonance, this classic track will forever carve a place in our hearts.

3. “I Will Always Love You” (1992)

Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” commercial success has reached unprecedented heights, with a record-breaking 14 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and the highest global sales for any female artist. However, its broader impact lies beyond numbers, as it remains an emblem of enduring love due to its pivotal role in the acclaimed Bodyguard movie and soundtrack. An instantly recognizable cappella intro further testifies to Houston’s prodigious talent, as does her deftly executed vocal performance that effortlessly shifts between powerhouse notes and ethereal falsetto passages. This duet between technical brilliance and soulful expression renders “I Will Always Love You” a timeless classic.

2. “My Love Is Your Love” (1985)

With her third album, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Whitney Houston retired from full-fledged recording. She embraced a Streisand-like celebrity status, focusing on movies, melodic contributions, and public appearances. However, this all changed when Arista President Clive Davis urged her to record My Love Is Your Love. It was her first new album in eight years— an effort that has become one of her most revered works. 

The lead single, the Bob Marley-inspired “No Woman No Cry,” was especially successful. Its hip-hop flavor was a bold departure for Houston, but its reassuring warmth and her heart-rending vocals make it a truly special composition. Indeed, its “love is your love” refrain has become immortalized as one of her career-defining hits.

1. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” (1987)

Clive Davis had a hunch that this track could become one of the best Whitney Houston songs. Chiefly, he had a straightforward instruction for Whitney Houston: when she sang the word “dance,” she was to sing it with increased intensity and ardor. With that seemingly minimal direction in mind, Houston gave her greatest performance, arguably better than her previous hit, “How Will I Know.” Her vocalizations opened with a cry of elation and progressively gained strength, highlighting feelings of fervor and freedom. As a result, this exuberant single earned Houston a second Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, and remains her best-known classic.