Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born into a deeply musical family on Aug. 9, 1963. Her mother, Cissy, was a well-known gospel singer who, at various times in her career, also backed up Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Dusty Springfield. When Whitney was born, Cissy asked friend, collaborator and “He’s a Rebel” hitmaker, Darlene Love, to be godmother to her newborn daughter. Whitney’s cousin Dionne Warwick was already an ascending star, and Aretha Franklin was a family friend known to the young girl as “Aunt Ree.” Whitney sang in church at an early age and was onstage in clubs and theaters with her mother by her tween years. By the time she was old enough to drive, she had recorded backing vocals for albums by Lou Rawls and Chaka Khan. Whitney’s…
