Whitney Houston Net Worth: A Tale of Fame, Fortune, and Financial Challenges

Information
Nickname	the Voice
Net Worth	$6 Million
Date of Birth	Aug 9, 1963
Place of Birth	New Jersey
Died	Feb 11, 2012
Profession	Singer, Actress
Height	5 ft 6 in(173 cm)
Gender	Female
Nationality	United States of America

Whitney Houston, a name synonymous with powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits, left an indelible mark on the music industry. While she is celebrated for her extraordinary talent, her financial journey was marked by highs and lows. In this article, we will delve into the life and net worth of Whitney Houston, exploring the factors that shaped her financial trajectory.

Short Bio – Famous For

This celebrity is famous for her exceptional singing prowess and her contributions to the world of music and film. Whitney Houston was born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey. She tragically passed away on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48.

Career & Achievements

Whitney Houston’s career was nothing short of meteoric. She burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s, captivating audiences with her self-titled debut album. This album, released in 1985, catapulted her to international stardom. It featured hit singles like “Saving All My Love for You,” “How Will I Know,” and “Greatest Love of All.”

Her second studio album, simply titled “Whitney,” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in 1987, making her the first woman to achieve this feat. The album produced chart-toppers such as “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).”

Throughout her career, Whitney Houston continued to release successful albums, including “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” “My Love Is Your Love,” “Just Whitney,” and “I Look to You.”

Apart from her music career, Houston made a splash in the film industry with her role in the romantic thriller “The Bodyguard” in 1992. The movie’s soundtrack, featuring her iconic rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” became the bestselling soundtrack of all time.

Family

Whitney Houston’s family played a significant role in her life and career. She was the daughter of renowned gospel singer Cissy Houston, who was an influential figure in the music industry in her own right. Cissy’s musical talent and guidance undoubtedly influenced Whitney’s early exposure to music and her development as a singer.

Cissy Houston’s legacy in gospel music and her support for Whitney throughout her career added a unique dimension to their family dynamic. The mother-daughter duo shared a deep connection through their shared love for music, and Cissy’s influence undoubtedly contributed to Whitney Houston’s rise to stardom.

Whitney Houston’s personal life was marked by her marriage to singer Bobby Brown in 1992. The couple had a daughter named Bobbi Kristina Brown in 1993.

Sources of Income

Whitney Houston’s primary source of income was her music career. She sold over 200 million albums worldwide and earned millions from touring. Additionally, her foray into acting in films like “The Bodyguard” and “The Preacher’s Wife” contributed to her earnings. Houston’s lucrative record deals, including a $100 million contract with Sony/Arista, also played a significant role in her income.

Net Worth Figure and Rankings

Despite her immense success, Whitney Houston faced financial challenges that affected her net worth. At the peak of her career, she could earn up to $30 million annually from touring alone. However, her financial troubles arose when her records did not sell well, leaving her owing her record label nearly $20 million.

At the time of her divorce from Bobby Brown in 2007, Houston declared approximately $10 million in assets and just over $4 million in debts, resulting in a net worth of $6 million.

Lifestyle and Expenses

Whitney Houston’s extravagant lifestyle contributed to her financial woes. She owned multiple properties, including a $6.5 million house in New Jersey and a $1.2 million townhouse in Atlanta. These properties came with substantial mortgages. Additionally, she owned valuable art and jewelry.

Controversies/Financial Challenges

Houston’s financial challenges stemmed from her spending habits and the inability to replicate her earlier success in the music industry. Her issues with substance abuse and the toll it took on her career added to her financial woes.

Despite signing a record-breaking contract, Houston’s failure to meet sales expectations left her with a massive debt to her record label. She was even rumored to have sought financial assistance from her mentor, Clive Davis.

She also had to face criticism due to her relationship with Robyn Crawford.

Death

Tragically, on February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston was found unconscious in a hotel room bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. A coroner’s report revealed that she had accidentally drowned, with cocaine and several other drugs in her system.

Conclusion

Whitney Houston’s life was a rollercoaster of fame, fortune, and financial challenges. While she achieved unparalleled success in the music industry, her financial missteps and personal struggles took a toll on her net worth. Nevertheless, her legacy lives on through her timeless music and unforgettable performances, reminding us of her extraordinary talent and the complexities of her life behind the scenes.

FAQs

What was Whitney net worth when she died?

Whitney Houston’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $20 million. This amount takes into account her earnings from her successful music career, film roles, and various business ventures. Despite facing financial challenges during her lifetime, her estate continued to generate income in the years following her passing, further contributing to her net worth.

Who got Bobbi Kristina’s money?

Following the tragic passing of Bobbi Kristina Brown, the distribution of her estate was determined by the provisions of her mother Whitney Houston’s will. Whitney Houston’s will stated that if Bobbi Kristina were to die unmarried, without children, and without her own will and testament, the estate would be divided among Whitney’s living relatives.

The living relatives mentioned in the will included Whitney Houston’s mother, Emily “Cissy” Houston, and her brothers Michael and Gary. Therefore, the estate of Bobbi Kristina Brown was divided among these surviving family members according to the terms outlined in Whitney Houston’s will.

How much does Whitney Houston earn?

Whitney Houston’s earnings varied over her career. In 2001, she signed a $100 million recording contract with Arista Records, but due to album sales, she didn’t receive the full amount. At her peak, she could earn up to $30 million a year from concert tours. Her album sales, including hits like “I Will Always Love You,” contributed significantly. Additionally, her involvement in films like “The Bodyguard” and “The Preacher’s Wife” added to her earnings. However, personal struggles and changing industry dynamics impacted her finances in later years.

How did Whitney get in debt?

Whitney Houston found herself in significant debt primarily due to her real estate holdings. She owned valuable properties, including a $6.5 million estate in New Jersey and a townhouse in Atlanta, Georgia, worth $1.2 million. However, the substantial mortgages on these properties added to her financial burden. Specifically, she owed $3.2 million on the New Jersey estate and $1 million on the Atlanta townhouse.

Featured Image Credits: Ian Dickson/Getty Images