There’s no other voice that can compare to the iconic Whitney Houston.
We all watched as the beautiful black girl from Newark, New Jersey with the electric smile took over pop music and broke more records than any other female singer in history. That girl would soon be known as ‘The Voice’ and would become a classic-turned-tragic American story.
Filmmaker Kevin Macdonald opens up old wounds with his new documentary ‘WHITNEY’ which takes viewers through a world-wind of ups and downs throughout the singer’s life. Hailing from a family of notorious singers with many hidden secrets, personal moments about her childhood are revealed and some will indeed shock the world. Revelations include everything from who molested Whitney Houston as a child, her alleged bisexual relationship with her friend/assistant Robyn Crawford along with an exclusive interview from the person who introduced the singer to cocaine which led to her spiral downward.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Nippy’ by her estranged father, the film’s highlights include never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive demo recordings, rare performances, audio archives and original interviews including some shocking moments from Whitney—and her mother Cissy Houston.
“Paula Abdul ain’t sh*t, your girl is singing off key, on the record!” Whitney exclaims during a backstage conversation with her mother and Robyn Crawford.
Cissy follows with, “You’ve got class, you don’t need all of that, gotta stick to what’s good for you—Never mind all that other sh*t, that Janet Jackson sh*t, let the b***ch have it.”
(Whitney and her mom Cissy Houston)
The film takes a dark turn as scandals, drug use, erratic behavior and her turbulent love life is discussed by those considered closest to the singer. Houston’s accomplishments and talents she shared she with the world was clouded by most of these scandals. The film’s last note leaves Whitney struggling through vocals on her last tour.
She ultimately drowned on February 11, 2012 in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills due to coronary artery disease and cocaine intoxication.
Miramax and Roadside Attractions releases WHITNEY in theaters July 6, 2018!
(photos courtesy of the Estate of Whitney E. Houston)
