This year marks the 40th anniversary of Whitney Houston ’s groundbreaking debut, and her team is honoring the occasion with a powerful campaign celebrating her legacy. A social media campaign commemorating Whitney Houston’s legacy is currently unfolding across her official platforms, featuring warm and personal video tributes from artists, songwriters, producers, and close collaborators who knew and worked with her. Among those who have shared heartfelt memories are Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, L.A. Reid, Chaka Khan, Rodney Jerkins, and Kelly Clarkson, alongside many others who were part of her extraordinary journey. These tributes reflect not only Whitney’s influence on the music world but also the deep respect and admiration she continues to inspire.
In addition to the digital celebration, the Estate of Whitney E. Houston announced a major milestone in recognition of her four-decade legacy. Eleven of her most iconic recordings have earned new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America. The Bodyguard soundtrack, already a cultural phenomenon, is now certified 19× Platinum, reaffirming its position as the highest-certified soundtrack album in American music history.
Several of Whitney’s most beloved singles also received major updates. “I Will Always Love You” is now certified 11× Platinum, while “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” has reached 8× Platinum. Other tracks like “I Have Nothing,” “Higher Love,” “How Will I Know,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “My Love Is Your Love,” and “Saving All My Love for You” earned multi-Platinum certifications as well. “Run to You” and “Count on Me” each achieved Platinum status.
Whitney Houston remains the first African American artist to receive three Diamond-certified albums, with her debut Whitney Houston, her follow-up Whitney, and The Bodyguard soundtrack each surpassing 10 million units sold in the United States. Altogether, her U.S. RIAA-certified sales now total approximately 114.5 million units across 38 singles and albums.
As tributes pour in and milestones continue to be reached, Whitney Houston’s voice and legacy remain timeless. Her music not only defined generations but continues to inspire new ones, forty years after it all began.
On August 9, Whitney Houston would have turned 62.
