Record-breaking diva queen who almost had it all

Whitney Houston rose from a gospel church choir in New Jersey to become one of the best-selling and most-admired female singers of all time.

With hits like “I Will Always Love You” — the theme song of what was her film acting debut in The Bodyguard opposite Kevin Costner in 1992 — and “The Greatest Love of All,” Houston won six Grammys and more than 400 other awards in a 25-year career.

Her soaring voice influenced singers ranging from Beyonce and Alicia Keys to Mariah Carey and Celine Dion — and inspired thousands of copy-cat performers on TV talent shows.