This past week, fans and supporters have showered the internet with love and memories of Whitney Houston. Everything from performances, favorite music videos, songs, to photos have surfaced in commemoration of Houston’s legacy. Some of her all time greatest moments are still being talked about, but now, we’re learning 10 more things about Houston that you may not know.
1. She was a model.
Believe it or not, this diva, with one of the most powerful voices of all time, didn’t always want to be a singer. The only singing she did when she was younger was in the church choir. In her teenage years, she dreamt about modeling. In fact, she was on the cover of Seventeen magazine!
2. Her nickname was “Nippy.”
Her father, John Houston, gave her the nickname “Nippy” when she was a baby. ABC News reports that Houston never wanted to use her blanket, even in the winter. Her nickname led to the management company, Nippy Inc.
3. Her favorite place was home.
Houston never wanted to be away from home. She enjoyed doing things around the house, and, more importantly, spending time with her husband. She wanted a normal life with a family.
4. Houston’s “staff” was all family.
Whitney Houston made sure everyone who worked with her was family. They managed her, sang with her, wrote her songs, and even worked as her bodyguard.
5. Whitney met Bobby at the Soul Train Music Awards.
6. She wanted to be a teacher.
In 1993, Whitney Houston told Rolling Stone that she wanted to be a teacher. ”I wanted to be a teacher. I love children, so I wanted to deal with children. Then I wanted to be a veterinarian.”
Whitney Houston – I Look To You
7. Whitney Houston denied Michael Jackson.
In 1987, Michael Jackson wanted Whitney Houston to record “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” with him. His request was denied.
8. Whitney Houston was on a Soap Opera.
Houston sang “Nobody Loves Me Like You Do” and “If You Say My Eyes Are Beautiful” with Jermaine Jackson on “As the World Turns” in 1984.
9. She denied the Cosby Show.
Houston denied the role of Sondra Huxtable because she wanted to be a singer. She couldn’t sign the contract because she wanted to have time to tour. At the time, she didn’t have a record deal.
10. She dreamed of being retired in 2012.
Diane Sawyer of ABC News interviewed Houston in 2002. When asked about her future in 10 years, Houston said she saw herself, “Retired. Sitting, looking at my daughter grow up, become a great woman of God, and grandchildren.”
