Travel

Life of Whitney Houston - as part of the celebrities series by GeoBeats.

Before sadly passing away at the young age of 48 on February 11, 2012, she made a mark on pop music that will be remembered for a long time.

Born in Newark, New Jersey to John Russell Houston Jr. and Cissy Houston, she was the youngest of 3 children. Her early influences included her godmother Aretha Franklin. Whitney started performing at the age of 11 in a gospel choir.

Before climbing to worldwide fame for her singing, she was a fashion model and one of the first colored women to appear on the cover of Seventeen magazine.

Her first big hit came in 1985 with the release of "hold me", a duet she did with Teddy Pendergrass.

Over the course of her lifetime, Houston won over 400 awards including 6 Grammies, 2 Emmys, and 30 Billboard Music awards. Guinness Book of World Records lists her as the most awarded female artist of all times.

Her powerful and majestic voice had led to nearly 175 million albums being sold. She has inspired countless young artists and her voice will continue to inspire future generations.

Houston's diverse talent was also evident in Hollywood with her acting roles in movies like "The Bodyguard" and "Waiting to Exhale".

While she struggled with drug use and personal relationships in her later years, Whitney Houston will be remembered as one of the greatest pop icons of our time.

Top 10 Romantic US Drives - as part of the travel series by GeoBeats.

Here are the top 10 romantic drives in the US.
10 - Big Sur (like “sir”) Coast Highway in California is over 70 miles long, with scenic twists and turns and gorgeous bridge views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
9 – Known as ‘America’s Favorite Drive’, Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina continues for nearly 500 miles. Serene wilderness and Appalachian views offer opportunities for memory making stops.
8 - Going-to-the-Sun Road, located in Montana makes for a relaxing, mountain viewing drive as you wind through Glacier National Park for over 50 miles.
7 – Hawaii’s Hana Highway is a unique rainforest ride at 68 miles long. More than 50 old bridges, narrow, curvy roads and surrounding lush greenery make this a perfect romantic drive.
6 - Hells Canyon Scenic Byway in Oregon offers views of the mountains, stretching green farmland and rustic canyon roads for more than 200 miles.
5 – With so many places to stop and savor the sights, Acadia (akay-deeah) Byway in Maine has ocean, mountain, lighthouse and wildlife views depicting outstanding New England charm.
4 – Route 100 in Vermont is a lesser known and traveled ride. Stunningly beautiful with winding country back roads, mountain views, old churches and classic bridges make this a great choice.
3 – Beartooth Highway, spanning through Wyoming and Montana is perfect for those looking to view untouched wilderness. Sights include the mountains, massive pine trees and glacial lakes.
2 - Turquoise Trail in New Mexico is a historic drive where riders can reminisce while cruising through old mining towns. Sights include ancient archaeological sites, deep canyons and vibrant countryside.
1 – Overseas Highway, located in Florida runs over 100 miles, overlooking the teal waters and deep green, protruding islands. Old-fashioned shops along the route make for a laid back trip.