It was four decades ago next year that Whitney Houston released “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” a timeless hit in a career defined by such achievements. This track is just one of her 11 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, all of which have been compiled into a new album, “WH1TNEY,” which was released on Friday. The record serves as a centerpiece for ongoing birthday celebrations for Houston, who would have turned 63 on Sunday.
The commemorative efforts extend beyond music. The fifth annual Whitney Houston Legacy of Love gala is scheduled for Saturday night, followed by the release of the first-ever Whitney Houston Barbie doll, produced by Mattel, on Sunday. Pat Houston, the executor of the estate and the singer’s sister-in-law, described these milestones as a “dream come true.”
In a recent interview, Pat Houston discussed the new hits collection, the Barbie collaboration, and the potential for future projects, including a possible “Michael”-style biopic. She emphasized that Whitney always believed the ultimate collection represented the very best of her career, bringing together songs that defined generations and touched hearts worldwide. Celebrating these No. 1 hits was, in her view, a no-brainer.
Reflecting on the Barbie collaboration, Pat Houston noted that the project was deeply personal. “Let me tell you something, what made this journey special is because Whitney and I had conversations about Barbie more than 20 years ago,” she said. Seeing the vision come to life decades later is both emotional and inspiring, serving as a reminder that dreams rooted in love and purpose can transcend generations.
Working with Mattel’s team provided a unique opportunity to honor the singer’s legacy. Pat Houston praised the team’s creativity and commitment to making the doll a meaningful experience. She also highlighted the enduring bond between Whitney and music executive Clive Davis, noting that Davis played an essential role in the singer’s life and continues to be a vital part of her legacy.
“Whitney would tell you herself, ‘I had the talent and the craft, but this is someone that revered my career,'” Pat Houston said, referring to Davis. She expressed deep appreciation for his support, which lasted until his death. Regarding future projects, she remains cautious, stating that until the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed, she prefers not to make premature announcements.
The estate is careful to avoid oversaturating the industry, ensuring that any new releases have a clear purpose. “Whitney’s catalog is incredible and that voice is matchless,” she remarked. “It has to have purpose in order for us to put something out there or deliver something to you.” While various opportunities are presented to the estate, the focus remains on maintaining the integrity of her artistry.
Looking ahead, one of Pat Houston’s primary goals is to share rare performance footage with a wider audience. She hopes to produce and present live shows that have never been seen in North America, showcasing the singer’s immense talent. “It’s not just movies,” she explained. “It’s about releasing music and shows that people in other parts of the world have seen, but North America hasn’t seen, if you can understand what I’m saying.”
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