Whitney Houston, 48, dies

Her voice was sultry and strong; her smile, beautiful. Her life – a bit tumultuous.

Whitney Houston died on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, on the eve of the Grammy Awards, which she was to attend.

Houston was at the prime of her career from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s. She had a graceful presence on screen. Her films included The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale.

Her 2009 album “I Look to You” was a comeback attempt and debuted on the top of the charts; the album would eventually go platinum.

Houston leaves behind a daughter – and many grieving family members and friends.

(S-R archives photo)