Cinema VinesNEW YORK – In a tribute to the late superstar, a new compilation of Whitney Houston’s chart‑topping hits, titled WH1TNEY, dropped this Friday, marking the 40th anniversary of her iconic single “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” The collection gathers all 11 of Houston’s Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, a testament to a career that defined generations of music lovers.
Houston’s estate, overseen by her sister‑in‑law Pat Houston, is celebrating the singer’s legacy with a series of events. The fifth annual Whitney Houston Legacy of Love gala will take place Saturday night, and a brand‑new Barbie figure, the first ever to honor Houston, is hitting stores on Sunday. Pat Houston described the release as a “dream come true,” noting that she and Houston had discussed a Barbie concept more than two decades ago.
During a Q&A with Pat Houston, she highlighted the significance of the No. 1 hits collection and the Barbie. She emphasized that the project was born from a shared vision of honoring Houston’s impact, saying, “Seeing this vision finally come to life decades later is both emotional and very much inspiring.” She also spoke of the dedication of Mattel’s team in creating a figure that would resonate across generations.
Pat Houston also reflected on the pivotal role of Clive Davis in Houston’s career. She said, “You can’t mention Whitney Houston and not mention Clive Davis… He played a very, very important role in her life. They truly loved one another.” She added that Davis’s reverence for Houston’s craft remained until his death.
While the estate continues to plan future projects, Pat Houston cautioned against over‑extending Houston’s legacy, stating, “There are some things that we’re working on. Until the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed, I never like to say.” The collection and Barbie release are part of a broader effort to keep Houston’s voice and influence alive for new audiences.
