Despite the struggles that were made so public in the final years of Whitney Houston’s life, we choose to remember the vibrant performer that released seven albums, won six Grammys, and sold over 200 million albums.

We reminisce on the talented actress that made us laugh, cry, and long for love; the New Jersey girl who started as a soloist in the church choir and eventually brought a roaring stadium to its feet with her rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”.

This is the Whitney Houston that we know and love. One of the most important artists of all time, her legacy lives on.