Whitney Houston's life in pictures

Whitney Houston would have turned 51 today, August 9th, and we're paying a tribute by taking a look back at her career that spanned decades and delighted fans around the world in the slideshow above.

Biography.com notes that Whitney Houston's first four albums, released between 1985 and 1992, amassed global sales in excess of 86 million copies.

Houston burst onto the music scene in the 1980s and captured the hearts of fans worldwide with pop hits like 'You Give Good Love,' 'Saving All My Love For You,' and 'The Greatest Love of All.'

After much success and a life in the spotlight, including her struggles with drug addiction, Whitney Houston died on February 11, 2012 at the age of 48 in Beverly Hills, California.

More on Whitney Houston:
Two AMAZING Whitney Houston Tributes
Whitney Houston's Tombstone Includes Famous Lyric
A Look Back At Whitney Houston's Last Interview With Oprah
Photo Book Shows Whitney Houston Through The Years
Whitney Houston's Last Song Ever Recorded