Since her career kicked off in 1985 with her self-titled debut, Houston has sold more than 170 million records, singles and videos around the world. Houston, 45, is one of music's most decorated female artists, with more than 400 awards.

Trained as a gospel singer, some of Houston's best-known hits include 'How Will I Know,' 'Greatest Love of All,' and 'I Will Always Love You' from the 1992 movie 'The Bodyguard,' in which she also starred.

In recent years, she made headlines for her troubled personal life, including stints in rehab and a 2007 divorce from husband Bobby Brown.

Houston's most recent public performance was in February at a pre-Grammy party hosted by record producer Clive Davis, where Davis said she was ready for her comeback. She was also a presenter at the Grammy Awards. -- REUTERS