The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, in partnership with Sony Music, have announced plans to celebrate the music icon’s 60th birthday and legacy.
Dubbed the “Whitney Houston Hotel,” the festivities will take place at the W Hotel in Hollywood, California, during Grammy week (Feb. 1-4).
According to a press release, the events will include “Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Immersive Listening Lounge, a memorabilia exhibit featuring photos of Whitney as well as several iconic gowns worn throughout her legendary career, a Whitney Houston pop-up shop with exclusive merch, electronics and more.”
Additionally, there will be two days of live music with performances by Michelle Williams, Amber Riley, Kiana Ledé, Coco Jones and more. Each act will perform music from their catalog, as well as their interpretation of their favorite song by Houston.
“Whitney’s estate is proud to be partnering with Primary Wave to honor Whitney’s 60th Anniversary during Grammy week with this special residency at the W Hotel,” says Pat Houston, executor of the estate.
Jeff Straughn, Primary Wave’s chief branding officer, adds, “It continues to be an honor to partner with the Estate of Whitney E. Houston and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate the life and legacy of the incomparable Whitney Houston.” He continues, “We’re also extremely grateful for the continued brand support from all of our partners as we prepare to celebrate Whitney’s 60th throughout 2023!”
“Whitney Houston’s music and artistry is timeless,” says Hiroshi Nakamura, head of personal entertainment business division at Sony Corporation. “Sony is thrilled to collaborate with the Whitney Houston Estate and Primary Wave to celebrate her legacy and bring fans even closer to her iconic music through our sound products and technologies.”
Here is the schedule for “Whitney Houston Hotel” at the W Hotel in Hollywood:
Wednesday, Feb. 1
- Official unveiling of the WH-Whitney Houston Hotel
- Opening of the Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Immersive Listening Lounge
- Opening of the Whitney Houston Pop-Up Retail Shop
- Opening of the Whitney Houston Gallery featuring rare and iconic photos, as well as several gowns worn by Whitney throughout her career
Thursday, Feb. 2
- Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Immersive Listening Lounge
- Artist Showcases (VIP seating area by invitation only; General Admission open to the public)
Friday, Feb. 3
- Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Immersive Listening Lounge
- Whitney Houston Brunch and Panel Discussion Panel hosted by Kevin Frazier
- Brunch curated by Award-winning Chef Deborah VanTrece of “VanTrece Hospitality Group” (VIP by invitation only)
- Artist Showcases (VIP seating area by invitation only; General Admission open to the public)
Saturday, Feb. 4
- Primary Wave 16th Annual Pre-Grammy Carpet & Party (VIP by invitation only)
In other Houston-related news, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, a major motion picture biopic, was released in theaters on Dec. 23, 2022.
The Kasi Lemmons-directed film stars British actress Naomi Ackie as Houston, alongside Stanley Tucci (as Clive Davis), Ashton Sanders (as Bobby Brown) and Tamera Tunie (as Cissy Houston).
The official soundtrack for I Wanna Dance with Somebody was released a week ahead of the film’s premiere date on Dec. 16 via RCA Records.
The 35-track album includes original versions of Houston’s iconic hits as well as special renditions with contributions from Lucky Daye, Samaria, SG Lewis, Kygo and more.
“We think the fans will be excited to hear some incredible music they know and love, as well as some new never-before-released tracks, including ‘Far Enough’ and the incredible ‘Don’t Cry For Me,’ which ends the film,” Pat Houston said in a statement.
Clive Davis added, “This totally unique soundtrack album brings many of Whitney’s classics into 2023 and beyond. Contemporary, current and often scorching, if you love Whitney’s music, you must own this album!”
Later this year, five of Houston’s classic albums will be released on vinyl: Whitney Houston (1985), Whitney (1987), I’m Your Baby Tonight (1990), Preacher’s Wife (1996) and My Love Is Your Love (1999).
Listen to I Wanna Dance With Somebody (The Movie: Whitney New, Classic and Reimagined) below.
