Whitney Houston’s legacy continues to soar in 2024 as her iconic 1992 soundtrack The Bodyguard officially extends its lead as the most RIAA-certified film soundtrack of all time, with an astonishing 19x Platinum certification for U.S. sales and shipments.

The announcement came on June 25, with the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) confirming the album’s new status — solidifying The Bodyguard as an unmatched powerhouse in music and film history.

The Most Successful Film Soundtrack in RIAA History

The Bodyguard, which featured the timeless megahit “I Will Always Love You”, continues to outperform legendary soundtracks like:

• Saturday Night Fever – 16x Platinum

• Dirty Dancing – 14x Platinum

• Purple Rain – 13x Platinum

• Forrest Gump – 12x Platinum

• Titanic – 11x Platinum

• The Lion King – 10x Platinum

Houston’s work not only surpassed these classics, but it also elevated the standard for music-driven cinema.

Whitney Houston: The Only Black Artist With Three Diamond Albums

In addition to this historic milestone, Whitney Houston holds a unique RIAA distinction:
She is the only Black artist with three Diamond-certified albums:

• Whitney Houston (1985) – 14x Platinum

• Whitney (1987) – 10x Platinum

• The Bodyguard (1992) – 19x Platinum

Only a few Black artists, including Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and 2Pac, have achieved two Diamond albums — making Houston’s triple accomplishment even more remarkable.

10 Whitney Houston Singles Receive Major RIAA Upgrades

Alongside the album news, 10 of Houston’s singles also received new certifications:

• “I Will Always Love You” – 11x Platinum

• “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – 8x Platinum

• “I Have Nothing” – 4x Platinum

• “Higher Love” (with Kygo) – 3x Platinum

• “How Will I Know” – 3x Platinum

• “Heartbreak Hotel,” “My Love Is Your Love,” “Saving All My Love for You” – 2x Platinum each

• “Run to You” & “Count on Me” – Platinum each

Songs like “I Will Always Love You,” “I Have Nothing,” and “Run to You” all hail from The Bodyguard soundtrack, further underlining its cultural and commercial dominance.

40 Years of Whitney: A Legacy Still Thriving

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut album, released on February 14, 1985. The project first entered the Billboard 200 Top 10 in August 1985 and later hit No. 1 in March 1986, launching Houston into superstardom.

Despite her untimely passing in 2012, Whitney’s legacy remains a towering presence in music history. According to the RIAA, she has now sold over 114.5 million certified units in the U.S. alone, across 38 titles — including 11 albums and 27 singles.

Honoring Whitney’s Legacy

 

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Pat Houston, president of The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and executor of the singer’s estate, expressed heartfelt appreciation:

“She would be delighted to know that her loyal and worldwide fans have continued to love her and carry on her musical legacy through the generations. She would want us to say thank you to every person that contributed to her recordings, her productions, and the marketing of all her records — especially to Clive Davis and the extraordinary team at Arista Records.”

Michele Ballantyne, RIAA President and COO, also paid tribute:

“Whitney Houston’s iconic voice and powerful songs have carried her legacy across generations. With 11 new certifications, RIAA is proud to celebrate how her enduring impact is still felt throughout the music industry.”

Conclusion

Whitney Houston’s achievements continue to inspire and dominate the music world. With The Bodyguard now cemented as the highest-certified soundtrack in U.S. history, and 11 new certifications under her name, Houston’s timeless artistry remains unmatched — a symbol of Black excellence, vocal mastery, and global influence.