{
  "id": 19817109,
  "title": "Gerry Griffith, Whitney Houston Discoverer, Dead at 87",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/gerry-griffith-whitney-houston-discoverer-dead-at-87",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-13T14:18:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/pro/gerry-griffith-dead-at-87/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gerry Griffith, the man who discovered Whitney Houston and worked with other renowned artists, has passed away at the age of 87. He died on November 5 in Brooklyn, New York, after battling dementia for five years. In 1979, Griffith first noticed the remarkable vocal talent of a young Whitney Houston, who was performing alongside her mother, Cissy Houston. His admiration only grew when he saw Houston sing with her mother again in 1983. Fearing that another record label might sign Houston, Griffith persuaded Arista Records' CEO Clive Davis to attend a showcase, leading to Houston's signing with the label in the same year.\n\nGriffith's keen eye for talent extended beyond Houston, as he collaborated with a wide array of artists across pop, R&B, soul, and jazz during his time at Arista Records and Manhattan Records. Some of the artists he worked with included Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Phyllis Hyman, Minnie Riperton, Jennifer Holiday, and jazz musician Dave Valentin. He also played a significant role in Carlos Santana's career resurgence, contributing to the Grammy Award-winning album Supernatural, which featured the hit single \"Smooth\" with Rob Thomas.\n\nGriffith's career extended beyond artist development, as he also contributed to iconic film soundtracks, including 1990's Pretty Woman and 1992's The Bodyguard. These projects featured hit songs like Whitney Houston's \"I Will Always Love You,\" \"I Have Nothing,\" and \"Run to You.\"\n\nRay Harris, chairman emeritus and co-founder of the Living Legends Foundation, praised Griffith for his talent and character, stating that the music industry has lost a true record executive. Griffith is survived by two daughters and two sons, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.",
  "summary": "The former Arista Records A&R vp also worked with Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick & Carlos Santana.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gerry Griffith, Whitney Houston discoverer, died at 87 in Brooklyn",
    "First spotted Houston's talent in 1979, again in 1983",
    "Worked with Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, and Carlos Santana"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}