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Gerry Griffith, Whitney Houston Discoverer, Dead at 87
Gerry Griffith, the Arista Records executive credited with discovering Whitney Houston, has died aged 87. He died in Brooklyn on 5 November after a five-year battle with dementia; his work helped bring Houston to a label that would launch her global career.
Griffith first heard Houston singing with her mother, Cissy, in 1979 and later persuaded Arista chief Clive Davis to attend a showcase, leading to her signing in 1983. He also worked with Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Carlos Santana, among others, and contributed to the soundtracks for *Pretty Woman* and *The Bodyguard*. He is survived by two daughters and two sons; a memorial service is planned.
In short
- Gerry Griffith, who helped discover Whitney Houston, has died aged 87.
- He persuaded Clive Davis to see Houston perform, leading to her Arista signing.
- His career also included work with major artists and film soundtracks.