Whitney Houston dies at age 48

London, Feb 12 (ANI): Singer and actress Whitney Houston was found dead on February 11 on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton hotel. She was 48.

Police spokesman Mark Rosen told reporters that she was found dead at 15:55 pm (23:55 GMT) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where she was staying as a guest, the BBC reported.

Houston was one of the most celebrated female singers of all time, with hits including 'I Will Always Love You' and 'Saving All My Love For You'.

But her later career was overshadowed by substance abuse and her turbulent marriage to singer Bobby Brown, which ended in 2007. She had a daughter, Bobbi Kristina, from the marriage, which had been a tempestuous one, with allegations of domestic abuse.

According to CBS news, Beverly Hills Police Lt Mark Rosen said there were "no obvious signs of criminal intent" and that the cause of her death is being investigated.

Houston's bodyguard found her body, said Courtney Barnes, publicist for hip-hop artist Ray J, who was dating the pop diva.

The singer's musical background was steeped in soul and gospel music.

Her mother was gospel singer Cissy Houston and she was cousin to singer Dionne Warwick, and goddaughter to Aretha Franklin.

Having grown up in New Jersey, she began singing in church and then in the night clubs of New York, and was a model before being signed by Arista Records.

At the height of her career in the 1980s and 90s she won many awards and enjoyed several number one singles and albums.

Artists from Mariah Carey to Christina Aguilera have tried to emulate her bravura performances, but none of them were as good as the original, music critic Paul Gambaccini told the BBC.

Houston also enjoyed success acting in films such as 'The Bodyguard' and 'Waiting to Exhale'.

In recent years drug use took its toll on the star and her voice - once acknowledged as one of the finest in pop music - was badly damaged.

"She did have it all, but the record is there of the decline into drug use and the damage done from drug use", said Gambaccini.

Houston was expected to attend the Grammy Awards, due to be held in Los Angeles on Sunday and her close friend Clive Davis had recently hinted she might perform.

"It's her favourite night of the year ... who knows by the end of the evening," he had said. (ANI)