(1010 WINS) 'Whitney!' An exhibit honoring the late Whitney Houston will open this Friday at the Grammy Museum at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
Some 60 artifacts will help tell the story of how Houston went on to become a superstar with 200 million records sold and more than 400 awards including six Grammys and two Emmys.
"In her prime, there was no bigger star than Whitney Houston," says Bob Santelli, founding executive director of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. "She would sell out concerts around the world, her records routinely went to No. 1, and she had a promising career as an actress."
Among artifacts are stage costumes, pictures, awards, a modeling scrapbook, clips from awards shows, and a pair of bibles -- one from her childhood home, and another that was with her when she died.
"She was obviously very religious, especially in her early years," Santelli says. "She was also chased by a number of personal demons. In terms of solace, she would turn to the bible. It represents that struggle, but also that place of comfort for her."
Santelli said the demons that chased Houston add to her legacy, and perhaps can teach a lesson as well. "If Whitney Houston was an artist without any demons, yes we would still be talking about her," Santelli says. "But it seems like demons chase some of the greatest stars."
The exhibit opens October 19th and will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday