On this day, February 15, 1986, How Will I Know by Whitney Houston became the #1 song in America, holding the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 from February 15 to February 28. The song also reached #1 in Canada and Iceland, further solidifying Houston’s status as a rising pop and R&B superstar.
Originally written for Janet Jackson, How Will I Know became one of Whitney Houston’s signature hits, blending infectious pop melodies with her powerhouse vocals. The song’s upbeat energy and memorable music video, featuring Houston in a colorful, dreamlike setting, made it a staple of MTV during the 80s.
As the third single from her self titled debut album, How Will I Know followed the success of Saving All My Love for You and helped propel the album to #1 on the Billboard 200. The song showcased Houston’s ability to effortlessly cross between pop and R&B, paving the way for her legendary career.
80s insight: The music video for How Will I Know was one of Whitney Houston’s first to receive heavy rotation on MTV, breaking racial barriers for Black female artists in the pop music industry.