Whitney Houston's first chart success was a duet with which male artist?

Whitney Houston's first chart success was called 'Hold Me'. She was able to perform the song with Teddy Pendergrass. 'Hold Me' is a ballad that the two American singers were very pleased to release in 1984. It was written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed for Pendergrass's eighth studio album 'Love Language' (1984).

Production of the song 'Hold Me' was overseen by Masser. He used one of his earlier arrangements that he had created for 'In Your Arms', a song recorded by singer Diana Ross for her 1982 album 'Silk Electric', for her duet. "Hold Me" was among a group of singles released from Pendergrass's album and was later included in Houston's 1985 self-titled debut album. It served as the debut single of her iconic career.

"Teddy" Pendergrass was born and named Theodore DeReese Pendergrass in March 1950. He lived for 60 years until January 2010. He was raised in Philadelphia, PA and initially rose to musical fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. After leaving the group over monetary disputes in 1976, Pendergrass launched a successful solo career, releasing five consecutive platinum albums.

Pendergrass's career was suspended after a March 1982 car crash that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Pendergrass continued his successful solo career until announcing his retirement in 2007. Pendergrass died from respiratory failure in 2010.