At the outset of her record-breaking career, Whitney Houston did not seem like the kind of artist whose life would end prematurely in a hotel room after years of drink and drug abuse. If she had any problem at all, it was that she was too squeaky clean.

No one ever doubted her talent: descended from a line of great singers, she was blessed with a voice that everyone from Smokey Robinson to Simon Cowell agreed was one of the best in the world. But her critics claimed the records she made with it erred on the safe side, tending towards pop rather than soul, the middle of the road rather than the cutting edge.

But her talent became eclipsed by a troubled personal life: Houston turned out to be far more unpredictable than initial appearances as a consummate professional suggested.

The reactions to Houston's death from her peers and fellow musicians were varied. Some expressed shock at her demise, aged 48. Others spoke of their sadness but seemed less surprised. "We all knew she had issues," said Cowell, referring to a well-publicised struggle with drink and drugs.