Whitney Houston Belts Out a Classic: The Case of the Almost-Brokenhearted Ballad
We all know Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" is a heart-wrenching masterpiece. But how exactly did this song, originally written by the country queen Dolly Parton, end up becoming Whitney's signature power ballad? Buckle up, music lovers, because this story is more dramatic than a telenovela with a surprise amnesia plot twist.
From Broken Hearts to Bodyguards: A Change of Plans
Whitney was filming her movie debut, "The Bodyguard," and the soundtrack needed a powerful lead single. Initially, Whitney was set to cover a song called "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted." Can you imagine? We would have been robbed of that epic voice soaring on a completely different ballad! Luckily, fate intervened (or maybe it was just a scheduling conflict). The song ended up in another movie, and Whitney needed a new option.
Enter Kevin Costner: The Hero Behind the Song (Besides Whitney, Obviously)
Here's where things get interesting. Whitney's co-star, the ever-so-dreamy Kevin Costner (because apparently, this story needs a Hollywood element) whips out a cassette (yes, a cassette!) and blasts Linda Ronstadt's 1975 cover of "I Will Always Love You." Intrigued (and maybe a little swayed by Costner's charm), Whitney decides this might be the one.
Dolly Parton to the Rescue: The Missing Verse Caper
Now, here's the kicker. Dolly Parton, the original songwriter, had written an extra verse for the song that wasn't included in Ronstadt's version. This missing verse? Pure gold. Think Whitney hitting those high notes with lyrics about "letting go" and "starting over." Epic, right? Thankfully, when Dolly heard Whitney was covering the song, she swooped in like a musical superhero and gave producer David Foster the missing verse over the phone. Crisis averted!
Whitney Takes the Wheel: A Ballad is Born
With the full song in hand, Whitney and David Foster went to work, transforming the country ballad into a powerhouse soul anthem. Whitney's vocals? Let's just say they redefined the meaning of "going for it." The result? A record-breaking hit that cemented Whitney Houston's place in music history.
So there you have it! The story of how "I Will Always Love You" became Whitney's signature song is a delightful mix of chance encounters, Hollywood charm, and, of course, Dolly Parton's incredible songwriting. So the next time you hear that iconic opening melody, remember the almost-brokenhearted ballad that could have been, and appreciate the twist of fate that gave us Whitney Houston's unforgettable rendition.
