Whitney Houston: Songstress Supreme... But Did She Write Her Own Hits?
Whitney Houston. The name itself evokes power, emotion, and a whole lot of belting. Her voice could launch rockets and mend broken hearts, all in the same breath. But there's one question that plagues shower singers and karaoke champions alike: did Whitney write the songs that made her a legend?
The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth (Mostly)
Let's dispel the myth right here, folks. Whitney wasn't exactly a prolific songwriter. She did co-write a handful of tunes throughout her career, but the vast majority of her mega-hits were penned by other talented folks. This isn't to downplay Whitney's genius – the woman could take a song and infuse it with her own magic. Think of her as the ultimate interpreter, adding layers of emotion that the original writers probably never even dreamed of.
But hey, where's the fun in just giving credit where credit's due? Let's get down to some specific examples, shall we?
Who Wrote Whitney's Greatest Hits?
- "I Will Always Love You": This iconic ballad, Whitney's biggest hit ever, was actually written and originally recorded by country legend Dolly Parton! Talk about a genre-bending masterpiece.
- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)": This dance-floor anthem was a product of the magical duo of George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam. Bet you didn't know you secretly wanted to boogie with them too, huh?
- "I Have Nothing": This tearjerker was a collaborative effort between David Foster and Linda Thompson. Fun fact: Whitney wasn't even supposed to sing it! But thank the heavens she did.
Whitney Wrote Some Songs Too, You Know!
Now, before you write Whitney off completely, let's not forget the gems she did co-write. There's "Whatchulookinat", a sassy response to the media's obsession, and "Saving All My Love", a beautiful testament to devotion (co-written with the legendary Gerry Goffin, no less!).
So, the verdict?
Whitney Houston may not have been a songwriting machine, but that doesn't diminish her incredible talent. She was a powerhouse vocalist who brought a songwriter's vision to life in a way that few ever could. The next time you belt out a Whitney classic, remember the folks behind the scenes who crafted those unforgettable melodies. But mostly, just remember Whitney – the incomparable voice that will continue to move us for generations to come.
