How Did Whitney Houston Get Her Hands on That Song?
Let's talk about one of the most iconic songs of all time: "I Will Always Love You." We all know Whitney Houston's version, right? That soaring vocal, the goosebumps, the tears (maybe). But how did this queen of pop get her hands on a song originally penned by the queen of country, Dolly Parton? It's a tale almost as dramatic as the song itself.
Dolly Parton: The Original Diva
Dolly Parton, a force of nature in her own right, wrote "I Will Always Love You" as a heartfelt goodbye to her musical partner. Imagine breaking up with someone and instead of a passive-aggressive social media post, you write a world-conquering ballad. That's Dolly. Her original version is a country classic, raw and emotional.
Whitney Houston: The Unexpected Cover
Enter Whitney Houston. Now, Whitney was no stranger to power ballads. She could belt out a phonebook and make it sound like a soulful masterpiece. But who would've thought to cover a country song? Well, Whitney did, and thank goodness she did.
The story goes that Kevin Costner, Whitney's co-star in The Bodyguard, suggested the song for the movie's soundtrack. It was a gamble, but a genius one. Whitney's version transformed the song into a pop epic, with a production that was miles away from Dolly's original. It was a risk, but it paid off big time.
The Impact
Whitney's cover was a global phenomenon. It topped charts, won awards, and became synonymous with her career. The song's impact is still felt today, from countless covers to its use in everything from romantic comedies to dramatic TV shows.
So, how did Whitney Houston get "I Will Always Love You"? A little bit of luck, a lot of talent, and a perfect storm of timing. And we, the lucky listeners, got one of the greatest songs ever recorded.
How To...
- How to appreciate a classic: Listen to both Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston's versions. You'll discover two sides of the same coin.
- How to sing like Whitney Houston: Practice, practice, practice. And maybe invest in some vocal lessons.
- How to write a hit song: Be honest, be emotional, and hope for a bit of luck.
- How to pick the perfect cover song: Choose a song you love and put your own unique spin on it.
- How to handle a breakup: Probably not by writing a world-famous song, but hey, it's an option.