“I Will Always Love You” is one of the most iconic songs in the history of pop music. The ballad, originally written and recorded by country superstar Dolly Parton in 1973, gained greater popularity when Whitney Houston covered it for the soundtrack of the 1992 Hollywood blockbuster film, The Bodyguard. The song became Houston’s signature song and one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Despite the difference in genre and vocal range, Houston’s version captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide. But what did the original writer of the song, Dolly Parton, think of its new rendition?
Parton’s Relationship with Whitney Houston
Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston had a deep admiration for each other as artists and friends. Parton was thrilled when she learned that Houston recorded “I Will Always Love You” for The Bodyguard’s soundtrack, and she knew that this would take the song to a whole new level of popularity.
However, Parton was not able to hear Houston’s version before its official release due to legal restrictions. Once the song was released, Parton was pleasantly surprised by Houston’s powerful and soulful vocals while still staying true to the song’s original country roots.
Parton’s Thoughts on Houston’s Version
In a recent interview with Kelly Clarkson on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Parton talked about how she felt after she heard Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You.” Parton said that she was at a hotel room in Florida when she saw the music video. She was immediately impressed by Whitney’s rendition of the song and how it captured the emotions of the film’s love story.
Dolly Parton told Kelly how her cover of the song at the Academy of Country Music would have made Whitney so proud of her. “Cause I felt like she was watching you. You absolutely killed it” Dolly Parton said.
Parton added that Houston’s version elevated the song’s universal message of love and loss to a whole new level. She knew that Houston’s rendition of the song would inspire millions of people just as her original version had decades earlier.
The Legacy of “I Will Always Love You”
The success of “I Will Always Love You” is a testament to Dolly Parton’s songwriting skills and Whitney Houston’s vocal range and ability to capture emotions effortlessly. The song has become a classic and has been covered by numerous artists, including Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, and Sam Smith.
Despite the countless covers, including Ariana Grande’s most recent version for the soundtrack of “Charlie’s Angels,” Whitney Houston’s version remains the most popular and is considered as one of the greatest performances in pop music history.
Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston’s legacy will live on through their contributions to the music industry, and their friendship will continue to inspire music lovers and generations to come.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s reaction to Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” was that of admiration, pride, and appreciation for the new life brought to her beloved song. While the cut may have taken on a new genre, the soul-wrenching emotions and the powerful message of the song stayed the same. The song’s success is a testament to the iconic talent and pop culture impact that both artists, Dolly and Whitney have had on the music industry. It is no wonder that “I Will Always Love You” is still considered one of the most beloved songs of all time.
FAQ
What was Dolly Parton’s real name?
Dolly Parton is a beloved country music singer, actress, and philanthropist known for her distinctive voice, flamboyant personal style, and iconic looks. Born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton was the fourth of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Parton. From a young age, Dolly showed a natural talent for music and entertainment, and began performing at local shows and events as a child.
As she grew older, Dolly’s aspirations turned to music, and she began writing and singing her own songs. She first gained national attention with her 1967 album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” which had several hit singles, including “Dumb Blonde” and “Something Fishy.” Her success continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with chart-topping hits such as “Jolene,” “Love Is Like a Butterfly,” and “9 to 5.”
Despite her many accomplishments, one question that fans often wonder is what Dolly Parton’s real name is. As mentioned before, Dolly’s birth name is Dolly Rebecca Parton. However, it’s worth noting that she was originally named after a famous country singer of the time, Dolly Parton. In fact, Dolly herself has said that her parents were such big fans of the other Dolly that they decided to name their daughter after her.
Over the course of her more than five-decade career, Dolly Parton has become an icon of country music and a beloved cultural figure. She is known not just for her music, but also for her philanthropy and advocacy work, including her efforts to promote literacy, education, and community development through her Imagination Library program. Despite her incredible success, however, she has remained humble and down-to-earth, and has never forgotten her roots in the small town of Sevier County, Tennessee.
Did Elvis date Dolly Parton?
There have been rumors circulating for years that Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton had a romantic relationship. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. In a 1978 interview with Playboy Magazine, Parton herself discussed the parallels drawn between herself and Elvis. She explained that, while she sadly never had the chance to meet Elvis, “There was nobody that [she] ever related to more.
Despite both being iconic music legends, their paths never seemed to cross. Elvis passed away in 1977, while Dolly’s career was beginning to take off. It is important to note that during the 1970s, Elvis was addicted to prescription drugs and his health was declining. It is unlikely that he would have had a romantic relationship during this time, especially given the fact that he was married to his wife Priscilla at the peak of his career.
In an interview with CNN in 2019, Parton was asked about the rumors of her relationship with Elvis. She stated that while they never actually met, she was a huge fan of his and was flattered by the comparisons made between them. She went on to say that she believed they would have made beautiful music together, but unfortunately, that never happened.
While it is fun to speculate about the romantic lives of famous figures, it appears that there is no evidence to support the claim that Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton had a romantic relationship. Both artists are remembered as music icons who left a lasting impact on the industry.
Who wrote Whitney Houston’s biggest hit?
Whitney Houston has a vast repertoire of songs, but her biggest hit remains “I Will Always Love You.” Written by the composer Michael Masser with lyrics by Dolly Parton, the song became an instant classic and cemented itself into pop culture. Masser, who was primarily a composer for film and TV scores, collaborated with Houston on multiple occasions, including her 1988 hit “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” and her 1985 debut single “You Give Good Love.”
“I Will Always Love You” was initially released in 1974 by Dolly Parton, who wrote the song as a farewell to her musical partner Porter Wagoner. The song received critical acclaim and went on to become a massive commercial success. In 1992, Houston recorded the song for the soundtrack of her film “The Bodyguard.” The track became a global phenomenon, spending a record-breaking fourteen weeks at the top of the US Billboard charts and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Michael Masser’s contribution to the song was in its production, arranging and orchestration and making sure it was tailored to Houston’s style and vocal range. He worked closely with Houston and the other musicians to create the perfect recording, and the result was a powerful, emotional rendition of the song that is still beloved by fans worldwide.
While “I Will Always Love You” was written by Dolly Parton, the song was given new life by Whitney Houston’s immortal performance, backed by Michael Masser’s vision and expertise in arranging and producing hit songs. This collaboration became one of the greatest moments in the history of popular music and cemented Whitney Houston’s status as one of the most significant and influential artists in the industry.
How many #1 songs did Dolly Parton write?
Dolly Parton is an iconic singer-songwriter who has contributed significantly to the country music genre. Known for her signature voice and songwriting skills, Parton has written and recorded numerous hit songs over her illustrious career. When it comes to the number of #1 songs that Dolly Parton has written, she holds the distinction of having the most number one hits by a female artist on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart (25). This is an impressive feat that highlights her talent as a songwriter, as well as her popularity as a performer. Some of Parton’s most popular #1 songs include “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “Here You Come Again.” Beyond her success on the Billboard charts, Parton’s music has also made a significant impact on the industry, inspiring countless artists and earning her numerous accolades and awards. As such, Dolly Parton’s contributions to the music world as a songwriter and performer are truly remarkable, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.
