Introduction
Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" is one of the most iconic songs of all time. The song was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton in 1974, but it was Houston's rendition that became a worldwide hit in 1992. Many people wonder if Houston's version is a cover or an original song. In this article, we'll explore the history of "I Will Always Love You" and answer this question once and for all.
Dolly Parton's Original Version
Dolly Parton wrote "I Will Always Love You" in 1973 as a farewell to her mentor and duet partner, Porter Wagoner. The song was included on Parton's album Jolene and was released as a single in 1974. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remained there for two weeks. Parton's version of the song is a country ballad with acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment.
Whitney Houston's Version
In 1992, Whitney Houston was asked to record a cover of "I Will Always Love You" for the soundtrack of The Bodyguard, a film in which she starred. Houston's version of the song is a power ballad with a full orchestral arrangement. The song was released as a single and became a massive hit, spending fourteen weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Houston's version of the song is widely regarded as one of the greatest vocal performances of all time.
Cover or Original?
So, is "I Will Always Love You" a cover or an original song? The answer is that it's both. Dolly Parton wrote and recorded the song first, so her version is the original. However, Whitney Houston's version is so different from Parton's that it's almost like a new song. Houston's version has a completely different arrangement, and her vocal performance is much more powerful than Parton's. So, while Houston's version is technically a cover, it's also an original interpretation of the song.
Legacy
"I Will Always Love You" has become one of the most beloved songs of all time. Both Parton's and Houston's versions of the song have been covered by countless artists over the years. The song has been used in numerous films and TV shows, and it's often played at weddings and other special events. In 2012, after Whitney Houston's death, her version of the song re-entered the charts and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "I Will Always Love You" is a song with a rich history. While Dolly Parton's original version of the song is the first and most technically accurate rendition, Whitney Houston's version is so different and iconic that it's almost like a separate song altogether. Regardless of which version you prefer, there's no denying that "I Will Always Love You" is one of the greatest love songs of all time.