♫ I Will Always Love You ♫

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Dolly Parton wrote this and did the original version in 1974, which went to #1 on the Country chart that year. She recorded another version for the 1982 movie The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, which also hit #1 on the Country chart. She wrote the song after the breakup of the musical partnership she had with country singer Porter Wagoner, though the two were never romantically involved.  While I like Dolly Parton just fine, I prefer the Whitney Houston version of this song.

Whitney’s version would stay at #1 in the U.S. for 14 weeks in 1992, a record at the time. An interesting bit of trivia:  In 2002, while the US was preparing to go to war with Iraq, Saddam Hussein ran TV and radio ads using this song as he prepared to be re-elected. Whitney Houston’s record label filed a complaint with the Iraqi mission to the United Nations.

In an interview with UK music magazine Q, Dolly Parton said she “was blown away” by Whitney’s version. She said: “The way she took that simple song of mine and made it such a mighty thing, it almost became her song. Some writers say, ‘Ooh, I hate the way they’ve done that to my song or that version wasn’t what I had in mind.’ I just think it’s wonderful that people can take a song and do it so many different ways.”

I Will Always Love You
Whitney Houston

If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I’ll go but I know
I’ll think of you every step of the way

And I… will always love you, ooh
Will always love you
You
My darling, you…
Mmm-mm

Bittersweet memories –
That is all I’m taking with me.
So good-bye.
Please don’t cry:
We both know I’m not what you, you need

And I… will always love you
I… will always love you
You, ooh

[Instrumental / Sax solo]

I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of
And I wish you joy and happiness
But above all this I wish you love

And I… will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you

I will always love you
I, I will always love you.

You.
Darling, I love you.
I’ll always…
I’ll always love you.
Ooh
Ooh

Songwriter:  Dolly Parton

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26 thoughts on “♫ I Will Always Love You ♫”

  3. Dear Jill,

    Whitney Houston was a gorgeous woman with an awesome talent and voice. What she did for Dolly Parton’s song, “I will always love you,” was nothing short of amazing.

    There is something truly disheartening for someone with so much to offer the world, to be compromised because of a man and the world of drugs.

    Hugs, Gronda

    Liked by 1 person

    • I agree … Whitney had not only a great voice, but she was an entertainer … she was a class act. It is tragic that her life was never a very happy one and she turned to drugs, as so many in the entertainment world do.

      Hugs!!!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. The Bodyguard and “I will Always Love You” were made for each other. I love both! I discovered that Dolly Parton had written the song when the movie was released in 1992. Kevin Costner wanted to use the song in the movie. He asked Dolly’s permission and she agreed. I have always loved Whitney Houston’s voice. She took this song to new heights, way beyond Dolly’s own rendition. Dolly’s is, of course, pure country…Whitney’s is heaven! Terrific choice! Thank-you!

    Liked by 1 person

    • I love Whitney’s version, but you know what impressed me most about what I learned? The grace with which Dolly complimented Whitney on her rendition of the song. That is a sign of class. Glad you liked it!!! Now have you switched the track on your humming so that poor Benjamin isn’t forced to hear you humming One Tin Soldier all day today?

      Like

  5. Personally, I do not care for Ms. Houston. Her singing or the material she chose to offer. Ms. Parton is at least sensible enough to not damage her career the way Ms. Houston, did. Not really a fan, either. … so downer, eh? Cheers Jamie

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ahhhh … to each his own, though I see Ms. Houston as more of a tragic figure and felt empathy toward her. Either way, though, it doesn’t take away from her voice, and I thought she had a lovely voice. But hey … I don’t expect us to always agree. Actually, I am amazed when we DO agree … and yet, I like you, my friend! You keep me on my toes. Cheers!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Ms. Houston has a strong set of lungs. Pity she shouts her way through the numbers. Of course people feel they like her music.

        Don’t you know? Sometimes opposites attract and I mean that nicely. Cheers Jamie

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Jill, very few can sing like Whitney, but I actually like Dolly’s voice, especially in the context of the movie in which it appeared. Dolly does not get enough credit for her prolific songwriting. Give a listen to her old song “Jolene,” to get a sense of her talent.

    She also has led a huge effort that has been replicated world wide to provide children with a book each month for the first sixty months of their lives. The books may total 100 million by now. Nice reflection.
    Keith

    Liked by 1 person

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