Who sang "I Will Always Love You" first?
Quick answer
Dolly Parton wrote and first recorded “I Will Always Love You” in 1974. Whitney Houston’s powerful 1992 cover, made for the film The Bodyguard, became one of the best-selling singles of all time and spent 14 weeks at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Dolly Parton’s original
Parton wrote the song as a farewell to her mentor and TV partner Porter Wagoner, when she left his show to pursue a solo career. It’s a song about leaving with love and gratitude, not a romantic breakup. Her version reached No. 1 on the US country chart twice: in 1974 and again in 1982, when she re-recorded it for the film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
Whitney Houston’s version
| Released | November 1992 |
| Film | The Bodyguard, co-starring Kevin Costner |
| Producer | David Foster |
| Weeks at US No. 1 | 14 |
| Grammys | Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance |
Houston’s version begins with an a cappella opening and builds to a famous key change. Kevin Costner suggested starting it unaccompanied. The film’s soundtrack became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Two versions compared
| Dolly Parton (1974) | Whitney Houston (1992) | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Gentle country ballad | Soaring pop/soul ballad |
| Meaning | Professional farewell | Romantic farewell |
| Peak | US country No. 1 | US Hot 100 No. 1, worldwide hit |
Parton has said she was moved to tears the first time she heard Houston’s version on the radio.
For another iconic singer, see who is known as the King of Pop. For a different famous duet of song and film, see “Who Wants to Live Forever”.
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