About the song
In 1992, Whitney Houston embarked on a musical journey that would forever alter the landscape of pop culture. It began with her recording sessions for the soundtrack of her debut film, “The Bodyguard.” Originally, the poignant track “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” by Jimmy Ruffin was selected as the film’s main theme. However, due to its prior commitment to another film, “Fried Green Tomatoes,” a switch to another song was necessitated. This pivotal moment led to the fortuitous decision to adapt “I Will Always Love You,” a song written by Dolly Parton in 1973 and later popularized by Linda Ronstadt, for Whitney’s powerhouse vocals.
The transformation of “I Will Always Love You” into an R&B ballad was orchestrated by renowned producer David Foster. Despite initial reservations from her record label about its potential success in this genre, Houston and her co-star Kevin Costner stood firm in their choice. The song not only became synonymous with the film but also showcased Houston’s unparalleled vocal prowess.
Upon its release, “I Will Always Love You” received widespread critical acclaim. Critics lauded Houston’s emotive rendition, describing it as “beyond imagination.” The song catapulted Houston to unprecedented heights, earning her numerous accolades over the next two years, including six Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and three Grammy Awards.
Commercially, the impact was just as staggering. The single dominated the charts globally, spending a record-breaking 14 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, surpassing her own previous record. Internationally, it achieved similar success, topping charts across Europe, Australia, and beyond.
To date, “I Will Always Love You” remains one of the best-selling singles of all time, with over 22 million copies sold worldwide. Its enduring popularity solidifies it as a timeless classic and a testament to Whitney Houston’s unparalleled talent and lasting legacy in the realm of music.
This song not only defined an era but also cemented Whitney Houston’s status as one of the greatest vocalists in music history, leaving an indelible mark on generations of listeners worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
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
I will always love you
You
My darling, you, mm, mm
Bittersweet memories
That is all I’m taking with me
So goodbye, 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
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