I Will Always Love You

In 1973, Dolly Parton wrote “I Will Always Love You” as a farewell to her former mentor and performing partner Porter Wagoner. She had performed with Wagoner on his weekly TV show for seven years and by the early 1970s she was eager to pursue a solo career. Parton and Wagoner were parting ways amicably and Parton wanted to express her gratitude and appreciation for everything Wagoner had done for her. “I Will Always Love You” was her public way of saying goodbye and wishing him well.

Parton’s original version of the song was released as a single in 1974 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. But it was Parton’s re-recording of the song for the 1982 film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” that sealed her legacy with the song. The soundtrack version of the song became a massive hit and earned Parton the honor of Female Vocalist of the Year at the 1975 CMA Awards as well as a Grammy nomination.

While Parton’s version of the song was successful in its own right, it was Whitney Houston’s cover version that arguably made “I Will Always Love You” a worldwide phenomenon. Houston recorded her cover of the song for the 1992 film “The Bodyguard,” in which she starred alongside Kevin Costner. The film’s soundtrack, which featured several other songs performed by Houston, went on to become the best-selling soundtrack album of all time.

Houston’s version of the song is notable for its famous a cappella opening—in which Houston sings the first verse without any instrumental accompaniment—and the soaring vocals that showcase Houston’s range and power.

Both Parton’s and Houston’s songs are hits.  Is one better than the other?  Compare them here and decide for yourself: