On this day in 1974, country superstar Dolly Parton kicked her career up a notch when “I Will Always Love You” hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard US Hot Country Songs chart.
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And it wouldn’t be the only time the gorgeous tune would hit No. 1. The song would see a resurgence in October of 1982, where it would hit the No. 1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart again after it got a solid re-recording for the soundtrack to The Best Little Wh*rehouse In Texas. Then, in 1992, Whitney Houston’s version of the song for the film The Bodyguard would top many charts, including the coveted Billboard Hot 100, and go on to break quite a few records. Houston would later win several Grammy awards for the song, too.
The Legacy of “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
Originally, Dolly Parton wrote “I Will Always Love You” as a send-off love letter of sorts to her platonic partner and music mentor, Porter Wagoner. For reference, Wagoner helped push Parton’s early career by featuring her as a singer on his successful television show for about seven years. The two musicians also recorded quite a few duet albums together.
Ultimately, Parton’s career took off, and it was time for her to leave Wagoner and his show behind. Wagoner even produced the song. But sadly, their separation was anything but smooth and understanding.
It’s a really stunning tune, including both of Parton’s versions as well as Houston’s version. It’s wild to think that Houston was just a child when Parton’s original version of “I Will Always Love You” took off. Houston would later be known for the song as the highlight of her career.
Houston wasn’t the only one to love the song and want to cover it, either. Parton’s country music contemporary, Linda Ronstadt, recorded a beautiful version as well. Apparently, Elvis Presley’s controversial manager, Colonel Tom Parker, wanted Parton to sign over the publishing rights to the song so Elvis could more or less have it. Parton wasn’t a sucker, so it never happened.
However, it’s clear that Parton was happy to allow to song to go to Houston. Parton would even present Houston with the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance for Houston’s version of her song in a beautiful full-circle moment.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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