“I Will Always Love You” — Served by Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson

Many people will forever associate the song “I Will Always Love You” with the late, great Whitney Houston. And how can you not? Her voice reaches impossibly high vocal heights that most people can only dream of.

However, the song was actually penned and performed by another musical legend: Dolly Parton.

1. 1st Serving
   Dolly Parton“I Will Always Love You” · The original, 1974she wrote it first▶ Play it

   Originally released for her album Jolene in 1974, Parton received critical praise and enjoyed a spell at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Parton’s original version is full of her signature quavering voice and country flavor.

2. 2nd Serving
   Whitney Houston“I Will Always Love You” · The Bodyguard, 1992each chorus higher than the last▶ Play it

   But when Whitney Houston recorded the song for the soundtrack to her film debut, The Bodyguard, in 1992, the song took on a whole new life.

   Houston’s version focuses almost solely on the strength of her voice alone, opting for an a cappella intro. In addition, the chorus did what Parton’s couldn’t. Houston stretched it out, putting lengthy emphasis on each word. What’s more, each chorus was higher than the last. It was a love ballad in its truest form and will forever remain a testament to the power and brilliance of Whitney Houston.

3. 3rd Serving
   Jennifer Hudson“I Will Always Love You” · Grammys tribute, 2012for Whitney▶ Play it

   After her surprising death this past Saturday, producers at the Grammys must have been scrambling to find a singer with a voice powerful enough to pay tribute to Houston. The answer was Academy Award and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson.

   Hudson sang “I Will Always Love You” at the Grammys this past Sunday, with sadness visibly etched on her face. However, she powered through a beautiful rendition of the song, sticking as closely as possible to Houston’s version.