Fact Finder - Music

Originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, 'I Will Always Love You' became a global juggernaut when Whitney Houston recorded it for the soundtrack of her film debut, 'The Bodyguard.' Produced by David Foster, the song begins with a daring 45-second a cappella section, a creative choice Houston insisted upon despite record executive skepticism. The song spent a then-record 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the best-selling single by a woman in music history. Houston's version transformed the country ballad into a soaring soul-pop anthem, showcasing her incredible vocal range and control. The single's success helped 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack become the best-selling soundtrack of all time. It earned Houston two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, and remains her signature song, celebrated for its emotional depth and technical perfection.