Imagine nearly crashing your car because a cover of your own song blew your mind— that's the kind of impact Whitney Houston's version of Dolly Parton's 'I Will Always Love You' had on the legendary songwriter herself. It's a story that dives deep into the world of music collaborations, creative boundaries, and the magic that happens when artists reinterpret classics. But here's where it gets controversial: Should songwriters dictate every detail of a cover, or is artistic freedom the ultimate right? Stick around, because this tale reveals Dolly's unyielding stance on her work, and it's one that might just make you rethink how we honor original creations.
Dolly Parton has always proudly identified as a songwriter first and foremost, before anything else in her multifaceted career. This mindset allows her to generously share her compositions with other talented performers, like Whitney Houston and Linda Ronstadt, who have put their own spins on tracks she originally sang herself, including the timeless ballad 'I Will Always Love You.' That said, the country music icon isn't one to approve just any rendition without some conditions. For instance, she famously turned down Elvis Presley's bid to record the song back in the day. The sticking point? Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, pushed for extra publishing rights that Dolly simply wasn't willing to surrender. Neither party budged, and as a result, Presley's take on the tune never materialized. It's a classic example of how business negotiations can clash with artistic vision, reminding us that even legends have to draw lines in the sand to protect their intellectual property.
When the team behind the movie The Bodyguard approached Dolly about featuring her song in the film—thanks in part to a nudge from its leading man, Kevin Costner—the singer-songwriter had a specific ask. In a later interview on BBC Radio 2, she recalled sending over the track and highlighting the third verse, insisting that Whitney absolutely include it. 'I made sure to point out that last verse and urged them to ensure Houston performed it fully,' Dolly explained. She described doing a demonstration, noting how some artists, like Linda Ronstadt, had skipped it because they found the recitation tricky. But for Dolly, it wasn't just a spoken part; it flowed in the same melody as the rest of the song, making it an integral piece she had crafted intentionally. She wanted it sung, not omitted, to preserve the song's complete emotional arc.
Dolly didn't follow up right away, but fate had a dramatic way of catching up with her. One afternoon, while cruising in her car, the radio played Whitney's rendition from The Bodyguard, and it hit her like a freight train. 'I didn't hear anything else about it until I was driving,' she shared, describing how Whitney's soft, a cappella opening lines made her ears perk up, almost like a dog responding to a high-pitched whistle. By the time the chorus swelled, Dolly had to pull over—right near a Walgreens in Brentwood—to fully absorb the performance. She couldn't fathom how her modest country lament could be transformed into something so powerful. Listening to it became one of the most profound moments of her life, a true turning point that underscored the beauty of artistic evolution.
And this is the part most people miss: For Whitney Houston, the experience was equally validating. In a 1993 chat with Rolling Stone, she recounted a heartfelt phone call from Dolly, who reached out to offer congratulations. Mimicking Dolly's distinctive accent, Whitney recalled the icon saying, 'Whitney, I just gotta tell you, I'm so honored you sang my song. I don't even know what to say, girl.' Whitney replied modestly, 'Well, Dolly, you penned a gorgeous tune.' Dolly acknowledged that while the song had moderate success for her, Whitney's interpretation elevated it to new heights with its depth and flair. 'I believe Dolly Parton is an incredible writer and vocalist,' Whitney added, expressing her initial worries about how Dolly might react to her arrangement, added licks, and personal touches. When Dolly admitted she was stunned, it meant the world to Whitney, affirming that her creative choices had resonated deeply.
Now, here's a thought-provoking angle that might stir up some debate: Is it fair for original artists like Dolly to micromanage covers, potentially stifling new interpretations? Or does her insistence on including that third verse highlight the importance of fidelity to the source material? Some might argue it's possessive, while others see it as safeguarding the artist's intent. What do you think—should covers be free rein, or should songwriters have the final say? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you side with Dolly's protective approach or champion the freedom of artistic adaptation!
