Introduction
The iconic ballad “I Will Always Love You” holds a special place in music history, but there’s a twist to the Kenny Rogers version you might be familiar with. While the song became a global phenomenon thanks to Whitney Houston’s powerhouse rendition in 1992, Kenny Rogers actually released his own version a decade earlier.
Dolly Parton, not Kenny Rogers, penned the original “I Will Always Love You” in 1973. The song served as a farewell message to her longtime collaborator and mentor, Porter Wagoner, as she embarked on a solo career. The lyrics express a deep love and respect, acknowledging the need to move on while cherishing the bond they shared.
Kenny Rogers, a close friend of Parton’s, recognized the song’s potential and covered it for his 1983 album “Eyes That See in the Dark.” His rendition, with its smooth countrypolitan style and heartfelt vocals, resonated with audiences, reaching number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
However, Rogers’ version never achieved the same level of fame as Houston’s. Houston’s powerful vocals and the song’s emotional connection to the film “The Bodyguard” propelled it to legendary status.
So, while Kenny Rogers’ “I Will Always Love You” may not be the first version that comes to mind, it holds its own place in music history. It showcases Rogers’ ability to deliver a poignant love song, offering a glimpse into the original meaning behind Parton’s heartfelt composition.