I grew up listening to and loving Linda...I loved her version, and it's always nice to hear it, and Dolly's also....but sorry girls...Whitney owns it !! ...How great if the 3 of them could have done a "trio" version of it.
The best song from "Prisoner In Disguise" ... used to listen to it (full BLAST) in my '62 Chevy. I was so glad that Whitney covered it later on. All versions are wonderful, although Linda's version will always be the most powerful one in my opinion.
I've had this album for YEEEAAAARS and didn't even realize this song was on it until now. I always thought these 2 women were THE BEST voices around. Both versions are moving.
If we had not all been "indoctrinated" that Houston's version was "THE" version, we would all have to agree that Ronstadt does a superb rendition here, of what was NOT Whitney's song at the time Linda recorded it, for heaven's sake! She took a beautiful farewell-my-love song from Dolly Parton and turned it into a cancion-de-amor from her childhood-- as valid an interpretation as Whitney's over-singing of it.
@therealjoebloggs The song was not a farewell-my- love... it was written for Porter Wagner.. when she was leaving his show to go solo... so it is a good bye my mentor ... song !
@Marchjoy1963 Well, yeah, that was the immediate reason for the song, but it wouldn't have resonated as it did if the lyrics didn't admit of a more universal interpretation. Linda and Whitney didn't have any professional connection to Porter Wagoner, right?
@therealjoebloggs Of course I agree with you about the universal interpretation of the song. The album Prisioner in Disguise (which Linda recorded this song for), was a project in which song writers sent song to Linda for her to record. The album cover inside has a picture of all the original music; the lyrics and some the sheet music for each song, spread out on the floor. It was a great concept.. and I do believe that Linda had an understading of what the song meant to Dolly.
@Marchjoy1963 Yes, I do think that she would have spoke with Dolly. In another interesting footnote to this song connection, Cissy Houston (Whitney's mom) sang back up for Linda on the album previous to this one, " Heart Like a Wheel".
Like some others who are checking out this vid, I just learned that Whitney Houston was given Linda Ronstadt's version of "I Will Always Love You" to listen to when she was going to record the song for "The Bodyguard." Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Whitney Houston ... honestly, they all bring something unique to this song.
For all of Whitney's technical prowess, she is lacking in evoking emotion in her rendition of this song. Linda has a beautiful, power voice that doesn't have the same range as Whitney, but sings from her heart. Linda's version is more convincing and moving.
@phatcracker2007 child you don't know what you talking about Whitney first and formost was a gospel singer .Golspel is more about emotion and moving people
@shannon360ify I know she's a gospel singer, and a damn good one at that. I think Linda sings a more soulful version. If I were banging them and they sang this to me, I'd be more convinced by Linda.
It's a matter of personal preference. Linda's voice is clear as a bell, and technically perfect; the emotions repressed and controlled, but clearly evident. Whitney delivers the same song with great power; her emotions are uninhibited, and clearly understood through her mighty delivery. In the end, your personal favorite is likely to be closely linked to your own personality - are you sensitive, but reserved, or are you sensitive and outgoing; perhaps overtly emotional? They are both BRILLIANT.
@stevenjhendriks The song was written for Porter Wagner.. when Dolly was leaving his show and their partnership to presue a solo career. Which is why you might feel Linda's singing is restrained, but her bluesy delivery and sutlety with the lyric are appropriate, since the true meaning behind the song is about leaving a friend not a love. The album that it comes from,(Prisoner in Disguise) was an album in which song writers sent the songs to Linda for her to sing.
I loved this song back in the day. She sang it first. She sang it best! On the album at the very end, Dolly joins her and thanks her for singing the song!
i like linda's version and dolly's orignal version, but hands down Whitney is by far my favorite version and no one before or after Whitney can ever sing this song like she did for the duration of my life on God's Green Earth.......
This is my favorite version, too. Maybe because it was the first version I heard, or maybe it's because I like Linda's voice and controlled emotion better.
I never heard this version before. I can definitely see where whitney used this version of the song as her blueprint. hmm... I like all three versions of "I will always love you". They're beautiful
@yryriza well, Dolly doesnt have the figures(sales) to back her does she? no disrespect to her, she did a splendid job! where exactly on this particular song is whitney off-key? let not yo dislike for a particular artist cloud yo judgement on their talent. i basically dislike beyonce but that doesnt make her any less talented does it? the masses, unfortunately, do always have the final say and i'm glad to b part of them on this one!
@yryriza well, Dolly doesnt have the figures(sales) to back her does she? no disrespect to her, she did a splendid job! where exactly on this particular song is whitney off-key? let not yo dislike for a particular artist cloud yo judgement on their talent. i basically dislike beyonce but that doesnt make her any less talented does it? the masses, unfortunately, do always have the final say and i'm glad to b part of them on this one!
@yryriza well, Dolly doesnt have the figures(sales) to back her does she? no disrespect to her, she did a splendid job! where exactly on this particular song is whitney off-key? let not yo dislike for a particular artist cloud yo judgement on their talent. i basically dislike beyonce but that doesnt make her any less talented does it? the masses, unfortunately, do always have the final say and i'm glad to b part of them on this one!
@jondavwal13 -you cant possibly be insinuating that the millions of people around the world who have loved whitney's version are all crazy? 14 weeks on top spot is not a joke. linda's version is good but not soulful, dolly's version is soulful and great but whitney's version is out of this world. its unfortunate that the view of the majority takes precedence over that of the minority and in this case, u are unfortunately part of the minority and your view basically has little significance!
@Taweshep Whitney's version was trash. Since when is screaming and singing off key a song? It shows the masses have no taste. I think Dolly did this song best.
@Taweshep Not soulful... Whitney is hardly what the black community called soulful, the spent year knocking her because they said she made music for white people. If you can't hear Linda's soul in this... I suggest you clean out your ears. And this was the version that Whitney used as a template for hers .
I have been a lifelong Linda Ronstadt fan and I can't believe I never heard this. It is really lovely. Whitney, Linda, and of course Dolly Parton all made this song beautiful and unique to fit them individually. Since it is Dollys song and is the first version I've heard, I still rate it as my favorite. Her voice is so gentle and soft, just beautiful as she is
Whitney sang circles around Linda Ronstadt, but I agree that Dolly's is the best, simplest and most beautiful version. She wrote it. She sang it. And she owned it, in my opinion. :)
@MrRustyspot Whitney Houston on her best day couldn't sing anything around Linda Ronstadt. Listen to their recordings side by side (not just this song). Linda's voice is purer, bigger, easier, and more beautiful. Listen to everything else she's done: operetta, standards, mariachi, country, mexican jazz. There is nothing she can't do with her voice. It's the most versatile instrument and best instrument in the history of pop music. Whitney's does not compare.
This is the version that Whitney Houston said she used as blueprint for her song. Linda Rondstadt Just like whitney houston is not a SINGER but a VOCALIST and a MUSCIAN ...their is a big difference. Hats off to both. Whitney houston had to do a pop version, but still managed to put soul and feeling into her lyrics ( Thats what made her special, the technical part never got in the way of the emotional aspect) Linda is great as well, no need to attack whitney houston
I think all the versions; Linda,Whitney,and Dolly Are great. Although Whitney was suppose to sing "What becomes of a broken heart" for the Body Guard. But someone change it and want'd her to perform "And I will always love you" So they brought in Linda's version of it, And that's how you got whitney version of the song, And if you listen both of there covers of the song they sound a lot alike especially on the chorus to the ending high note. I just wished Whitney would have gave linda credit :)
Stop comparing the three! They're all beautiful just like three legendary woman singing it! Dolly, Linda & Whitney! If it was Britney, Lady Gaga & Kesha, that would be a different story! Thank You Dolly for writing such a classic & Linda & Whitney for singing wonderful versions of it! :-)
I can not believe that I have never heard Linda sing this song. I knew that Dolly wrote it and had made her own recording of it; and of course Whitney's version---Lindas' is very good and sung with such emotion!
Whitney's version is brilliant and not over the top. It was perfect for that movie and she poured her heart into that song. She took a lovely, simple song and made it a mega loved hit. Both versions are fantastic.
@jondavwal13 Whitney was only working with what she was given. She didn't know the circumstances surrounding the song. Even if, songs are about interpretation not necessarily what the writer intended unless the writer is also singing the song.
@TheGoodStuff2010 Whitney claimed she "sang the hell out of the song." Look at the words and you realize that it's not about pyrotechnics. Ronstadt is a better singer than Whitney Houston and she always was. She has the artistic instincts to understand. I'll admit I'm biased against Houston. I've never liked her singing. I never liked her choice of music with one exception (I'm your baby tonight). This version to me was just hard to listen to. I've heard them both live at their peaks.
@TheGoodStuff2010 Well it's all subjective. Even the clip they played at the Grammy's of Houston singing IWOLY looked like it belonged on Mad TV. And she didn't even sound good. God, listen to the 2 minutes of Bonnie Raitt singing the Etta James song and you hear what a true legend sounds like. Soulful, edgy, beautiful, and not a note out of place. I don't think Whitney Houston was a good singer and I think she was a show off -- not great attributes if you want to put over a song. LOL.
@jondavwal13 We clearly have different opinions and I think she was a great singer. Just because you don't like her doesn't mean she is a bad singer--you just don't like her. But, it's whatever. You clearly have this extreme dislike of her.
@TheGoodStuff2010 It's all subjective. You're entitled to your opinion and I'm entitled to mine. I remember when Mariah Carey came out and everybody thought she was WH. I listened to it and thought no, it's way too good. I'm not a big fan of MC either but she had complete command over every part of her voice. Whitney Houston did not. That being said I think "I'm Your Baby Tonight" is brilliant. If she had continued down that path I might have changed my mind about her.
@jenny234ism I agree. It gets right to the heart of it. Linda's voice was inherently too big but she holds back. I really don't know what Whitney Houston was thinking. If I wanted to tell someone I loved them I wouldn't try to sound like a vacuum cleaner in their ear.
In the 70s, when I was young(er), I scetched in charcoal and I did 5 women, the women I though were the most back then - Linda, Olivia Newton John, Cheryl Tiegs, Dianne Keaton and the ubiquitous, Liz.
I think all the versions; Linda,Whitney,and Dolly Are great. Although Whitney was suppose to sing "What becomes of a broken heart" for the Body Guard. But someone change it and want'd her to perform "And I will always love you" So they brought in Linda's version of it, And that's how you got whitney version of the song, And if you listen both of there covers of the song they sound a lot alike especially on the chorus to the ending high note. I just wished Whitney would have gave linda credit :)
Very underrated and to this day is not inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and I consider an insult to what she has contributed to this business over the past 30 years plus.
Come on people please! This is a really, REALLY sweet sincere version, very well done too, and love Linda Ronstadt but no, its not better than Whitney Houston's, thats just not humanly possible! I wish Linda Ronstadt would do some new performances, that would be great. And, there is no reason for hating on Britney SPEARS or Lady GAGA either, its a different league. Really, its like asking Ms. Ronstadt to go out and do a dance number wearing hot pants and a haulter top. Leave it alone! My God!!!
@MOZ1175 Since Whitney's version is famously out-of-tune on the chorus, it is lovely to hear Linda singing this IN tune. I have never understood why they released Whitney's version as it was - didn't the producer in the studio notice that it was awful and ask her to do another take until she got it right? Obviously not. Maybe they thought the record-buying public woiuldn't notice - and perhaps they didn;t. Sorry!
@bobfalange The Whitney Houston version is currently, has been for 20 years, and will continue to remain the most selling, number one Love Song of all time. Lets face it pal, who ever produced that version weather it was Clive Davis or LA Reid, they made a hell of money off of what claim to be "out of ture". Out of tune it, LOL, if you say so ok then.
@bobfalange You would do well to remember the old adage: It's better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
I never heard Linda singing this song until just now, and I really like it. I have enjoyed Linda's music since the early 70's, but somehow missed this.
I've always hated Whitney Houston's bellowing through her version (and the quivering lip). But I think I still like Dolly Parton's version the best, with the delicacy and fragility of someone saying goodbye to her dearest, lost love. Linda's version is more in The Now, celebrating the one she's with. Hmmmm... tough choice.
@wingtips56 I completely agree. Aside from the fact that for pure power Linda could blow Whitney Houston to another planet she also knew when it was time to pull it back a little. I always described Houston's version as bellowing. I love Dolly's too.
I think Whitney, Linda's and Dolly's versions are special in their own way and touch those whom hear and feel it. When the comparisons start and "who done it better" discussions start, then that's where everyone of you are wrong. You don't get it. Just enjoy the music.
at the 1:48 mark in the song theres a Picyure of her sitting down, Does anyone kno if there a poster of this. I have a retro bar and want this poster if there is one.
I agree with cwebsterk, to some degree. Whitney Houston's studio version of the song can't be faulted for style and production. Dolly Parton said so herself on Parkinson perhaps a decade ago. Dolly and Linda are both very modest but both of them sing Dolly's song with emotion, conviction and style that goes beyond style. Thank you Linda and Dolly. PS: Whitney is doing her best to recover her former brilliance. People should cut her some slack.
Linda dominated the 70's there were many exellant female singers but none dominated the charts like Linda. shes gotten fat like most women her short height do. But what the hell. I've gotten older too. And gained 40 pounds.
Thank you, catman for sharing! Back when all my friends (and everybody else it seemed) had posters of Farrah i/s their lockers, on their walls and even on t-shirts, numerous pictures of Linda - and maybe one or two of Pat Benetar - dominated the wall space in my room as a teenager!
I knew Dolly Parton wrote it, but had only ever heard Whitney Houston's version, and I always thought it was a bit of a trite love song. Probably because of how over used it is, but whatever. Then I heard Dolly Parton sing it and it made me cry, it was so heartfelt and beautiful and the whole song totally changed for me. Now I've heard Linda Ronstadt sing it and now I'm like 'this song kicks arse!' LOVE her. Even more now. Thanks for posting!!
Thanks for posting this, I love Linda Ronstad's singing and have been a fan for years. MultiBaldEagle is right, Linda should be right up there with the best in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame though I believe many classified her more as Country.
@darlenejoy2 I thought they were equally GREAT renditions by two totally amazing voices of our (or any) time! Linda Ronstadt is one of the very few single acts that I ever saw in concert that I thought was worth the trip. I saw her in the 1970s at an outdoor arena at Mesker Park in Evansville, Indiana and two things come to mind about her set besides her great performance: she called Evansville "Evanston" (quickly corrected), and she mentioned the need for a mosquito repellant (Backwoods Off)!
@darlenejoy2 thanks for your comment. you are the only one besides me who says this. it is the best-way better than whitney. i saw her live in nyc and she sang this. thanks again.
I'm not ashamed to say that Linda Ronstadt was my first female singer crush back in the 70's when I was in my teens. I really didn't appreciate her version of this song. But now when I hear others try to sing it, they don't hold a candle to her. There's a vulnerability, honesty and let's face a voice for the ages that sets Linda apart. She has to go into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame !
this woman is truly supernatural, had everything,Linda Ronstadt for my icon 70, no one like her, it seems absurd that some compare it with the singers of today is like comparing a cheap wine with another expensive, she obviously is well above the singers today
I adored Linda back in the 70's. There were only a handful of truly great women singing artists then, and she was at the top of my list. Thanks for posting this beautiful version of this wonderful song.
@Primswood You're welcome. The amazing thing about Linda is how she has kept reinventing herself, mastering many different musical styles, and always excellent.
@MrJudube If you look up this song at wikipedia i says under the Whitney houston version that kevin Costener brought them a recording of lindas version of the song.
@MrJudube If you look up this song at wikipedia i says under the Whitney houston version that Kevvin Costener brought them a recording of lindas version of the song.
@saagverk Your so right ever singers sings this song needs Dolly Parton ok ..Dolly owns all rights to this song..Dolly wrote !!To me Dolly sings is heartful and Whitney sings it from her lungs!!!
i bet the person who had the idea to get Whitney to sing that song must have heard Linda's version. the kind of voice linda has and a few moments in the song suggest that.
Can't stop listening to Linda's version of "I will always love you". One simply gets hypnotized by her angelical voice. The sweetness of her voice lets you enjoy the lyrics to the fullest. Love you for ever Linda, you are one of the most complete singers I have ever known in my life.
Amazing how she could change the genre of music...pop rock with the Stone Ponies; country; Mexican; old time tunes from the 40's; beautiful duets; you never knew what each album/cd had in store for you. I guess it pays to be a trained opera singer! Thank you for all your wonderful music.
Chills, goosebumps and a heavy heavy weight in my heart. She was so incredibly beautiful, and I was so young in 1975. Others may do a good job of this song, like Whitney (her voice is like a finely tuned instrument...or was anyway), but this version will be the one that touches something deep inside me...something lost..something unclearly remembered...something sacred.
whitney who? seriously, whitney had an angelic voice, but linda could sing anything. pop, country, rock, opera. and she was a hottie in the day! i will always love her!
cwebsterk, i agree with you! they can all learn from linda!
Take note Gaga, Brittney, Beyonce, Pink, Rhianna, and all the rest of you little flakes with one name...THIS IS HOW IT's DONE. Linda doesn't need fire and lights, dancers, or to flip around upside down while hanging from the ceiling. Listen and learn.
@cwebsterk Can I add that Linda Ronstadt also never needed leaked sex tapes, public melt downs or 3 stints in rehab or jail to be a public figure. Artists today are for the most part crap!
I love anything that young Linda Ronstadt sang! She had the magic!
.
"I Will Always Love You" was a #1 hit by its writer, Dolly Parton and later a BIGGER #1 hit by Whitney Houston. Today, it is "owned" by Charice singing new arrangements by David Foster who also produced Whitney Houston.
The passion in her music is gone. Now she's become a bloated cow that is trying to pass herself off as a "Mexican American" (born in AZ) doing Tejano now that her fanbase has waned. The worst I saw her was on the tonight show when she attacked Robin Quivers.
@hashdfw LOL!!! She is not doing tejano. Mariachi is more like it. Don't care for either style but I know there is a difference between both. She has not gone tejano. I wish she would tour just one more time but with her classic hits!
@hashdfw Robin Quivers is a total bitch!!! At that time the Latin singer Selena was brutally murdered and Howard Stern publicly made fun of the situation and making racist remarks towards Mexican Americans and playing Selena's music with gun shots in the back ground. It's one thing to be funny or a comedian but it's another thing to be completely rude and disrespectful especially when a young life is taken away like Selena's. I'm glad Linda spoke out on the tonight show against Robin!
I agree with you...always LOVED Linda's version. Thank you for this.
DejaVuSu 1 day ago
Linda Rondstadt is a great inspiration to me.
OfficialHannahLopez 5 days ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I grew up listening to and loving Linda...I loved her version, and it's always nice to hear it, and Dolly's also....but sorry girls...Whitney owns it !! ...How great if the 3 of them could have done a "trio" version of it.
Jerseybearable 5 days ago
omg, i now see where whitney got her *version* of this song ...
sookiestackhouse2u 6 days ago
since Dolly wrote the song, she wins
michaelflorida56 1 week ago
The best song from "Prisoner In Disguise" ... used to listen to it (full BLAST) in my '62 Chevy. I was so glad that Whitney covered it later on. All versions are wonderful, although Linda's version will always be the most powerful one in my opinion.
FLBoy46 1 week ago 2
Wow!
beeweejr 1 week ago
I love dolly parton, whitney and linda---
sheruelxpxp 1 week ago in playlist Favorite videos
...it is my understanding that this is the version that Whitney heard...and liked enough to record
Dolly wrote and recorded it... went #1 two different times for Dolly...73 and 82 ?
Whitney introduced it to a whole new world. loved ya....rest in peace
yedon68 1 week ago
I've had this album for YEEEAAAARS and didn't even realize this song was on it until now. I always thought these 2 women were THE BEST voices around. Both versions are moving.
dczoo 1 week ago
I've just always loved Linda, nothing against anyone else but she took my heart in 1967.
APSTTGTO 1 week ago
This is just a beautiful song but I get more chills when Whitney does it.
superflyenglishvegan 1 week ago
If we had not all been "indoctrinated" that Houston's version was "THE" version, we would all have to agree that Ronstadt does a superb rendition here, of what was NOT Whitney's song at the time Linda recorded it, for heaven's sake! She took a beautiful farewell-my-love song from Dolly Parton and turned it into a cancion-de-amor from her childhood-- as valid an interpretation as Whitney's over-singing of it.
therealjoebloggs 1 week ago
@therealjoebloggs The song was not a farewell-my- love... it was written for Porter Wagner.. when she was leaving his show to go solo... so it is a good bye my mentor ... song !
Marchjoy1963 6 days ago
@Marchjoy1963 Well, yeah, that was the immediate reason for the song, but it wouldn't have resonated as it did if the lyrics didn't admit of a more universal interpretation. Linda and Whitney didn't have any professional connection to Porter Wagoner, right?
therealjoebloggs 6 days ago
@therealjoebloggs Of course I agree with you about the universal interpretation of the song. The album Prisioner in Disguise (which Linda recorded this song for), was a project in which song writers sent song to Linda for her to record. The album cover inside has a picture of all the original music; the lyrics and some the sheet music for each song, spread out on the floor. It was a great concept.. and I do believe that Linda had an understading of what the song meant to Dolly.
Marchjoy1963 3 days ago
@Marchjoy1963 Yes, I do think that she would have spoke with Dolly. In another interesting footnote to this song connection, Cissy Houston (Whitney's mom) sang back up for Linda on the album previous to this one, " Heart Like a Wheel".
karrtt1234 2 days ago
Like some others who are checking out this vid, I just learned that Whitney Houston was given Linda Ronstadt's version of "I Will Always Love You" to listen to when she was going to record the song for "The Bodyguard." Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Whitney Houston ... honestly, they all bring something unique to this song.
Chuck1974 1 week ago 8
For all of Whitney's technical prowess, she is lacking in evoking emotion in her rendition of this song. Linda has a beautiful, power voice that doesn't have the same range as Whitney, but sings from her heart. Linda's version is more convincing and moving.
phatcracker2007 1 week ago
@phatcracker2007 child you don't know what you talking about Whitney first and formost was a gospel singer .Golspel is more about emotion and moving people
shannon360ify 1 week ago
@shannon360ify I know she's a gospel singer, and a damn good one at that. I think Linda sings a more soulful version. If I were banging them and they sang this to me, I'd be more convinced by Linda.
phatcracker2007 2 days ago
It's a matter of personal preference. Linda's voice is clear as a bell, and technically perfect; the emotions repressed and controlled, but clearly evident. Whitney delivers the same song with great power; her emotions are uninhibited, and clearly understood through her mighty delivery. In the end, your personal favorite is likely to be closely linked to your own personality - are you sensitive, but reserved, or are you sensitive and outgoing; perhaps overtly emotional? They are both BRILLIANT.
stevenjhendriks 1 week ago 3
@stevenjhendriks The song was written for Porter Wagner.. when Dolly was leaving his show and their partnership to presue a solo career. Which is why you might feel Linda's singing is restrained, but her bluesy delivery and sutlety with the lyric are appropriate, since the true meaning behind the song is about leaving a friend not a love. The album that it comes from,(Prisoner in Disguise) was an album in which song writers sent the songs to Linda for her to sing.
karrtt1234 6 days ago 12
@karrtt1234 Yeah.. it is nice to see someone knows the origin of the song, and about the reason Linda recorded it.
zedlacredit 6 days ago
С большим удовольствием прослушал красивую песню о любви Linda Ronstadt исполняет ее прекрасно, но в памяти - Whitney Houston....
weles1304 1 week ago
@jackson4socks. Here is L.R.'s version. : )
wttwmusic 1 week ago
nippy is a copycat-er!
whitney's version is still spectacular, but less an achievment after hearing this beautiful version.....
and Linda hasnt said a word!! lol
MrDLOC11 1 week ago
I like the emotions she conveys in this version.
explicitj0yee 2 weeks ago
I loved this song back in the day. She sang it first. She sang it best! On the album at the very end, Dolly joins her and thanks her for singing the song!
nanrasor 2 weeks ago
Repeat :)
razosteven225 2 weeks ago
Very poignant and intense emotion. Love it
razosteven225 2 weeks ago
i like linda's version and dolly's orignal version, but hands down Whitney is by far my favorite version and no one before or after Whitney can ever sing this song like she did for the duration of my life on God's Green Earth.......
Msdominitrix 2 weeks ago
This is my favorite version, too. Maybe because it was the first version I heard, or maybe it's because I like Linda's voice and controlled emotion better.
f246gts 2 weeks ago 3
I like Linda's version the best--very cool.
TheAdays1 2 weeks ago
I never heard this version before. I can definitely see where whitney used this version of the song as her blueprint. hmm... I like all three versions of "I will always love you". They're beautiful
TheCandyceMichelle 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@yryriza well, Dolly doesnt have the figures(sales) to back her does she? no disrespect to her, she did a splendid job! where exactly on this particular song is whitney off-key? let not yo dislike for a particular artist cloud yo judgement on their talent. i basically dislike beyonce but that doesnt make her any less talented does it? the masses, unfortunately, do always have the final say and i'm glad to b part of them on this one!
Taweshep 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@yryriza well, Dolly doesnt have the figures(sales) to back her does she? no disrespect to her, she did a splendid job! where exactly on this particular song is whitney off-key? let not yo dislike for a particular artist cloud yo judgement on their talent. i basically dislike beyonce but that doesnt make her any less talented does it? the masses, unfortunately, do always have the final say and i'm glad to b part of them on this one!
Taweshep 2 weeks ago
@yryriza well, Dolly doesnt have the figures(sales) to back her does she? no disrespect to her, she did a splendid job! where exactly on this particular song is whitney off-key? let not yo dislike for a particular artist cloud yo judgement on their talent. i basically dislike beyonce but that doesnt make her any less talented does it? the masses, unfortunately, do always have the final say and i'm glad to b part of them on this one!
Taweshep 2 weeks ago
It feels emotionless. Dolly's version makes me want to give Dolly a hug and tell her it will get better.
yryriza 2 weeks ago
@jondavwal13 -you cant possibly be insinuating that the millions of people around the world who have loved whitney's version are all crazy? 14 weeks on top spot is not a joke. linda's version is good but not soulful, dolly's version is soulful and great but whitney's version is out of this world. its unfortunate that the view of the majority takes precedence over that of the minority and in this case, u are unfortunately part of the minority and your view basically has little significance!
Taweshep 2 weeks ago
@Taweshep Whitney's version was trash. Since when is screaming and singing off key a song? It shows the masses have no taste. I think Dolly did this song best.
yryriza 2 weeks ago
Comment removed
imaStonesFan 2 weeks ago
@Taweshep Not soulful... Whitney is hardly what the black community called soulful, the spent year knocking her because they said she made music for white people. If you can't hear Linda's soul in this... I suggest you clean out your ears. And this was the version that Whitney used as a template for hers .
westfaner 6 days ago
Comment removed
Taweshep 2 weeks ago
Wow, I didn't know Linda sang a version of this song. Nice!!!
mystique180 2 weeks ago
I have been a lifelong Linda Ronstadt fan and I can't believe I never heard this. It is really lovely. Whitney, Linda, and of course Dolly Parton all made this song beautiful and unique to fit them individually. Since it is Dollys song and is the first version I've heard, I still rate it as my favorite. Her voice is so gentle and soft, just beautiful as she is
sherri6332000 2 weeks ago
Whitney sang circles around Linda Ronstadt, but I agree that Dolly's is the best, simplest and most beautiful version. She wrote it. She sang it. And she owned it, in my opinion. :)
MrRustyspot 2 weeks ago
@MrRustyspot Whitney Houston on her best day couldn't sing anything around Linda Ronstadt. Listen to their recordings side by side (not just this song). Linda's voice is purer, bigger, easier, and more beautiful. Listen to everything else she's done: operetta, standards, mariachi, country, mexican jazz. There is nothing she can't do with her voice. It's the most versatile instrument and best instrument in the history of pop music. Whitney's does not compare.
jondavwal13 1 week ago
@jondavwal13 LOL
MrRustyspot 1 week ago
This is the version that Whitney Houston said she used as blueprint for her song. Linda Rondstadt Just like whitney houston is not a SINGER but a VOCALIST and a MUSCIAN ...their is a big difference. Hats off to both. Whitney houston had to do a pop version, but still managed to put soul and feeling into her lyrics ( Thats what made her special, the technical part never got in the way of the emotional aspect) Linda is great as well, no need to attack whitney houston
Bahia82 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I think all the versions; Linda,Whitney,and Dolly Are great. Although Whitney was suppose to sing "What becomes of a broken heart" for the Body Guard. But someone change it and want'd her to perform "And I will always love you" So they brought in Linda's version of it, And that's how you got whitney version of the song, And if you listen both of there covers of the song they sound a lot alike especially on the chorus to the ending high note. I just wished Whitney would have gave linda credit :)
badazzholeleft 2 weeks ago
She had some ugly feet and legs.
HungryVermilingua 2 weeks ago
Stop comparing the three! They're all beautiful just like three legendary woman singing it! Dolly, Linda & Whitney! If it was Britney, Lady Gaga & Kesha, that would be a different story! Thank You Dolly for writing such a classic & Linda & Whitney for singing wonderful versions of it! :-)
Heartboy1031 2 weeks ago
I love Dolly's version the best.
Blib9 2 weeks ago
I can not believe that I have never heard Linda sing this song. I knew that Dolly wrote it and had made her own recording of it; and of course Whitney's version---Lindas' is very good and sung with such emotion!
1835mimi 2 weeks ago
Whitney's version is brilliant and not over the top. It was perfect for that movie and she poured her heart into that song. She took a lovely, simple song and made it a mega loved hit. Both versions are fantastic.
ronstadtfanaz 2 weeks ago
This is incredible, so glad I heard this. But calling Whitney's version anything short of brilliant is insane.
mugumgutum 2 weeks ago
Whitney's version is a disaster. She has no concept what this song is about. This is perfect as was everything she did.
jondavwal13 2 weeks ago
@jondavwal13 Whitney was only working with what she was given. She didn't know the circumstances surrounding the song. Even if, songs are about interpretation not necessarily what the writer intended unless the writer is also singing the song.
TheGoodStuff2010 2 weeks ago
@TheGoodStuff2010 Whitney claimed she "sang the hell out of the song." Look at the words and you realize that it's not about pyrotechnics. Ronstadt is a better singer than Whitney Houston and she always was. She has the artistic instincts to understand. I'll admit I'm biased against Houston. I've never liked her singing. I never liked her choice of music with one exception (I'm your baby tonight). This version to me was just hard to listen to. I've heard them both live at their peaks.
jondavwal13 2 weeks ago
@jondavwal13It's your opinion, but I think you are letting your bias get in the way.
TheGoodStuff2010 2 weeks ago
@TheGoodStuff2010 Well it's all subjective. Even the clip they played at the Grammy's of Houston singing IWOLY looked like it belonged on Mad TV. And she didn't even sound good. God, listen to the 2 minutes of Bonnie Raitt singing the Etta James song and you hear what a true legend sounds like. Soulful, edgy, beautiful, and not a note out of place. I don't think Whitney Houston was a good singer and I think she was a show off -- not great attributes if you want to put over a song. LOL.
jondavwal13 2 weeks ago
@jondavwal13 We clearly have different opinions and I think she was a great singer. Just because you don't like her doesn't mean she is a bad singer--you just don't like her. But, it's whatever. You clearly have this extreme dislike of her.
TheGoodStuff2010 2 weeks ago
@TheGoodStuff2010 It's all subjective. You're entitled to your opinion and I'm entitled to mine. I remember when Mariah Carey came out and everybody thought she was WH. I listened to it and thought no, it's way too good. I'm not a big fan of MC either but she had complete command over every part of her voice. Whitney Houston did not. That being said I think "I'm Your Baby Tonight" is brilliant. If she had continued down that path I might have changed my mind about her.
jondavwal13 2 weeks ago
I hate it when people say one version of a song is better than another. You just happen to like one better than the other!
You can't say one is better than the other. They are all the best since they are all uncomparable, and all sung by the best!
tszubasc 2 weeks ago
Sorry, Houston fans, but Linda does it better. Much better.
Bozohotep 2 weeks ago
@Bozohotep Dolly's is better than both.
jenny234ism 2 weeks ago
@jenny234ism I agree. It gets right to the heart of it. Linda's voice was inherently too big but she holds back. I really don't know what Whitney Houston was thinking. If I wanted to tell someone I loved them I wouldn't try to sound like a vacuum cleaner in their ear.
jondavwal13 2 weeks ago
I love this song and I first heard it via this recording. Amazing performance by Ronstadt on an amazing album.
bartwestla 2 weeks ago
Hands down the absolute BEST version of this song! What a voice!
tmac396 2 weeks ago 3
In the 70s, when I was young(er), I scetched in charcoal and I did 5 women, the women I though were the most back then - Linda, Olivia Newton John, Cheryl Tiegs, Dianne Keaton and the ubiquitous, Liz.
Basoflakes 1 month ago in playlist Manilow
yo bob, hows this for an old adage: blow it out your ass. I too prefer this version to whitney houstons.
nomobama 1 month ago
@nomobama I agree Linda's version is better than whitney's (May she RIP)
sansaiman1 2 weeks ago 2
I think all the versions; Linda,Whitney,and Dolly Are great. Although Whitney was suppose to sing "What becomes of a broken heart" for the Body Guard. But someone change it and want'd her to perform "And I will always love you" So they brought in Linda's version of it, And that's how you got whitney version of the song, And if you listen both of there covers of the song they sound a lot alike especially on the chorus to the ending high note. I just wished Whitney would have gave linda credit :)
badazzholeleft 1 month ago
@badazzholeleft lt was Kevin Costner who asked Whitney to sing this for The Bodyguard.
dav1237 2 weeks ago
to my knowledge there is no live version of her doing this right??
theblueangel28 1 month ago
@theblueangel28 I don't know of one.
catman916 1 month ago
@catman916 can you find out for sure?
toychristopher 1 week ago
@bobfalange
DiMaddestThingAlive 1 month ago
Very underrated and to this day is not inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and I consider an insult to what she has contributed to this business over the past 30 years plus.
solomonmorris7 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Linda's voice is PURE GOLD.
But listen to this woman's sweet voice:
watch?v=zBy9t171DEM
MrBlueSkyMrNight 2 months ago
This is my favorite version of this song. I don't like the way Whitney goes all over the scale with the notes. Too much for me.
sirguyslady 2 months ago
Come on people please! This is a really, REALLY sweet sincere version, very well done too, and love Linda Ronstadt but no, its not better than Whitney Houston's, thats just not humanly possible! I wish Linda Ronstadt would do some new performances, that would be great. And, there is no reason for hating on Britney SPEARS or Lady GAGA either, its a different league. Really, its like asking Ms. Ronstadt to go out and do a dance number wearing hot pants and a haulter top. Leave it alone! My God!!!
MOZ1175 2 months ago
@MOZ1175 Since Whitney's version is famously out-of-tune on the chorus, it is lovely to hear Linda singing this IN tune. I have never understood why they released Whitney's version as it was - didn't the producer in the studio notice that it was awful and ask her to do another take until she got it right? Obviously not. Maybe they thought the record-buying public woiuldn't notice - and perhaps they didn;t. Sorry!
bobfalange 1 month ago
@bobfalange The Whitney Houston version is currently, has been for 20 years, and will continue to remain the most selling, number one Love Song of all time. Lets face it pal, who ever produced that version weather it was Clive Davis or LA Reid, they made a hell of money off of what claim to be "out of ture". Out of tune it, LOL, if you say so ok then.
MOZ1175 1 month ago
@bobfalange You would do well to remember the old adage: It's better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
rockittla 1 month ago
I love dolly parton....but this is my favorite cover of her song.
sling3shot 2 months ago
Beautiful song and even more beautiful singer
steve62afc 2 months ago
Linda Ronstadt is one of the greatest female vocalists to ever set foot on a stage.
methos21 2 months ago
I never heard Linda singing this song until just now, and I really like it. I have enjoyed Linda's music since the early 70's, but somehow missed this.
I've always hated Whitney Houston's bellowing through her version (and the quivering lip). But I think I still like Dolly Parton's version the best, with the delicacy and fragility of someone saying goodbye to her dearest, lost love. Linda's version is more in The Now, celebrating the one she's with. Hmmmm... tough choice.
wingtips56 3 months ago
@wingtips56 I completely agree. Aside from the fact that for pure power Linda could blow Whitney Houston to another planet she also knew when it was time to pull it back a little. I always described Houston's version as bellowing. I love Dolly's too.
jondavwal 2 weeks ago
I will always LOVE you .
1jackiea 3 months ago
Dolly Parton is better this cover is a big fail
kf932009 3 months ago
@kf932009 its better than whitney houstans
fish1648 3 months ago
@fish1648 yes it is but dolly patrons original is the best
kf932009 3 months ago
@kf932009 never said that i didn't like dolly's verson hers is my fav
fish1648 3 months ago
Such beauty, such talent
heriotsfullback 3 months ago in playlist Linda
Beautiful woman, beautiful voice! Linda you're the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
brentrick03842 3 months ago
I wish Amy Winehouse could've covered this. But this is a beautiful rendition, very lovely.
midnightwallflower 3 months ago
Both singer and song beautiful.
turboarrowIII 3 months ago
best heart felt rendition, lovely, Takes more than singing in the choir
this girl, has a God given talent
Violenceinmind40 3 months ago
I think Whitney, Linda's and Dolly's versions are special in their own way and touch those whom hear and feel it. When the comparisons start and "who done it better" discussions start, then that's where everyone of you are wrong. You don't get it. Just enjoy the music.
walmike79 3 months ago
at the 1:48 mark in the song theres a Picyure of her sitting down, Does anyone kno if there a poster of this. I have a retro bar and want this poster if there is one.
Thanks Rich
LBM200 3 months ago
i think she dos it better that whitney!!!
arkythirdrock 3 months ago
linda rocks
kuriaki71 3 months ago
the best
Violenceinmind40 3 months ago
what a SINGER... I just remembered the first time I heard this song..
and it was on Lindas album... I almost fainted.. I had never heard anything
so great..Then I read it was written by the other great lady in my life Dolly...
myrnlynn1117 3 months ago
I agree with cwebsterk, to some degree. Whitney Houston's studio version of the song can't be faulted for style and production. Dolly Parton said so herself on Parkinson perhaps a decade ago. Dolly and Linda are both very modest but both of them sing Dolly's song with emotion, conviction and style that goes beyond style. Thank you Linda and Dolly. PS: Whitney is doing her best to recover her former brilliance. People should cut her some slack.
jothos1 3 months ago
your a pretty lady Linda .
1jackiea 3 months ago
I like her spanish songs canciones de mi padre = songs of my father
venustianot 4 months ago
beautiful
EnfermosDePoder 4 months ago
Linda dominated the 70's there were many exellant female singers but none dominated the charts like Linda. shes gotten fat like most women her short height do. But what the hell. I've gotten older too. And gained 40 pounds.
402maypo 4 months ago
Thank you, catman for sharing! Back when all my friends (and everybody else it seemed) had posters of Farrah i/s their lockers, on their walls and even on t-shirts, numerous pictures of Linda - and maybe one or two of Pat Benetar - dominated the wall space in my room as a teenager!
CEBREESE 4 months ago
BLISS
amsterdamkim 4 months ago
Pure love for the audience coming out of her voice. A true entertainer.
danman911 4 months ago
It's been said before, but I'll say it again. She looks like lily Allen
princessgrapefruit1 4 months ago
@princessgrapefruit1 Yes, I agree that there is a resemblance, but it is more correct to say that Lily Allen looks like the young Linda Ronstadt.
catman916 4 months ago 17
@catman916 No puedo creer, qué versión, quiero llorar... Qué nivel interpretativo... :)
borres88 4 months ago
@princessgrapefruit1
have you got shit in your eyes mate?
xspbell 4 months ago
@princessgrapefruit1
Linda's a chicana and Lily is a brit
alfajuj 4 months ago
My favorite version of this song...such a perfect tone to it
Ricco99100 4 months ago
I knew Dolly Parton wrote it, but had only ever heard Whitney Houston's version, and I always thought it was a bit of a trite love song. Probably because of how over used it is, but whatever. Then I heard Dolly Parton sing it and it made me cry, it was so heartfelt and beautiful and the whole song totally changed for me. Now I've heard Linda Ronstadt sing it and now I'm like 'this song kicks arse!' LOVE her. Even more now. Thanks for posting!!
GMGRDS 4 months ago
Thanks for posting this, I love Linda Ronstad's singing and have been a fan for years. MultiBaldEagle is right, Linda should be right up there with the best in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame though I believe many classified her more as Country.
Satagal 4 months ago
That's a fine looking woman.
UPALLNITE4U 5 months ago
The best all around female singer ever. I've secretly had a crush on her for about 40 years now.
uslc113 5 months ago 2
Whitney Houstons version does not hold a candle to this song Linda Ronstadt has and always will be my favorite female singer of ALL TIME
darlenejoy2 5 months ago in playlist More videos from catman916 4
@darlenejoy2 or to Dolly's versions (either one, take your pick)
Huntinbear 4 months ago
@darlenejoy2 I thought they were equally GREAT renditions by two totally amazing voices of our (or any) time! Linda Ronstadt is one of the very few single acts that I ever saw in concert that I thought was worth the trip. I saw her in the 1970s at an outdoor arena at Mesker Park in Evansville, Indiana and two things come to mind about her set besides her great performance: she called Evansville "Evanston" (quickly corrected), and she mentioned the need for a mosquito repellant (Backwoods Off)!
bigblock1966 4 months ago
@darlenejoy2 thanks for your comment. you are the only one besides me who says this. it is the best-way better than whitney. i saw her live in nyc and she sang this. thanks again.
newmexicoguy 3 months ago
I'm not ashamed to say that Linda Ronstadt was my first female singer crush back in the 70's when I was in my teens. I really didn't appreciate her version of this song. But now when I hear others try to sing it, they don't hold a candle to her. There's a vulnerability, honesty and let's face a voice for the ages that sets Linda apart. She has to go into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame !
jpaesq 5 months ago
Best female singer of my lifetime... and I'm 61!
popsgt17 6 months ago
this woman is truly supernatural, had everything,Linda Ronstadt for my icon 70, no one like her, it seems absurd that some compare it with the singers of today is like comparing a cheap wine with another expensive, she obviously is well above the singers today
TheKikogomez 6 months ago 6
@TheKikoqomesorry to say this , but who isn't? just listen to the "songs" and "artists"today...
sonjainge69 5 months ago
Brilliant Version !!
God i LOVE Linda Ronstadt !
breffnipark 6 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Linda Ronstadt
WOW..BEAUTIFUL...
THANKS..ERIK TIELMAN, FLORIDADADAAA
tickyreal 6 months ago
I adored Linda back in the 70's. There were only a handful of truly great women singing artists then, and she was at the top of my list. Thanks for posting this beautiful version of this wonderful song.
Primswood 6 months ago 8
@Primswood You're welcome. The amazing thing about Linda is how she has kept reinventing herself, mastering many different musical styles, and always excellent.
catman916 6 months ago 6
Never knew LR covered this wonderful ballad - superb rendition by Linda! I absolutely love this. Thank you!
BritsRComing 6 months ago
Linda Ronstadt is good but every singers sings Dolly Partons hits..I love Dolly more but Linda sings it better this hit better Whitney!!
BLUEOHIO 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@MrJudube If you look up this song at wikipedia i says under the Whitney houston version that kevin Costener brought them a recording of lindas version of the song.
So your guess wasnt so bad.
saagverk 7 months ago
@MrJudube If you look up this song at wikipedia i says under the Whitney houston version that Kevvin Costener brought them a recording of lindas version of the song.
So your guess wasnt so bad.
saagverk 7 months ago
@saagverk Your so right ever singers sings this song needs Dolly Parton ok ..Dolly owns all rights to this song..Dolly wrote !!To me Dolly sings is heartful and Whitney sings it from her lungs!!!
BLUEOHIO 7 months ago
i bet the person who had the idea to get Whitney to sing that song must have heard Linda's version. the kind of voice linda has and a few moments in the song suggest that.
MrJudube 7 months ago
So very pretty. So very talented.
Creaky1964 7 months ago
Happy birthday, Linda.
Gordon102554 7 months ago
Thanks Dolly for writing this BEAUTIFUL song. Thanks Linda for your BEAUTIFUL voice!!!!
jandogg55 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
beautiful voice and face
MegaBabybubba 8 months ago
Can't stop listening to Linda's version of "I will always love you". One simply gets hypnotized by her angelical voice. The sweetness of her voice lets you enjoy the lyrics to the fullest. Love you for ever Linda, you are one of the most complete singers I have ever known in my life.
GregLA818 8 months ago 2
Amazing how she could change the genre of music...pop rock with the Stone Ponies; country; Mexican; old time tunes from the 40's; beautiful duets; you never knew what each album/cd had in store for you. I guess it pays to be a trained opera singer! Thank you for all your wonderful music.
balcluthawench 8 months ago
AWESOME
fernanda12ification 8 months ago
Chills, goosebumps and a heavy heavy weight in my heart. She was so incredibly beautiful, and I was so young in 1975. Others may do a good job of this song, like Whitney (her voice is like a finely tuned instrument...or was anyway), but this version will be the one that touches something deep inside me...something lost..something unclearly remembered...something sacred.
mcpaplus 8 months ago
America has quit producing talent like this. Or should I say America has quit producing talent.
Papafuz 8 months ago
The lilting, sonorous vibrato...the understated mastery of vocals - it's all you Linda!!
mesonsdad 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
whitney who? seriously, whitney had an angelic voice, but linda could sing anything. pop, country, rock, opera. and she was a hottie in the day! i will always love her!
cwebsterk, i agree with you! they can all learn from linda!
dadsongs1 9 months ago
Comment removed
dadsongs1 9 months ago
Comment removed
dadsongs1 9 months ago
she is the best forever and ever.....
tedymouragama1 9 months ago
Take note Gaga, Brittney, Beyonce, Pink, Rhianna, and all the rest of you little flakes with one name...THIS IS HOW IT's DONE. Linda doesn't need fire and lights, dancers, or to flip around upside down while hanging from the ceiling. Listen and learn.
cwebsterk 9 months ago 21
@cwebsterk I could not agree more with you. Linda is a flat-out great singer.
ciarraibuzz 4 months ago
@cwebsterk Can I add that Linda Ronstadt also never needed leaked sex tapes, public melt downs or 3 stints in rehab or jail to be a public figure. Artists today are for the most part crap!
vtwintom1 3 months ago
WHAT A VOICE, BETTER THAN DOLLY PARDON!!
huvaljason 11 months ago
I always get chills when i hear her sing this.
Exitbacon 11 months ago
Comment removed
huvaljason 1 year ago
So nice to hear one of my favorite singers sing Dolly's beautiful song.
cunnidvd 1 year ago
no way I could let this piece of trash in the RRHF ! NOW JAY Z THATS ANOTHER STORY !
forestroot 1 year ago
I love anything that young Linda Ronstadt sang! She had the magic!
.
"I Will Always Love You" was a #1 hit by its writer, Dolly Parton and later a BIGGER #1 hit by Whitney Houston. Today, it is "owned" by Charice singing new arrangements by David Foster who also produced Whitney Houston.
.
WOW, I so miss the young Linda Ronstadt
charicesunshine 1 year ago
The passion in her music is gone. Now she's become a bloated cow that is trying to pass herself off as a "Mexican American" (born in AZ) doing Tejano now that her fanbase has waned. The worst I saw her was on the tonight show when she attacked Robin Quivers.
Again, good job on this song by the old LR.
hashdfw 1 year ago
@hashdfw LOL!!! She is not doing tejano. Mariachi is more like it. Don't care for either style but I know there is a difference between both. She has not gone tejano. I wish she would tour just one more time but with her classic hits!
roctex 1 year ago
@hashdfw Robin Quivers is a total bitch!!! At that time the Latin singer Selena was brutally murdered and Howard Stern publicly made fun of the situation and making racist remarks towards Mexican Americans and playing Selena's music with gun shots in the back ground. It's one thing to be funny or a comedian but it's another thing to be completely rude and disrespectful especially when a young life is taken away like Selena's. I'm glad Linda spoke out on the tonight show against Robin!
amorhombre 10 months ago