Elvis and 'I Will Always Love You': Myths and Facts
For many years, the story has been circulating that Elvis Presley originally sang Dolly Parton's hit song "I Will Always Love You." However, as we delve into the history and history behind this tale, the reality is a bit different. This article will uncover the truth and separate fact from fiction regarding Elvis's alleged performance and the involvement of Dolly Parton.
The Myths Surrounding Elvis and 'I Will Always Love You'
Many people believe that Elvis Presley originally recorded or publicly performed "I Will Always Love You." However, this is a misconception. According to the facts, Elvis did not originally sing this song in public. He wanted to, but his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, prevented him from doing so. Parker insisted that Dolly Parton receive a fee for her song, and when she refused, Elvis was not able to record or perform the song.
Elvis's Ambition and Dolly Parton
According to Marty Lacker, Elvis was indeed interested in recording Dolly Parton's song "The Coat of Many Colors." It seems that Elvis had other ambitions when it came to Dolly Parton's music. Lacker mentioned that Elvis considered performing "The Coat of Many Colors" to his ex-wife, Priscilla, on the day they divorced. However, even this intention was thwarted by Colonel Tom Parker. The Colonel required that Dolly Parton grant Elvis 50% of the composing credits. Given Dolly's shrewd business sense, she declined, and the song never saw the light of day under Elvis's name.
Factual Troubles and Business Decisions
When it comes to the song "I Will Always Love You," the truth lies in the business dealings and personal decisions made at that time. Elvis did not originally record or publicly perform this song, but the story continued to evolve due to various rumors and misunderstandings. Elvis's intention to record the song can be attributed to his passion for Dolly Parton's music, but the reality was constrained by the business decisions of his manager.
Whitney Houston and the Merger of Two Stories
While the original record of "I Will Always Love You" was a joint effort between Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette, it was Whitney Houston's version that brought the song to the forefront of popular culture. Despite Whitney's iconic performance, many still wonder about Elvis and Dolly's connection to the song. Houston's rendition of the song earned Dolly Parton a significant amount of money in royalties. It's important to acknowledge Dolly's astute business acumen, as she didn't let the opportunity pass her by. As she herself sang, 'She may be blonde, not naturally, but she ain't dumb'.
Inconclusive Evidence and Theories
Despite the absence of concrete evidence, the story of Elvis and 'I Will Always Love You' has persisted in pop culture. Many theories and rumors have circulated, but the majority of them are based on misunderstandings or superficial connections. The role of Colonel Tom Parker in stifling Elvis's aspirations further highlights the complex dynamics between artists and their managers in the music industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Elvis Presley wanted to record Dolly Parton's songs, including "I Will Always Love You," his managerial entanglements and their business relationships prevented this from happening. The story of Dolly Parton, Elvis, and "I Will Always Love You" is a fascinating part of music history, filled with ambition, business savvy, and the often-complicated relationships between artists, managers, and songwriters. Whitney Houston's version brought renewed attention to the song, but the original roots of the composition lay in the hands of Dolly Parton.