November 25, 1992 – “The Bodyguard” begins its record setting run
Whitney Houston was already a music star, but the world wanted more. Her beauty, her voice and her presence clearly screamed that she was capable of even greater stardom, and her movie headliner debut, The Bodyguard, proved our guesses were right.
Teamed with Kevin Costner in a thriller that became a box office smash, Houston lit up the screen in The Bodyguard. But the movie ultimately made bigger history for its accompanying soundtrack, which was the vehicle for what became Houston’s signature song, and became the biggest selling move soundtrack of all time.
The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album sold 45 million copied worldwide, and won the Grammy Award as Album of the Year. The pairing of Houston and producer David Foster resulted the classic big ballad, “I Have Nothing,” the smooth “Run To You,” a fiery remake of Chaka’s “I’m Every Woman,” and the glorious #1 smash, “I Will Always Love You,” the biggest song of Houston’s illustrious career. The disc also included strong cuts by Lisa Stansfield, Kenny G and others.
Houston’s career would never be hotter than during the year following the release of The Bodyguard. Her supporting tour was captured and, in parts, released, a quarter century later on the 1997 album I Wish You Love: More From The Bodyguard.
As we think about the complex and often sad legacy of Whitney Houston’s final years, it is comforting to look back and remember just how special she was at the peak of her powers. And The Bodyguard was all that and more.
By Chris Rizik
