No one has owned a remake harder than Whitney Houston owned “I Will Always Love You.” Recorded for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992, the song was written and originally sung by Dolly Parton in 1974 as an ode to the business partner and mentor she was leaving behind to pursue her solo career. Parton had commercial success with her version on the Billboard Hot Country charts in 1974 and again in 1982 when it was featured in a film. Houston’s flawless version, however, kicked open new doors to become one of the best-selling singles of all time. That version was also used to send her casket off at her funeral in 2012. Parton recently said that she invested the money she earned in royalties from Houston’s rendition into the Black community in Nashville, as Blavity previously reported. The song, as recorded by Houston, recently earned diamond status.

From adding rhythm and soul to offbeat tunes to revitalizing folkish hits, this list represents just a tiny portion of the magic Black musicians have made over the years.

Donny-Hathaway

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week