George Benson vs. Whitney Houston | Head 2 Head 🗣️️

On the 26th edition of Head 2 Head, George Benson, and Whitney Houston contend for the best rendition of “The Greatest Love of All.” 

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elcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing and contrasting their performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  On the 26^th edition of Head 2 Head, 🎙 George Benson, and 🎙 Whitney Houston contend for the best rendition of the classic, 🎵 “The Greatest Love of All.” So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

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1. George Benson, “The Greatest Love of All”

💿 The George Benson Collection • 🏷 Rhino Entertainment / Warner • 📅 1981

Believe it or not, 🎵 “The Greatest Love of All” was NOT originally recorded by 🎙 Whitney Houston.  The first to record it was versatile jazz/R&B guitarist and singer 🎙 George Benson “The Greatest Love of All” originally appeared on the motion picture soundtrack for the film, 🎦 The Greatest.  Fittingly, the late, great 🥊 Muhammad Ali starred in it.  The opening song on the soundtrack is the Benson rendition of this beloved ballad, penned by 🎼✍ Linda Creed and 🎼✍ Michael Masser.  The song would also appear on multiple greatest hits compilations, including Benson’s 1981 album, 💿 The George Benson Collection. 

In Benson’s hands, “The Greatest Love of All” is gorgeous. If you’ve never heard the original, well, my friends, you’re in for a treat! Benson has a silky, buttery smooth voice.  He’s soulful and incredibly nuanced, yet never forces things.  Backed by lush production and arrangement including keys and strings, the inspiration – the fuel for the fire – is there for the taking.  Take it Mr. Benson does, giving all the feels, particularly on that unforgettable, soaring chorus.

“Because the greatest love of all
Was happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me.”

George Benson’s “Greatest Love of All” was a moderate success, reaching no. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977.  Of course, Benson’s own success with “Greatest Love of All” would be eclipsed, without question. 

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2. Whitney Houston, “The Greatest Love of All”

💿 Whitney Houston • 🏷 Arista • 📅 1985

“I believe the children are our future / Teach them well and let them lead the way / Show them all the beauty they possess inside.” The late, great 🎙 Whitney Houston is known for claiming songs sung by others as her own. No, I’m not talking plagiarism but rather, recording the definitive version.  The most famous instance where the 🏆 Grammy winner lays claim to the definitive version is 🎵 “I Will Always Love You”, which was written and originally performed by 🎙 🎼✍ Dolly Parton.  That’s not the only instance, however, as few younger listeners are likely aware that her no. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, 🎵 “Greatest Love of All,” was originally recorded by 🎙 George Benson in 1977! Sure, “The Greatest Love of All” doesn’t get the same ‘love’ as “I Will Always Love You,” but it still ranks among the crème de la crème of the Houston catalog.

Benson shined on “The Greatest Love of All” without a doubt – props deserved.  Whitney, however, takes things to another level – kicks it up a notch on her self-titled, 1985 album.  How so? The voice, the voice, THAT VOICE! She begins calm, cool, and collected, allowing this thoughtfully penned ballad to naturally evolve.  Evolve it does, as by the final chorus, Houston showcases the brilliant, dynamic, and powerful nature of her instrument. 

“The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all.”

Simply put, the performance by Houston is magical. Hearing it is all the evidence you need.

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The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

George Benson or Whitney Houston?  Whitney, period. Benson sounds great – I can’t emphasize that point enough.  That said, Whitney Houston is Whitney Houston.  The late icon delivers an iconic vocal performance – one for the ages. A testament to her prodigious talent, “Greatest Love of All” isn’t even considered to be her greatest performance or record. 

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George Benson vs. Whitney Houston: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 26 [📷: Arista, Brent Faulkner, GenderArts from Pixabay, The Musical Hype, Rhino, Valentin Tikhonov from Pixabay, Warner]

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