Whitney Houston vs. Heather Headley | Head 2 Head

In the ninth edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Whitney Houston and Heather Headley contend for the best rendition of “All The Man That I Need.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the ninth edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Whitney Houston and Heather Headley contend for the best rendition of “All The Man That I Need”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Whitney Houston, “All The Man That I Need”

I’m Your Baby Tonight // Arista // 1990 

“And in the evening / When the moon is high / He holds me close and won’t let go / He won’t let go.” The late, great Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012) had a knack for covers.  In her 1990 album, I’m Your Baby Tonight, the Grammy-winning singer did wonders with another cover and number one hit, “All the Man That I Need”. “All the Man That I Need” was written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore. It was originally recorded by Linda Clifford in 1982.  Before the iconic Houston version, Sister Sledge recorded it as the penultimate track on their 1982 album, The Sisters.  Ultimately, Houston’s recording has become the definitive version.

Everything that Whitney touched during her heyday turned into gold.  “All the Man That I Need” never ignited the charts until she anointed the track.  The big takeaway is that Houston made this non-original sound original.  The authenticity is a big selling point, as you buy what Houston is selling regarding love: 

“He fills me up 
He gives me love
More love than I’ve ever seen
He’s all I got
He’s all I got in this world
But he’s all the man I need.” 

The chorus is the crowning achievement, particularly the post-saxophone solo (courtesy of Kenny G).  We get a dramatic key change and those indescribable Houston ad-libs.  Her voice soars effortlessly, supported by marvelous backing vocals.  Also, the lush, warm production work cannot be denied (Narada Michael Walden). Whitney Houston served up a masterpiece with “All the Man That I Need” giving future coverers an arduous, elephantine task – matching, let alone, outperforming her magnificent rendition.

Appears in :  

• Whitney Houston, All the Man That I Need: Throwback Vibez ️ 6 (2021)
• 20 Great Songs All About Men! (2022) 
• 13 Songs Where The Need Is Real (2023)

2. Heather Headley, “All The Man That I Need”

Broadway My Way // in:ciite // 2018 

“He fills me up, he gives me love / More love than I’ve ever seen.” “All The Man That I Need” is a timeless R&B classic popularized by Whitney Houston. Many other artists have covered this song, originally released by Linda Clifford.  In 2018, R&B/gospel singer and actress Heather Headley recorded her superb rendition of “All The Man That I Need”. It is the sixth track from her 2018 covers album, Broadway My Way.

Headley is supported by a warm, adult contemporary backdrop. Among the instrumentation are the rhythm section and strings. The tempo is slow and relaxed. As Headley sings, she is never in a hurry, keeping things cool, calm, and collected throughout.  She never forces things.  Furthermore, she sings with a gorgeous tone.  A key difference compared to the definitive version (Houston’s) is the lack of background vocals.  The biggest moments lack the added depth of a choir, but Headley compensates with her pitch-perfect vocal riffs and runs.  One of her most impressive runs finds her ascending into her ripe upper register, signaling a mean-sounding electric guitar solo.  There is an awesome key change, where Headley ‘goes to town’ with jazzy nuances. Covering Whitney Houston is an elephantine task, but Heather Headley makes “All The Man That I Need” hers and does a ‘bang up’ job.

Appears in :

• Heather Headley, All The Man That I Need: Covers No. 8 (2025)

The Verdict  

So, who covered “All The Man That I Need” the best? Is it the ‘definitive’ 1990 cover by Whitney Houston or the jazzy 2018 take by Heather Headley? There is no need to beat around the bush, folks. Few singers could match, let alone outperform Whitney Houston at her best.  She was a once-in-a-lifetime musician who possessed one of the greatest voices.  Headley, a talented woman in so many facets who is underrated, shines on her cover. It is stunning. Still, when it’s all said and done, Whitney’s number one hit, the definitive version, is the one to beat.

Whitney Houston vs. Heather Headley: Head 2 Head No. 9 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, in:ciite; Israel Torres, KoolShooters, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]