Greatest Love of All

The story of *Greatest Love of All* is fascinating, and understanding its journey gives us a different perspective when performing it. Originally, the song was conceived for the 1977 film *The Greatest*, a movie about the life of boxer Muhammad Ali. It was Linda Creed who wrote the lyrics, capturing her reflections on how to face life's great challenges, the strength needed to keep going regardless of the outcome, and the importance of passing on that resilience to future generations. Michael Masser, for his part, composed the music. Masser felt particularly inspired by Ali's figure, a man who, despite adversity and losing his title, maintained his dignity. The lyrics, according to Masser, also reflect his own decision to leave a legal career to dedicate himself to music, a path that involved personal sacrifices.

The first time we heard *Greatest Love of All* was in the voice of George Benson, who recorded it in 1977 for the film's soundtrack. His version became a considerable success, reaching second place on the US Hot Soul Singles chart and marking the first R&B Top Ten for the label Arista Records. Benson recorded the song on several occasions, including live versions. However, it was Whitney Houston's 1985 rendition, with the title slightly modified to *Greatest Love of All*, that catapulted it to worldwide fame. Her version, included on her self-titled debut album, reached number one in the United States, Australia, and Canada, and also topped the R&B chart in the United States in early 1986. Creed's lyrics, written amidst her battle with breast cancer, took on a new dimension with Houston's interpretation, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. Tragically, Linda Creed passed away in April 1986, just as the song was becoming an international hit thanks to Whitney Houston.