The Greatest Love Of All

Michael Masser, Turtle Creek Chorale

About The Greatest Love Of All

"The Greatest Love of All" is a song written by Michael Masser, who composed the music, and Linda Creed, who wrote the lyrics. It was originally recorded in 1977 by George Benson, who made the song a substantial hit, peaking at number two on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart that year, the first R&B chart top-ten hit for Arista Records. The song was written and recorded to be the main theme of the 1977 film The Greatest, a biopic of the boxer Muhammad Ali. Eight years after Benson's original recording, the song became even more well known for a version by Whitney Houston, whose 1985 cover (with the slightly amended title "Greatest Love of All") eventually topped the charts, peaking at number one in the United States, Australia, Canada and on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs in early 1986. The original recording by Benson was released in 1977 in the United States, Japan, France, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Brazil, Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Thailand, on an extended play (EP). He officially recorded the song four times; in addition to the studio single, Benson also recorded three live versions, the last time in a duet with Luciano Pavarotti in 2001. 


Year:
1995
4:02
127 
#1

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I believe that children are our future;
Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside.
Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier;
Let the children's laughter remind us how we use to be.
 
Everybody's searching for a hero;
People need someone to look up to.
I never found anyone who fulfilled my need.
A lonely place to be, and so I learned to depend on me.
 
I decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow.
If I fail, if I succeed. 
At least I lived as I believe. 
No matter what they take from me,
They can't take away my dignity.
 
Because the greatest love of all is happening to me.
I found the greatest love of all inside of me.
The greatest love of all is easy to achieve.
Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.
 
I believe that children are our future;
Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside.
Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier;
Let the children's laughter remind us how we use to be.
 
I decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow.
If I fail, if I succeed, at least I lived as I believe. 
No matter what they take from me,
They can't take away my dignity.
 
Because the greatest love of all is happening to me.
I found the greatest love of all inside of me.
The greatest love of all is easy to achieve.
Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.
 
And if by chance that special place that you've been dreaming of
Lead you to a lonely place 
Find your strength in love

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Michael Masser

Michael William Masser (March 24, 1941 – July 9, 2015) was an American songwriter, composer and producer of popular music. more »

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Written by: Linda Creed, Michael Masser

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"The Greatest Love of All" was originally recorded by George Benson for the 1977 biopic called "The Greatest" based on the life of the renowned boxer Muhammad Ali.
Composer and Lyricist
The song was composed by Michael Masser and the lyrics were written by Linda Creed. Creed reportedly wrote this song while she was battling with breast cancer which later became her cause of death.
Whitney Houston's Cover
In 1985, Whitney Houston recorded her version of the song for her debut album. Her cover quickly rose to fame and became one of her greatest career highlights.
Chart Performance
Whitney Houston's version of "The Greatest Love of All" topped multiple music charts worldwide. It stayed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks.
Grammy Nominations
Although it did not win, Houston's "The Greatest Love of All" was nominated for Record of the Year at the 29th Annual Grammy Awards in 1987.
Music Video
The music video for Whitney Houston's version was filmed at Harlem's Apollo Theater in New York City. It includes a flashback sequence of a young Houston singing in a school talent show.
Live Performances
Whitney Houston often performed "The Greatest Love of All" during her live concerts. It was a staple in her set list for her world tours.
In Media
The song has been used in numerous films and TV shows, notably in the final scene of the film "Coming to America".
Tribute Performances
Numerous artists have covered the song as tributes to Whitney Houston after her death, including Jennifer Hudson's performance at the 54th Grammy Awards in 2012.
Timeless Message
The song "The Greatest Love of All" is often celebrated for its emphasis on self-love and inner strength, with lyrics like "Learning to love yourself/It is the greatest love of all."

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