The Story Behind The Greatest Love of All: Clive Davis Connection

The Legacy Behind the Anthem: Exploring “The Greatest Love of All”

When music fans talk about “The Greatest Love of All,” the conversation almost always lands on Whitney Houston’s iconic 1985 powerhouse version or George Benson’s smooth 1977 original. However, the track’s incredible journey through soul music history involves a tapestry of legendary voices—including acclaimed artists like Billy Davis Jr. (renowned for his stellar work with The 5th Dimension and alongside his wife, Marilyn McCoo), who helped champion the song’s emotional weight on stage and screen.

The Anatomy of a Masterpiece

Written by Michael Masser (music) and Linda Creed (lyrics), “The Greatest Love of All” was initially crafted to anchor the narrative of The Greatest, a 1977 biographical film about boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

• The Lyrical Weight: Creed penned the lyrics while battling breast cancer, infusing lines like “learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all” with a raw, lived-in authenticity that resonated deeply with listeners.
• The Vocal Challenge: The composition demands immense control, building from a gentle, conversational verse into a soaring, triumphant chorus that tests the dynamic limits of any singer.

From Soundtracks to Soul Standards

While George Benson’s silky interpretation turned the song into an R&B staple in the late 1970s, vocalists with rich, gospel-trained backgrounds frequently adopted the track for television specials and live concert circuits.