The Story of Billy Davis and The Greatest Love of All Recording

Behind the Magic: The Journey of “The Greatest Love of All”

Few anthems in pop and soul history carry the emotional weight, soaring melodies, and messages of profound self-worth quite like “The Greatest Love of All.” While the song is most famously associated with George Benson’s 1977 original and Whitney Houston’s iconic 1985 powerhouse rendition, the broader tapestry of the song involves legendary vocalists—including soul icons like Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo—who helped cement its status as a timeless classic through unforgettable live interpretations.

The Roots: Creation and the First Wave

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

• Lyrical Depth: Linda Creed penned the poignant lyrics while bravely battling breast cancer. Her personal battle infused lines like “learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all” with raw, authentic resilience.
• The Original Release: Jazz and R&B great George Benson recorded the first commercial version for the film’s soundtrack, turning it into a smooth, late-70s radio staple that hit number two on the Billboard R&B charts.

Expanding the Legacy: The Contribution of Soul Greats

As the song transitioned from a film soundtrack piece into a universally recognized standard, it became a magnet for top-tier vocalists. Artists blessed with rich, gospel-trained backgrounds sought out its theatrical composition to showcase their vocal control.