Drum Sheet – Whitney Houston – Greatest Love of All

“Greatest Love of All” is one of Whitney Houston’s most iconic performances, yet the song’s story began nearly a decade before she recorded it. Originally written by Michael Masser (music) and Linda Creed (lyrics), it was composed for the 1977 biopic “The Greatest,” about boxing legend Muhammad Ali. The first version was sung by George Benson, whose soulful delivery captured the song’s message of self-belief and resilience. Linda Creed, battling breast cancer at the time, wrote the lyrics as a personal reflection on finding strength within oneself—a theme that transcended Ali’s story and touched universal human struggles.

When Clive Davis signed Whitney Houston to Arista, he sought songs that could showcase her extraordinary vocal power while also establishing her as a global pop artist. “Greatest Love of All” was a perfect fit. Produced by Masser himself, Whitney’s version was recorded for her 1985 self-titled debut album. The arrangement is lush and uplifting, spotlighting her soaring voice, but also anchored by tasteful, emotional drumming. The track features session drummer John “JR” Robinson, whose subtle yet powerful style is a masterclass in how drums can shape a ballad.

Robinson’s drumming is deliberate and restrained, using warm tom fills and a laid-back snare that gently drives each chorus. The hi-hats and cymbals shimmer without stealing focus, creating a bed of sound that allows Whitney’s voice to rise. In each crescendo, the drums swell just enough to lift the song, then pull back, letting the melody breathe. For fans of drums, this is a brilliant lesson in dynamic control and musical sensitivity—every beat serves the emotion.

When the song was released as a single in 1986, it became an anthem of empowerment around the world, topping charts in the US, Canada, and Australia. It quickly found a permanent place in Houston’s live shows. She performed it at venues like Radio City Music Hall, Wembley Arena, and later massive stadiums during her global tours. In concert, the drummers often gave the tom fills even more depth, adding reverb-soaked rolls that made the climaxes thunderous, amplifying the song’s inspirational message.

For drummers, “Greatest Love of All” proves that playing with restraint doesn’t mean lacking power. It’s about understanding the song’s heart—pacing the build, enhancing the highs and lows, and knowing that sometimes the greatest drumming is the kind that uplifts without ever overshadowing the story being told.