Dolly Parton’s smartest business move was saying no to Elvis Presley
This article recounts how Dolly Parton famously refused to let Elvis Presley cover her song 'I Will Always Love You' because he demanded a share of the publishing rights. By maintaining ownership of her copyright, Parton secured long-term financial success, especially after Whitney Houston's later version became a massive hit.
Why it matters
It highlights the critical importance of intellectual property rights and creative control for artists in the music industry.
Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. George Rose/Bettmann/Getty Images In the 1970s, Elvis Presley wanted to record a cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." Parton declined because Presley asked to split the publishing rights. The risky move paid off when Whitney Houston's version of the song became a bestselling hit. In what world does a young, sequined country singer with just a handful of chart-toppers to her name turn down a special request from the King of Rock? In Dollywood , of course. Dolly Parton , who died on Tuesday, was less than a decade into her career when she released the twangy torch song " I Will Always Love You " in 1974. It topped Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart for one week, becoming her third No. 1 after "Joshua" in 1971 and "Jolene" earlier that year.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in