The Untold Story Behind Whitney Houston’s 'How Will I Know'
Whitney Houston's iconic hit, 'How Will I Know', has captured the hearts of millions. However, the story behind this timeless song is filled with intriguing details that are often overlooked. From its initial writing for Janet Jackson to the moment it became a success with Whitney Houston, this article delves into the behind-the-scenes journey of this beloved track.
The Original Writers and Their Inspiration
In 1985, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam were signed to AM records as the group Boy Meets Girl. Despite their subsequent hit, "Waiting For A Star To Fall", the songwriting duo initially got their biggest break by writing "How Will I Know" for Janet Jackson's Control album.
The Rejection and the Next Chapter
Despite their belief in the song, Merrill and Rubicam were disappointed when Janet Jackson and her team decided to go in a different direction. "Janet and her management passed on the song. We were pretty upset because we thought it was perfect for her at the time," Merrill explained in The Billboard Book of Number One Hits.
However, the song's journey didn't end there. Gerry Griffith, a member of the AR department of Arista Records, was in search of a hit record that combined pop and RB. He came across "How Will I Know" and immediately fell in love with it.
The Breakthrough for Whitney Houston
Merrill and Rubicam's publishing company sent the song to Griffith, who then presented it to Clive Davis. Davis was so enthusiastic about the song that he urged Griffith to produce it for Whitney Houston.
Despite initial hesitation from producer Narada Michael Walden, who was working on Aretha Franklin's Who's Zoomin' Who album at the time, he ultimately agreed to produce the song. The collaboration between Merrill, Rubicam, Houston, and Walden proved to be a monumental success.
The Recording and the First Take
Walden was supremely impressed by Whitney Houston's rendition of "How Will I Know". He reported that 'She did 'How Will I Know' in one take. Maybe I'd fix one thing here and one thing there, but the majority of it is one take.'"
Ironically, Merrill and Rubicam’s friends were recording Houston’s session for the song and accidentally let them hear the first take over the phone. As they listened in, they knew they were on to something special.
The Significance and Legacy
Even though Janet Jackson would have undoubtedly done a great job with "How Will I Know", the song seems destined to be a Whitney Houston hit. Houston's powerful vocals and the song's lyrics resonated with audiences, establishing it as one of her signature songs and a testament to the power of songwriting collaboration.
The story behind "How Will I Know" is a fascinating reminder of the unpredictability of the music industry and the importance of persistence and flexibility in realizing a creative vision.
About the Songwriters
George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam are songwriters who have made significant contributions to the music industry. Their initial work with Boy Meets Girl led to a major hit, but it was their collaboration with Whitney Houston that truly brought them to the forefront of the industry. Their ability to write a song that could resonate with different artists and genres highlights their talents as professional songwriters.
About the Producers
Narada Michael Walden is a renowned producer who has worked with a wide range of artists, including Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. His work with Houston on "How Will I Know" was crucial in turning it into a chart-topping hit. Walden's expertise and willingness to work with the original songwriters demonstrate his commitment to bringing out the best in songwriting.
Conclusion
From its initial writing for Janet Jackson to its breakthrough with Whitney Houston, "How Will I Know" is a story of perseverance, collaboration, and creative vision. This article not only provides insight into the song's journey but also celebrates the contributions of its key figures, highlighting the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent in the music industry.