Linda Clifford: All the Man I Need (1981)

Many know Whitney Houston's hit version of this song, but this is the original, and to my ears, the definitive version! You can read more about Linda Clifford, and this song, at my blog: raremusicalgems.blogspot.com

[@jermainejackson2638]

Whitney was a fan of Linda Clifford and made it no secrete.. She even gave a special shout out to Clifford in numerous interviews promoting this hit. Give Linda her respect her voice is amazing also, Whitney was a songstress true but its not like she never had people she looked up to vocally and Linda was one of those.. I love both version😍😍❤❤

[@chriscooks5437]

Now tell is about your relationship with 16yr old Whitney. Who put the move on whom? How long was it? Were you serious? Did you fall in love? Did you have good intentions for her? Or was she just a fling? Was she doing drugs then? Why did you string her along? Was Robyn in the picture?

[@chriscooks5437]

Did you smash Linda Clifford, too?

[@tonymcneil978]

@@chriscooks5437 lol Right

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

Are you sure Whitney was a fan?💀 Like she doesn’t have to be a fan, she’s just being nice and promoting a Black Woman that was done wrong. A fan? No.

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

And she didn’t look up to Linda vocally. She barley looked up to other vocalist outside of her family. This is what created the Diana and Whitney beef that the media promoted.

[@Blueeyedsoul517]

hearing this song to me just confirms that whitney houston is very well the best singer that ever lived. not just from pure ability, but from her interpretation skills. she breathed such a fire into this song. and yes, linda did great. but once whitney did your song (including america's own STAR SPANGLED BANNER), nobody came behind her and could outdo her. RIP beautiful whitney

[@mariahyohannes]

@Ed Miller What did you gain from this comment?

[@robertomoore2874]

LOL

[@lizzylaronde2234]

What ? From this song which sounds almost identical to Houston's recording, except it was pumped up and recording digitally.

[@sarahd2787]

True for real.

[@mariahyohannes]

@@lizzylaronde2234 this does not sound identical to Whitney's version. And there was nothing digital about Whitney's version

[@africanstar5814]

I'm so shocked to find out, after 32 years that Whitney's version isn't the original. I've listened to Whitney's verion at least 3 times every month for 32yrs and can never get enough of it. Whitney killed this song!!

[@diqueirozz]

A huge part of Whitney's songs are covers

[@user-nm7xw3vt4s]

@@diqueirozz and she took them to another level where there is no comparison!!!

[@nevah8366]

Sister Sledge sang a version before Linda Clifford.

[@flophilp]

Whitney had almost no original songs, part of the sad reason the industry was able to control her. She didn’t own the rights to much of anything.

[@CarysCreatesThings]

@@nevah8366 Sister Sledge recorded their version in 1982, a year after Linda Clifford.

[@Rosannasfriend]

I had no idea this was a cover before witnessing it. This is absolutely beautiful. I love this one was very rich and dark tone. So powerful and resonant. Beautiful vibrato as well. Beautiful ceilings in her singing as well.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Rich and dark, and smoky. Love it!

[@antonioellisacevedo3772]

A lot of people don't know this, but that's Luther Vandross and his crew singing background. Luther also did the background vocal arrangement as well.

[@CeeStyleDj]

Antonio Ellis Acevedo cool to know.

[@NateTheGr8ness]

And Luther Vandross would end up covering this same song 🎵 for his "Songs" album in 1994.

[@curt349]

Yup. I found out that when Luther sung it on the bet awards

[@flowerchild4647]

But then he forgot Linda Clifford was the original singer of the song he arranged and sang background vocals on.

[@andrec7440]

Nice

[@MelMel-hu2ui]

I didn't know that Whitney wasn't the first person to do this song. I just listened to this and Linda's voice is beautiful. I really like this. ❤️

[@yourmomchoselife]

Sister Sledge also did a version of this song before Whitney.

[@alacarte5073]

This is luther Vandross song. He wrote this for Linda. He also did his own version.

[@stormingsun80]

i grew up with Whitney's version of this song....and Whitney owns it by far. but i really like this version too...so to me this has to be a great song,sung by some great singers .

[@JoyHarrison]

I love both versions as each great vocalist brought something different to their interpretation.

[@jjsteel43]

She only owns it if she has the rights to the song

[@bmac2310]

You should hear Patti LaBelle’s live version of this song as well

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

Whitney took it the roof. She did what needed to be done!

[@havefun582]

Please don't compare who did what better.....Whitney and Linda are both amazing artists in their own right and timeless legacies! Put some respeck (as birdman said lol) on both of their names. Whitney was obviously inspired by her......greats ALWAYS inspire greats! Please let's just leave it at that and enjoy the gift of music and song these two legends selflessly share with us!❤️❤️❤️

[@SuperButterfly217]

Well said.

[@naeemrasheed9368]

WHITNEY DiD it Better.. Period’ttttt… Now respect that!! We got ears we can hear!!!

[@angelminaj617]

Whitney song circles around linda on this song

[@talltalllady]

​@@naeemrasheed9368She did no lie

[@nicoleday2305]

A M E N !!!

[@jeanieasmith]

I loooove this version and was so surprised to know that my good friend Linda sang this before Whitney sang it (that I actually sung background on under the production of Narada Michael Walden) Linda sung the hell outta this, no wonder Whitney did a great job.......with this as a guide, how could she not? Jeanie Tracy

[@chriscooks5437]

This is garbage. It sounds like Cher!

[@dahomiee]

Your her friend?

[@Person12216]

Wow!

[@RedSunday1984]

A singer is nothing without a song, but a song is nothing without a singer. Whitney spoke and lived these words. That is why her versions of songs connected with the world.

[@DiffrentDrumr]

Can I love both?!? I had this album and loved it long before Whitney performed it. Both are great!!

[@chriscooks5437]

Nope. Choose.

[@MCdreamfaerie]

Yes they are both just straight up classics. 10/10 Picasso

[@soundiva22]

Sister Sledge version the best imo!

[@javierengraff2671]

Thanks to Whitney Houston, this song is known worldwide. Whitney changed this song for better and for good. Whitney's version is unmatching..

[@shottut]

+Javier Engraff It's not known world wide.... it was't that big of a hit.

[@jacknickols2726]

It was a #1 hit dummy. Whitney's version

[@mickdenis6630]

+Corey Salgado In the US... that doesn't make it known worldwide...no one even remembers Where Do Broken Hearts Go or Didn't We Almost Have it All...they were also number one in the US...BIG DEAL

[@jacknickols2726]

it was #1 in the U.S, #1 in Canada. and it had a place under 50 in Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands. ect. Everyone was doing covers of this and nobody could make this a hit. Linda Clifford didn't even get this to be #1 in the U.S so that just goes to show how better Whitney Houston does it

[@javierengraff2671]

+Mick Denis I am from Argentina and Whitney's version is widely known here....

[@nicoleday2305]

Thank you for sharing... This Woman sang this song - for a first one to sing it, she did her thang.... In a class all by herself. I loved it 🎉

[@nevah8366]

Sister Sledge sang it first.

[@davidhunt8932]

I though Whitney was the original singer. Great to know.

[@silvermist1216]

Everytime Whitney Houston covers someone's song she adds that extra extra seasoning.

[@DaOrigTruthSeeker]

I respect both Whitney and Linda for their outstanding versions. They made wonderful contributions to the world of music. Two memorable performances.

[@UNbowed62]

Yes

[@2natree854]

I really love listening to the original versions of songs that have been covered by other artist. But that being said, when Whitney takes on a song she always without reservation owns it every time.

[@GalaxyNexus1]

Most of the time. Not every.

[@rellenoz]

I really like this. I'm a huge Whitney fan, but THIS song fits her voice, the 80's production, it all works. Kind of gritty the way the 80's were. Not so sleek and polished. I LOVE it. YOu could drop this tune into a movie. Whitney's version would have to run during the closing credits.

[@mziwendukuntsele671]

The original, in my opinion, is the real deal. The original conjured the beautiful & beloved song into life. Everybody who comes after (no matter how good) will always be an imitator. Imitators copy, but the original will always own it.

[@hammertoejoe]

This first version is just BRILLIANT and clean: Definitely this song was made for Linda's voice and the character of her voice remarks the concept. I've heard the Sister Sledge version too, a bit more experimental maybe due that it was for a duet, and more risky for the melody and rhythm variations. Whitney Houston however, took it from the original, and seemed she didn't want to change it just except for her freshness and voice skills. Now she's finally in Heaven where she belongs.

[@mariahyohannes]

Have you ever listened to Whitney sing this live??

[@alacarte5073]

Luther Vandross did his own version. He actually wrote this song for Linda.

[@preciouspapillion-ke3it]

Have u heard Patti labelle version chuuuuu🔥

[@Goshyumplates]

@@preciouspapillion-ke3itnope but I’m going to listen. She’s just EXCELLENT!!!

[@cutienoli]

i really never thought that whitney's version was just a copy of this. as what you can hear, someone will really beat the original. Whitney kills the song!

[@BscBlk]

I LOVE Whitney's take on this song, but I like Ms Clifford's take also.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

So glad I found this original. I love learning my musical history, this song is one of my favorites

[@tyleross1986]

I really like this version. This song is great, in general.

[@Thehouseofwax]

Linda simply rules! I love Whitney's voice but I keep finding amazing songs by this incredible artist! Again: Linda you rule!

[@TheLanard]

Luther Vandross is singing background.

[@user-wo8yf9uy4e]

Nice, didn't know this was the original but whitney took it to another level

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Linda is just a wonderful and lovely contralto who always pleases my ears.

[@ronaldelston6039]

I didn't know this was hers originally, Thank You Linda Love All The Versions Made!

[@StevenOsburnHollywood]

I’ve always loved Linda’s music ever since the movie “Fame” was released. I was about 18 then. Red Light was my all time favorite.

[@Elwrt455]

Ok, ok she may not have the POWERFUL voice of Whitney Houston but remember Clifford recorded it FIRST

[@charlita25]

It still has power and resonance

[@prixator]

This was enjoyable, for sure, but it seemed to me that Linda clipped off some notes that Whitney extended so beautifully. To each his own, I guess. I love all great artists that always give their best.

[@maidstone10]

Wonderful ❤. I am a huge Whitney fan and had no idea her version was a cover. There is something very beautiful about this version too

[@rafaelvelascoaraguirang]

I love the original Singer because that is the source of song, without the original Singer, original compositions and original Producer and Manager. The song will never heard.

[@IanJames_4]

Man, Whitney had a lot of success with covers of songs done before.

[@mariahyohannes]

That's because her interpretive skills are top tier. She breathed live into every song she covered.

[@Leira6267]

Part of Whitney contract with Clive was not to write her own songs. That's why she did more covers chosen by Clive.

[@kimigee2734]

Thanks so much for reminding me of the talent of Linda Clifford. I don't remember this version, but it's very good. Hard for me to get past Whitney's super powerful version of the same song. It's one of my all time favorite songs by Whitney Houston, gives me goose bumps listening to Whitney's version every time I hear it.

[@glmtennessee]

Reminds me of how much I absolutely loved Maxwell’s “This Woman’s Work” Then I heard Kate Bush’s original version and was blown away. Please listen if you haven’t. Both are equally amazing, yet different.

[@taylordowning2533]

Both are incredible. Kate Bush's version breaks my heart.

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

Maxwell cleared.

[@timmy841212]

Whitney definitely had the better version. She gave the song what I needed. But glad to hear Luther arranged the background vocals for this version. Definitely a Luther trademark.

[@alacarte5073]

Sadly not everyone knows.

[@TheBluesmanBlue]

Linda Clifford you did a great job on the song don't let nobody tell you you didn't you already know because of record label and sometimes management it didn't get the radio airplay it deserved 👏👏👏👏👏 you get ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐stars

[@ste.b.7400]

It's about feeling what you singing. Whitney Houston performances of this song are out of this world

[@Redmon05]

Every now and then someone comes along and makes a good thing great.

[@doubledelta8085]

I kept thinking I had heard this song before Whitney’s version. Great song. Not a favorite of mine, but both Linda and Whitney did their thing on it!

[@Teenasboy50]

I love Sister Sledge version!!! It’s a duet with a man and it’s so beautiful!! Check it out if you never heard it before!!

[@rosanasari]

Thanks for sharing this rare gem. I've grown up listening to Whitney's rendition and somehow I feel it's already perfect, almost impossible to let go off of her style. Linda's is much simpler, giving a full chance to explore my own style.

[@62Osyrus]

I knew I had heard this song when Whitney sang it. I like both versions.

[@alacarte5073]

Luther Vandross version 8s good too. He wrote this song for Linda.

[@billyriedel6449]

I love this version because I like her voice's darker tone. I also like the arrangement in this version.

[@Abfabrob4u]

Absolutely fabulous.

[@peterclark498]

omg ....lets not forget Linda,,,this is beautiful x x

[@verahall6498]

Kathy Sledge and David Simmons recorded this song after Linda Clifford and then Whitney Houston also did her remake after the 2 before her. Very beautiful song

[@andrec7440]

Thanks for posting

[@QueerSwede1]

She is amazing!

[@honeydiva9171]

Sister Sledge also covered this song a yr after this was released. I've never heard/ or remember this or S.S version. I thought S.S. originally made it after seeing then preform it on Soul Train a few years ago! Whitney's version is the one I *LOVED* & wanted for my 1st dance at my wedding! She took this song & made it all her own, much like I Will Altars Always Love You! You're greatly missed, Nippy, R.I.P.

[@Dbydesign1]

Very well done, Linda......absolutely beautifully delivered.

[@Halo_1128]

Linda Clifford has a good strong beautiful voice wow!

[@RareMusicalGems]

@VirgoDar I think that's why I love Linda's version so much, it just fits. I'm not surprised it was written especially for her. Looking forward to the interview.

[@nataliasaveleva1838]

This is great, but Whitney still did the most amazing version of this song!

[@stevescissors]

I remember this song so well. Great song! I just purchased this CD. Thanks for posting this.

[@armstronglance]

If it wasn't for Linda recording this song about her and her husband's love, Whitney's version would have never existed. The recording process & techniques made a giant leap from the time Linda recorded this song, and the time Whitney (with her huge budget) recorded the song.

[@kizzie369]

This sounds just like Donna Summer, especially on her higher notes.

[@rf6724]

True

[@sbyrns1967]

I was thinking same thing, but donna voice is a little more powerful

[@lizzylaronde2234]

Not sure what you are hearing, but I definitely disagree. Donna's voice is very spacious, it fills the air. She also doesn't cut off her notes. Linda has a resemblance to Donna.

[@kizzie369]

@@lizzylaronde2234 eh, they still sound similar to me 🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

[@jacobgeiger4402]

It does... Love Donna Summer R.I.P.❤️

[@latishatomblin8944]

I love this version! Both Whitney and Linda did the song justice 🩷

[@jldthird]

This is one of the recordings that started me buying her albums (way back then). Great post & info - thanks!

[@vinxxiii]

The power of rendition is that you put all your efforts in making the music as if you own it-thats what Whitney did.. However, not to discredit Linda, if she weren't sang this soung Whitney would not have been inspired in singing this song. Both has their own rarity, a music legend and an icon. Miss this kind of music❤️ all love for both of them

[@deewoo2776]

I always LOVED Linda Clifford's ORIGINAL version. Sister Sledge 2nd ORIGINAL version was made into a duet featuring Kathy Sledge (lead singer of the group) and the incomparable David Simmons. Their 2nd original version sounds like a LOVE STORY. Whitney Houston's version (1990) has a more clear powerful sound which I love thanks to music producer Narada Michael Walden. My favorite version is still Sister Sledge even though I love all 3 versions. 💙💙💙

[@alacarte5073]

You're forgetting Luther Vandross version. He's the one who the song for Linda.

[@deewoo2776]

I didn't forget about Luther Vandross. I didn't include him. Reason being that he changed the song title. His interpretation is nice.

[@kurtadams3021]

CLASSIC

[@v.a.993]

Miss Clifford is a singer's singer.

[@dissentingjustice7539]

I love Whitney all day forever. But this is a great song. Also, it was first, so she created a template that Whitney expanded and improved. That's how music works. This is a great first version.

[@alacarte5073]

Luther Vandross wrote this. He also made a version of it.

[@waltonguy]

Can’t beat the original!!!!

[@rhymeandreasoning]

Love the sax solo

[@RSTAR2009]

I heard the Sister Sledge and Whitney Houston version. TODAY I learned that Linda recorded the original. Ramon Hart, Co-Admin Fans Of TV ONE'S UNSUNG Facebook Fan Group

[@RareMusicalGems]

@heyheyhey167 Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Both versions are wonderful, I thought I should get Linda's version out there for people hear!

[@CASantos]

Admittedly I thought this was going to suck being that Whitney tore it up and into pieces, particularly live. But I really like this one as well, Linda's voice is very interesting and has wonderful depth. And the song, or at least this arrangement actually does fit her voice a little bit more I think.

[@lifewithlawrence1462]

Amazing

[@efg5000]

I LOVE both versions......But I now know where my friend Nippy got the phrasing from! Both these BEAUTIFUL LADIES inside and out, have been to my home and they are so real and Linda Clifford is a excellent cook she should write a CookBook and she is funny as Hell..

[@freakysmart5265]

How can you love music and down either woman both ate

[@Kuhstreichler]

It is unbelieveable, how many 80s and 90s Hits are recovered. I am disappointed every time, when I experience it.

[@ann-marieclarke1191]

Kuhstreichler,that's what the music Biz is about 'youngman'.

[@marthedramatiq]

Linda sang it beautifully!

[@perezmoore4333]

This song is sung by Linda Clifford, Linda Clifford! Give this lady the credit SHE deserves for this song. If you want to talk about others who have sung this song do so in their comments section, NOT HERE! Why are you clowns so disrespectful?

[@ahmadanderson8696]

Sister Sledge has a very good version also, a duet.

[@simonenin71]

I love love this version

[@Sealifeocean]

Thanks

[@shottabwoi3985]

If NIPPY remade your song, SHE DID YOU A HUGE FAVOR! 👌🏾♦️ 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😱😱😱😱

[@danlivni2097]

Awesome version.

[@BADNTJD]

I like this version but I LOVE Whitney's version. WH just evokes more passion through her version because she was singing about God and that's a different and more beautiful type of relationship to have than with anyone.

[@ajbreezy11]

I agree.

[@ajbreezy11]

Richey Collazo It all depends on how you interpret it.

[@sheevpalpatine6466]

Beutiful

[@JordCA]

So its fine (think era tone, and what they were going for), but once Whitney Houston sings your song its over and it becomes hers!! HUGE credit to the writers of this song and the others WH covered!!!!

[@NIPPYxMIMI]

Whitney just seemed to need that man a bit more than Linda.

[@MrCMThompson]

😂😂😂😂 facts

[@daretosayit]

@VirgoDar ..Very nice! I'll look for that interview. Honestly, I thought most people knew Linda's was the original. Though I regularly listen to Sister Sledge's music, I've only heard their version of the song once before (I finally listened again today on YT) and as the one time I listened before was a "live" performance/appearance they gave an interview and it was overtly mentioned that it was a cover of Linda's original. Listening to it, you can tell it was written for her. She's still great.

[@olessedm.globeukra]

Linda Clifford s original interpretation is much better for me) and the music as well as the sax alone is more sexy))

[@NateTheGr8ness]

OK. I'm really late in the game cause I discovered something new tonight: This came up in my notifications and I had to listen to it. I had NO IDEA that Linda Clifford made this song first! I grew up on Whitney Houston's version and always thought it was an original. Even though I say Whitney had the better version of this song, this is still a good original piece.

[@pradeepbalakrishnan3128]

when Whitney released her version in 1989, I knew I heard this song before. Whitney's version was so....uh.....dope.

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

She gave it her all, I'm sure.

[@avifalco]

Whitney was only able to keep this song in hee catalog up until around 1997 .we never heard her sing it live again. The 1990 arrangement became to difficult for her as her range dimension over the years

[@Leira6267]

I don't know why people be so judgemental to Whitney about her voice not being the same at late life. That happens to all singers whether they are on drugs or not. Maria C voice is not the same.

[@roqueroquely5243]

adorei maravilhosa voz cantora perfeita linda demais

[@rileyelizabeth9627]

HA! I never knew this was the original.

[@nippy22]

Wow... interesting

[@antjohnson3]

Never knew this version or that she was the original singer of this song until today. Wow! Always of course new off Whitney's version and then Patti LaBelle took it straight to church

[@SuperHurricane75]

Great post!

[@LJH_loves_music]

Patti Labelle use to sing it on her live tours. Luther Vandross covered the song as well, renamed it "All The Woman I Need".

[@bdiaz6081]

He coulda just left it the same as it turns out!

[@AngeBiampandou]

@@bdiaz6081 No shade

[@charlita25]

Nice 👍🏾

[@Bahia82]

to those who dont like whitney remake, listen to her sing this live! your minds will change. I luv this version as well.

[@stevebarrett2106]

Heck. You don't want to have a song like this to your name and then have someone like Whitney Houston come along and knock it of the park. Not unless you want your song to be immortalised, that is.