A $200-Plus Phone Bill Became Part of This Whitney Song’s Creation

"Didn't We Almost Have It All," a signature song for Whitney Houston, emerged from a meticulous and sometimes challenging creative process before becoming a chart-topping success. Written by Michael Masser and Will Jennings, and produced by Masser, this track was Houston's fifth collaboration with Masser as a producer. The song's journey from conception to its release as a single in July 1987 involved significant decisions, including a last-minute

change in the record label's strategy, ultimately solidifying its place in pop music history.

A Lengthy Songwriting Process

The creation of "Didn't We Almost Have It All" was not a swift endeavor. According to lyricist Will Jennings, the songwriting process with Michael Masser spanned several years. Jennings recounted that he and Masser worked "off and on for years" on the song, with Jennings himself rewriting "bits and pieces of the tune" numerous times. He even recalled a significant phone bill, exceeding two hundred dollars, from a hotel in Nashville, incurred during their collaborative efforts. Despite the extended timeline, Jennings ultimately deemed the effort "well worth it in the end."

Jennings further elaborated on the difficulties, attributing the prolonged completion to Masser's busy schedule, which involved traveling, studio work, and other commitments. He estimated that it took "about a year or two" after they began working on it for the song to be finished. Masser's perfectionism also played a role, with Jennings noting that Masser's desire to "really nail it down" contributed to what Jennings described as "one of those never-to-be-repeated experiences." The lyrical theme, as described by Jennings, revolves around "wishing for reunion with someone, and making the case for it by recalling past good times."

Production and Vocal Arrangement

Michael Masser not only co-wrote the song but also took on the role of producer, marking his fifth production for Whitney Houston. Houston herself was actively involved in the song's development, specifically handling the vocal arrangement. The track was recorded in 1986 across several studios, including Devonshire and Leed's L'Mobile in Los Angeles, Hitsville U.S.A. in West Hollywood, Sigma Sound in New York, and The Plant in Sausalito, California. This multi-location recording process highlights the extensive effort put into its production.

Lee Holdridge and Robbie Buchanan were responsible for arranging the song, contributing to its orchestral pop sound. The song's musical structure is notable for its dynamic shifts; it primarily resides in the key of B-flat major but transitions to G major at the beginning of the chorus before returning to its original key. This shift is repeated in the second chorus, with the song ultimately concluding in B-flat major. Houston's vocal range on the track spans from B-flat 3 to E-flat 5, showcasing her impressive vocal capabilities within the slow tempo of 60 beats per minute.

A Strategic Release Decision

Initially, "Didn't We Almost Have It All" was not slated to be a single. The record label, Arista, had planned to release Houston's cover of the Isley Brothers' "For the Love of You" as the follow-up to her massive hit "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)." "For the Love of You" was actually the first song recorded for the *Whitney* album and was produced by Narada Michael Walden. Houston had even performed an early version of "Didn't We Almost Have It All" live during her debut headlining world tour, the Moment of Truth World Tour, alongside "I Wanna Dance with Somebody."

However, Clive Davis, a key figure at Arista, made a last-minute decision to change direction. At the time, Houston had gained a reputation for performing covers, with two of her biggest hits, "Saving All My Love for You" and "Greatest Love of All," being renditions of previously recorded material. Davis wanted to emphasize original material and believed "Didn't We Almost Have It All" had the best potential to top the pop charts, especially given the hit-making track record of Jennings and Masser. This strategic move proved successful, as the song became Houston's fifth consecutive chart-topper on the US Billboard Hot 100, staying there for two weeks and tying her with Elvis Presley and The Supremes for the most consecutive number one singles at that time. The song was released in July 1987, just as "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" was peaking globally, and featured the Jermaine Jackson duet "Shock Me" as its B-side.