1992: When Whitney ruled the charts and Mortal Kombat changed the game
1992: When Whitney ruled the charts and Mortal Kombat changed the game
1992: When Whitney ruled the charts and Mortal Kombat changed the game
Gary Oberholzer
1992: When Whitney ruled the charts and Mortal Kombat changed the game
Before it became one of the most recognisable vocal performances of all time, “I Will Always Love You” was a country farewell song written by Dolly Parton almost two decades earlier. Then, in 1992, Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard soundtrack — turning it into a global phenomenon and creating one of the defining music moments of the decade.
It’s the featured year on this week’s HOT Classic Countdown with Steve Bishop, taking place every Sunday from 12 to 3pm on HOT 102.7FM.
1992 was a year where entertainment, technology and culture were all shifting into a new era.
At the movies, audiences were introduced to Disney’s Aladdin, while The Bodyguard paired Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston in one of the biggest box office hits of the year. Quentin Tarantino made his directorial debut with Reservoir Dogs, while A Few Good Men gave audiences one of cinema’s most quoted courtroom moments.
On television, the world was introduced to Barney & Friends, Jay Leno officially took over The Tonight Show, and The Real World premiered on MTV — helping pave the way for the reality television boom that would follow.
Technology was also starting to reshape everyday life. The first text message was sent in 1992, reading simply “Merry Christmas”, while the early building blocks of the internet age were starting to move from research labs towards ordinary homes.
On television, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, 90210, The Simpsons and Baywatch were part of the weekly viewing routine for millions around the world, while gaming fans were discovering a new generation of classics with the arrival of Mortal Kombat in arcades and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on Sega.
In South Africa, 1992 was a defining year of change. The country held its historic referendum on ending apartheid, while local artists continued to provide the soundtrack to a nation in transition.
Local talent also featured strongly, with Johnny Clegg’s “The Crossing”, Wendy Oldfield’s “Acid Rain” and Mango Groove’s “Home Talk” forming part of the sound of the time.
On the global charts, there was no shortage of unforgettable music.
U2 delivered one of their most powerful songs with “One”, Eric Clapton shared the deeply personal “Tears in Heaven”, Michael Jackson continued his global dominance with “Black or White”, and Tom Cochrane gave us the ultimate road-trip anthem with “Life Is a Highway”.
The dance floors were also packed thanks to Snap!’s “Rhythm Is a Dancer”, CeCe Peniston’s “Finally”, Dr Alban’s “It’s My Life” and KWS with “Please Don’t Go”.
Did you know?
Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” was almost never recorded. She was originally meant to sing Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” for The Bodyguard, but when the song was used in another movie, Kevin Costner suggested Dolly Parton’s 1974 classic instead.
The result? One of the biggest-selling singles by a female artist in music history.
From unforgettable movies to massive music moments, 1992 delivered memories that have lasted for more than three decades.
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