Linda Thompsons Songwriting Legacy: From Elvis to Whitney Houstons I Have Nothing

When Whitney Houston’s soaring rendition of "I Have Nothing" filled stadiums and radios in 1993, the name behind the hit was largely unknown—until now.

Linda Diane Thompson, a former actress and beauty‑pageant winner, co‑wrote the track with producer David Foster for Houston’s soundtrack to the 1992 film The Bodyguard. The single peaked at number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, earned quadruple‑platinum certification from the RIAA, and sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. The soundtrack itself crossed 45 million units, making it the best‑selling film soundtrack ever.

Born in 1950, Thompson launched her entertainment career as a "Hee Haw Honey" on the variety show Hee Haw. Her romantic involvement with Elvis Presley from July 1972 to late 1976 later seeped into her songwriting. After that chapter closed, she married Olympic decathlon champion Bruce Jenner in 1978 and, in 1993, joined forces with Foster—who would become her third husband—producing several songs, the most iconic being "I Have Nothing."

According to the song’s Wikipedia entry, the lyrics draw from Thompson’s early relationship with Presley, while Foster’s musical framework was inspired by Janis Joplin. Written for The Bodyguard soundtrack, the track debuted on February 20, 1993 as the third single. It topped the Cash Box Top 100, reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, and led the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The single earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

The success of "I Have Nothing" amplified the soundtrack’s global impact. Released by Arista Records, the album sold over 45 million copies worldwide and remains one of the best‑selling albums of all time. Houston’s emotive performance in the film, coupled with her live tour renditions, cemented the song as a signature piece of her catalog. The accompanying music video has surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube as of May 2026, and the track has been revisited on programs such as American Idol.

Thompson’s work exemplifies the blend of pop and rock songwriting, translating personal experience into music that resonates across generations. She continues to write and record, and her contributions to the Bodyguard soundtrack—and to the broader music industry—are acknowledged by peers and fans alike.

In short, Linda Thompson’s co‑writing of "I Have Nothing" has left an indelible mark on 1990s pop culture and continues to influence contemporary music production and licensing.