New Music: Kygo & Whitney Houston - 'Higher Love'

Nearly a decade since her last album, Whitney Houston teams up with Kygo on “Higher Love.”

The late legend’s uplifting cover of Steve Winwood’s 1986 hit was originally recorded for her third album I’m Your Baby Tonight in 1990 and was only released as a bonus track in Japan. The single marks the first new Houston music since her 2009 album I Look to You.

Instead of remastering the original track, the Houston estate and RCA Records called on super-producer Kygo for a dance-floor ready collaboration.

“The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and our new partner Primary Wave are delighted with the collaboration between Kygo and Whitney,” said Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and former manager, who doubles as the sole executor of her estate. “We knew Kygo would be the right producer to enhance Whitney’s powerful vocal performance on ‘Higher Love,’ to the standards and expectations that Whitney’s fans have recognized for over three decades.

“The resurgence of this precious archival performance will carry Whitney’s musical legacy on to a younger generation for years to come. Everyone should be ready to dance to this uplifting and inspiring record—a testament to Kygo’s incredible talent, and a reminder of why we fell in love with Whitney from the very beginning!!!”

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Kygo opened up about “Higher Love.” “I was trying to make it sound like something that she would’ve done, but also something that’s my style,” he said.

The Houston estate has even more plans for the future, including a hologram tour, a potential Broadway musical, and an album of unreleased material. “We want to remind people why they fell in love with Whitney in the first place,” said Pat.