(Michael) Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston

Did you know that Whitney Houston’s monster hit “How Will I Know” was originally written for Janet Jackson?

George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam co-wrote “How Will I Know” for Jackson but to their dismay, she declined the opportunity to record the track. Soon after, Gerry Griffith and Clive Davis, who were both at the helm of Houston’s career at that time, heard the demo of the song and quickly acquired it for their protege’s Whitney Houston debut album.

Houston’s version of “How Will I Know” featured altered lyrics – none of which were written by her, of course – and production by Narada Michael Walden. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in February 1986 and was regarded as one her best songs.

Watch the video for “How Will I Know” below:

Now you know!