Dionne Warwick :: the pop diva speaks...
According to Billboard Magazine, Dionne Warwick is ranked as the 30th most popular hit maker in the history of the rock era based on the Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Singles Charts. With 5 Grammys, 9 Billboard number ones, and 44 Billboard Top Tens in her illustrious career, it is no wonder why Dionne Warwick is considered one of the most prolific female singers of our time. At 69 years of age, the legendary vocalist makes a rare San Francisco appearance as part of the Rrazz Entertainment Concert Series at the Castro Theater on February 6, just in time to put her audience in the mood for love during the Valentine month of February.
As I visited with Ms. Warwick, I had an opportunity to cover her almost 50 years in the music business, her thoughts on the future of pop and hip-hop music, what she thinks of her own music, and her activism in the gay community.
The Friends
As a top hit maker in the music business for many years, Dionne, of course, was provided the access to many of the most famous and talented persons to work with. Producers and other vocal artists wanted an opportunity to work with her, and some, most notably in the U.K., even emulated her. Over the course of recording and performing for almost 50 years, Dionne has forged some wonderful friendships with fellow musicians.
BeBe: You have made some of the most popular duet records with the likes of Johnny Mathis, the Spinners, Luther Vandross and Jeffrey Osborne. Anyone you wanted to record with but never had the opportunity.
Dionne: Earth, Wind & Fire I would love to record with.
BeBe: Social struggles and issues such as the civil rights movement, including Marriage Equality, have been the catalyst bringing many people together to forge long lasting friendships. Over the years, you have developed strong friendships with fellow legends Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight. What was the catalysts that brought you ladies together as BFFs (Best Friends Forever)?
Dionne: I’ve known both Gladys and Patti since I have been in the business (49 years), and during the early years, friendships were began while we were all on the road together doing tours. I am very lucky to have made many friends, including these two ladies, that continue to last.
BeBe: Rumored for years to have been apart of the gay community, Luther Vandross was very public about his respect for you, and a few of the singing Divas of the 60s, which he showed by covering one of your classics, "Anyone Who Had A Heart." How mutual was the respect and admiration?
Dionne: Luther was very dear to me, and was more than a friend. I considered him family. He was one of the most talented people that I knew. We are all fortunate his legacy through his music will live on. Story continues on following page.
Watch Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle and Dionne Warwick sing "Superwoman."
