Dionne Warwick: From Lincoln School Graduate to Philanthropist
Among the graduates of the Lincoln School in East Orange, New Jersey, Dionne Warwick is one for the books. A six-time Grammy winner, she is the second most-charted female vocalist of the rock era. And so, it's fitting that today the school is now called the Dionne Warwick Institute.
She continues to give back to her old school. "Oh, absolutely. There are so many in these classrooms that are filling their heads with hope and joy and peace," she said.
Warwick, whose real name is Marie Warrick, was born into a musical family. Her mother and siblings performed as the Drinkard Sisters. "It was almost like it was preordained, that if you're in this family, this is what you're gonna do," she said.
And at 6 years old, her grandfather, a minister, called her up to the pulpit to sing. "After I finished singing, the whole congregation stood and applauded me," she said. "That was my first standing ovation."
Starting in the early 1960s, Dionne Warwick began a successful collaboration with lyricist Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach. Together, they produced a string of hits including "I Say a Little Prayer," "What the World Needs Now," "Walk On By," and "You'll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)."
Reflecting on their unique musical style, Warwick shared, "I thought we were very strange because of what we were doing musically; nobody else was doing that kind of stuff. Nobody sings five different measures in five different time frames – but I do. Why? It was something that I found quite refreshing … We were kind of pioneers."
Despite competing against rockers from the British Invasion, Warwick noted that "all of those who were in the quote-unquote rock 'n' roll era started listening to Bacharach-David-Warwick."
In 1969, Warwick received her first Grammy Award for Best Female Contemporary Pop Vocal Performance for her song "Do You Know The Way To San Jose?" That same year, she had a chance encounter with Elvis Presley while performing in Las Vegas. Warwick recalled, "Oh my God, was he pretty! He said, 'I'm gonna make an announcement tonight at my show that anyone who goes into a record store and they [buy] any Dionne Warwick album, they will find a photograph signed by me.' I sold more albums in Vegas than I have ever sold!"
The Timeless Legacy of Dionne Warwick
Throughout her illustrious career, Dionne Warwick has left an indelible mark on the music industry. From her soulful voice to her iconic hits, Warwick has captivated audiences for decades.
One of her defining moments came when other artists began covering her songs. From Issac Hayes performing "Walk On By" to Aretha Franklin singing "Say a Little Prayer," Warwick's influence extended beyond her own performances. Initially, she was taken aback by these cover versions, but eventually came to appreciate them as a compliment.
Warwick's impact extended beyond the realm of music. In the early 1980s, she was one of the first stars to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic. Concerned about the loss of lives within the industry, Warwick took action. She gathered her friends, including Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder, to record a charity single called "That's What Friends Are For." This song has since raised millions of dollars for the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
Even at 83 years old, Warwick continues to stay relevant. From her appearance on "Saturday Night Live" to her engaging presence on Twitter, she has connected with new generations. Warwick's sharp wit and saucy remarks on social media have garnered attention and allowed her voice to be heard.
Despite her global success, Warwick remains grounded. She believes in making a profound impact in her own community, using her platform to make a difference.
"I've had the privilege of conveying messages of hope, inspiration, love, joy, and even a few tears here and there. As long as my vocal cords continue to function as intended, these messages will persist."
Tune in to the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors on CBS on December 27 and stream it on Paramount+.
Make sure to catch profiles of the other honorees this year, including Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, and Queen Latifah, all week long on "CBS Mornings."
