In celebration of her life as a recording artist, which started in 1962 (when her first recording was released) and given the role she has played in my life (as the singer who introduced me to the music that has been my passion and given me an entire career in the world of entertainer and as a real friend who I have come to know and love), Dionne Warwick seems the perfect candidate for an exclusive interview! She’s 79 now, but I interviewed her some fifteen years ago and never published the conversation. So let’s give it a go now after listening to her singing Walk on By!
As always cordial and forthright, Dionne, born on December 12, 1940, so 78 years old today, spoke with me on a range of subjects including her views on the current state of music, her still busy schedule, some of the people who have been a part of her life and comments on a random selection of songs and albums from her distinguished and illustrious accomplishment-filled career…Here’s our talk from so many years back:
What are your thoughts on the current state of music?
I personally feel there is an enormous lack of music as I know it, as I’ve been accustomed to over these past forty years. I’m confused as to what has happened: it’s no longer about talent or being committed to artists but about mass marketing and flesh-peddling.
It disturbs me an enormous amount. Coming up when I did, I’ve seen enormous changes over the forty years. Naturally, I expect changes to happen because that’s what keeps music alive. But the industry has lost sight of how those changes should happen and instead of caring and nurturing our ‘babies’, they are being exploited.
I‘ve likened our industry to a pendulum: of course, there has been a broad swing [one way] but I think it does have to go back the other way. We’re missing our foundation – artists like Johnny Mathis, Roberta Flack, Gladys Knight – who have been the instruments that laid the foundation for our kids to work from. I’d say, based on the amount of work I’m still doing these days, constantly being on the road again, people want to hear melodies and words they are comfortable with. The music industry has got to get back to basics…
I looked at your tour schedule and you look busier than ever!
Yes, I am working more than ever. The funny thing is I was told many times by lots of people coming up that the longer you are in the business, the less work you would have to do. Well, those were lies (laughs)! But it’s a good thing that people still enjoy what I do.
How do you keep going, doing this year after year?
I enjoy what I do. I love singing. There’s instant gratification when I look up and see people smiling and singing along with me. That’s basically the inspiration. Still, I am looking forward to slowing down. There’s a certain pace when you’re twenty, a certain pace at thirty….and now that I’m thirty…(laughs)…
You seem to be enjoying a renewal…
I think the resurgence has to do with the songs I’m associated with. Many of them have been used in recent films… Just like the inductees of the Georgia Hall of Fame. Whet a joy to hear them perform…
Like “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” they had a whole scene where the whole table of people started singing – I think it was “I Say A Little Prayer”…
Yes, it’s garnered me a younger audience through the songs that have been used on television, in commercials. It’s like starting again. It’s nice that the melodies I’m associated with have lasted.
You are working more in Europe than ever…
Really, it’s like starting all over again in Europe. It’s been incredible. It feels exactly the same…the reaction I’m getting now is like it was when I first went there in the ‘60s.
Is there a difference between European and U.S. audiences?
The difference is in loyalty: here [in the U.S.], people are so spoiled. In Europe, the audiences feel an innate responsibility to remain my friends. Not only in Britain but in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, everywhere.
I hear they sing along to every song…
Yes, it’s a lot of fun…
For years, as part of your opening comments to the audience, you’ve always invited people to join in…
Well, I invited them to and now, they’re like, ‘let’s do it’. Songs like “Walk On By” are a symbol for the European audiences.
OK, now let’s talk about some of the current artists you admire…
I’ve had the pleasure to hear and see Usher perform and he’s a major star. Once Michael Jackson throws the baton wherever he wants to, it will be directed to Usher. Then, Destiny’s Child have the glitz and glamour. The Supremes when we first started out together: they’re very talented collectively and individually. They’re the kind of group I wouldn’t mind having my grandchild go to see. Then, India Arie and Jill Scott are carrying forward meaningful information in the kind of songs they’re singing… Read also this page about the origins of Rhythm & Blues.
Who are some of the current artists you feel have been influenced by you musically?
Deborah Cox, Whitney Houston…
Your personal taste in music – who do you listen to when you’re at home?
Earth, Wind & Fire have been a constant favorite since the beginning – they are my favorite group of all time. Let me think of what’s in the CD player right now…Mostly, it’s my Brazilian friends – Ivan Lins, Gal Costa (who is one of the premier female singers), Gilberto Gil, Simone, Dori Caymmi, Nana Caymmi. I love Sarah Vaughan’s Brazilian album. Ray Charles’ album with “Georgia On My Mind” on it. Recently, Christmas music by Luther [Vandross] and Johnny [Mathis]…
Do you have a favorite recording?
Hmmm…yes. Nat King Cole’s “That Sunday, That Summer.” I have good personal memories associated with that song and it is so perfect for education purposes. Amazing, don’t you think?
And your favorite among your own recordings?
Yes, “Windows Of The World.” It’s still that. There are always been others that I find very special but that song will always hang with me.
Is there one of your records that you wish had been a bigger hit?
Other than “Windows Of The World”? Well, there are songs that were never singles like “Be Aware” [from my first Warner Brothers album] and “In Between The Heartaches” [from “Here I Am”]. The [1982] “Friends In Love” album. If it had stayed on the market the way it should have been, it would have been a hit album. Great songs, great performances, Jay Graydon did an incredible job producing real songs…
Are there any producers you would like to work with?
Quincy Jones – it’s logical that we should. But it’s all about our schedules: every time I got ready to record, he was busy recording with other people Oh and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis…
Switching gears for a moment: you haven’t done much work as an actress. I remember seeing your first film “Slaves” [in 1969]. I enjoyed it…
It was good. But you can count on one hand the number of singers who have the ability to act – only four, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Dolly Parton. They are very careful as to what choices are made, as am I. I don’t want a ‘hello and go to bed’ role. You do have to hone your skills if you want to act and I haven’t taken the time to hone mine. Still, it’s something I at least want to give a try. I’d like to do something that has a comedic quality to it. I like to laugh and making people laugh would be a lot of fun!
OK, now let’s have some fun! I’d like to do a word association thing. I say a word and you say what comes to mind… Let’s start with albums: “Soulful”…
An incredible experience for me. It was the first time I was out of the hands of Bacharach & David. I was singing songs I grew to love over the years and I was working with wonderful people [like producer Chips Moman]…
“Track Of The Cat”…
Terrific experience working with a dear friend in Thom Bell. There were some great songs he and Linda Creed and his peers wrote [for that album].
“The Magic Of Believing”…
I told Scepter Records that I wanted to do a gospel album and that’s what I did. I was working with my family [The Drinkard Singers] and doing something that was my first love. It did pretty well. People who bought gospel albums at that time [in 1968] appreciated that artists like myself would do a gospel record.
OK, let’s try some songs… “The April Fools”…
A wonderful movie and a wonderful song…
“Here I Am”…
That’s when Bacharach and David would really write songs that were compositions, vignettes…
“In The Land Of Make Believe”…
One of my favorite songs…
“Once You Hit The Road”…
I never liked that song!