Why She Sings
Contrary to what some people say, the legendary Dionne Warwick got her start in gospel music and says she has never abandoned her faith or her church.
by Andy Argyrakis | posted 4/28/2008
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"Walk on By," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Alfie," and "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"—just a small sampling of the classic songs by Burt Bachrach and Hal Davis that people best remember Dionne Warwick by from the '60s, not to mention the 1985 Grammy-winning hit "That's What Friends Are For." Yet amidst all of that, her biggest fans will tell you one of Warwick's best albums was 1968's The Magic of Believing—a gospel album. It's been 40 years since then with many ups and downs, but the acclaimed singer has held fast to her faith throughout, and has finally returned to gospel music with the 2008 release of Why We Sing. Warwick shared with Christian Music Today why this album is so special to her and talks about her long history with gospel music, while also setting the record straight about that Psychic Friends Network gig.
What's your reaction listening to the playback of Why We Sing?
Dionne Warwick I love it. I really truly feel that it's some of my best work. I certainly hope that those who will be picking up the CD will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed doing it.
What do you enjoy the most about it?
Warwick I think the fact that I'm singing something that's truly me and having the opportunity to share it with people that I love—my sons Damon [Elliot, who produced] and David [Elliott, songwriter and duet partner on "Seven"], my sister Dee Dee [Warwick, who duets on "Why We Sing"], and my friend BeBe Winans [duet partner on "I'm Going Up"]. Plus it was time for me to do another [gospel album]!
Indeed, it's been four decades since your last gospel release. Why now?
Warwick It started with a conversation I was having with Edgar Bronfman, Jr., who is the CEO of Time Warner. He had heard me sing gospel almost twenty years ago, and asked me, "Would you do gospel CD for me?" And I said, "I would love to, but let me think about the time I have." I didn't think for very long. I hadn't even gotten home before I called him back and said, "Yes, I certainly will. I think it's time for me do another one." He agreed it was past time, and that was the genesis of it all.
How did you go about the song selection process?
Warwick At first, I wanted to do a completely traditional gospel CD of which everybody was all for. But then my son Damon, who produced the CD, thought it would be wonderful for me to look at doing a few contemporary-type gospel songs written by those who were writing for our youngsters in the gospel field today with a great deal of success. And I said I was open to it as long as it didn't go too far into the contemporary area.
You must have really liked Kirk Franklin's "Why We Sing," especially since you named the CD after that track.
Warwick I love that song. As a matter of fact, I call it my personal testimony whenever I do it in my performances, and I'm sure Kirk views it as his testimony too. There's no other reason that we have [to sing and perform] aside from the big guy in the sky!
When you listen to other gospel artists, do you mostly recall the old stuff, or do you seek out the new school?
Warwick Mostly the old, though also a little of the new school. You can't listen to gospel music without including Donnie McClurkin or BeBe and CeCe Winans. But I still listen to my Ward Family Singers and my Davis Sisters—those are my basic training!
What is it about the old style that keeps you hooked and coming back for more?
Warwick It's what I knew growing up of course. I truly feel this type of music is the Bible in the form of song.
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