Dionne Warwick is no diva
EVEN IF she’s had earned her share of Grammy trophies and triumphs, Billboard achievements, and released a great number of popular ballads, Dionne Warwick does not like to be called a “diva.”
“The word or label ‘diva’ is an operatic term and I do not sing opera, therefore I cannot and do not accept being called as such,” she was quoted as saying in a press release.
The singing legend and popular music icon will be performing on Feb. 13 and 14 at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino.
“I’ve been to Manila several times… Manila audiences are wonderful, they have always seemed to enjoy my show,” she said.
She described the repertoire for Dionne Warwick: A Valentine Concert as “Songs I am expected to sing and a few surprises… it will just be two nights of wonderful musical evenings.”
The singer is best known for songs like “Don’t Make Me Over,” “Walk On By,” “Do You Know The Way to San Jose?” “Alfie,” and “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” among many others.
She shares, “All of my songs are close to my heart as they are like my children. The success of these songs; I attribute both to the wonderful composers and lyricists.”
What are the ingredients for a great song? Warwick replies, “Lyrics first, as I must believe in the words I sing, and of course, a memorable melody.” She has, after all, had long and successful partnerships with songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
In a career that spans five decades, Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest hit makers of the entire rock era, based on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Charts, with 56 of the legendary American singer’s singles making the Billboard Hot 100 between 1962 and 1998 and 80 singles making all Billboard charts combined.
Warwick received her first Grammy in 1968 for “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” and her second in 1970 for “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again.” She won the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Déjà Vu” in 1980. She became the first female artist in the history of the Grammys to win in two categories on the same year.
For tickets to Dionne Warwick: A Valentine Concert, visit solaireresort.com or call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
