Legendary singer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dionne Warwick recently paid tribute to Grammy and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame titan Quincy Jones, celebrating his lasting influence on music and entertainment. Warwick, a Grammy winner herself, recalled Jones’s unparalleled impact and his timeless contributions to shaping the industry.
“Another music icon has made his transition. My dear friend and mentor is now a part of that great orchestra in heaven. Quincy meant a lot to me and I will certainly miss him as will so many others. His presence will continue to be felt through the many musical talents he produced over the years. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace”
– Dionne Warwick
Known for his musical genius across genres, Jones has left an indelible mark, inspiring countless artists. Warwick’s heartfelt words highlighted the deep respect and admiration Jones has earned over his decades-long career as a producer, arranger, and visionary in modern music.
Sadly, another entertainment legend has gone on to glory. According to a family spokesperson, Dr. Emily “Cissy” Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston and two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, and gospel music pioneer has died at the age of 91 years old.
In a statement shared with the Associated Press, Cissy’s daughter-in-law Pat Houston, confirmed that heartbreaking news.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness,” she said. “We lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement. She said her mother-in-law’s contributions to popular music and culture are ‘unparalleled.’ Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
The outlet reports, Cissy’s death was tied to her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of monumental role she played in the vocal shaping of Whitney Houston, Cissy’s individual career and time with The Sweet Inspirations was also noteworthy.
As a singer, Cissy’s award-winning voice can be heard on Aretha Franklin’s “Think” and ”(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” as well as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.”
Dr. Cissy Houston is preceded in death by her daughter Whitney Houston and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown. Cissy’s niece, Dionne Warwick has not yet released a public statement.
PinkPantheress’ music is the embodiment of “here for a good time, not a long time”: Her signature hit, “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2,” is barely over two minutes long, and most of her other songs are either shorter or not much longer than that. Now, PinkPantheress has explained the mindset behind her short songs.
On ABC News’ “Prime Playlist” segment recently, PinkPantheress explained, “I was able to experiment and making short songs was just a result of me experimenting. A song doesn’t need to be longer than two minutes 30, in my opinion. We don’t need to repeat a verse, we don’t need to have a bridge, we don’t need it. We don’t need a long outro.”
Dionne Warwick caught wind of this and she doesn’t agree with the sentiment. Yesterday (May 28), she shared the PinkPantheress quote on X (formerly Twitter) with just a question mark, then added, “I am not ‘getting’ her. Artists are allowed to create their art in any way they choose. However, I do believe a bridge is important.”
I am not “getting” her. Artists are allowed to create their art in any way they choose. However, I do believe a bridge is important. https://t.co/XXPc4VvyUt
Somebody who doesn’t mind the brevity of PinkPantheress’ songs, it would seem, is Usher’s son: Usher hilariously told the story of his kid stealing his phone to get in touch with PinkPantheress.
Move over, Lovers And Friends. There’s a new romance-themed music festival for grown folks: The Fool In Love Festival in Los Angeles (locally known, affectionately, as “foos gone wild part 2” in memory of Once Upon A Time In Los Angeles — RIP, Drakeo). The festival will be headlined by “golden oldies” faves like Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, while Al Green, Charlie Wilson, Chic, Gladys Knight, Santana, The Isley Brothers, and so, so many more soul legends. The inaugural Fool In Love Festival is on August 31 in Los Angeles at Hollywood Park around SoFi Stadium.
Fool In Love Festival
How Much Are Tickets For The Fool In Love Festival?
Tickets for Fool In Love are available for purchase beginning Friday (February 16) at 10 AM PT via the festival’s official website. Fans can purchase general admission tickets beginning at $275. GA+ tickets begin at $595. VIP passes begin at $695. Platinum Passes start at $1,200. Fortunately, the festival offers payment plans starting at $19.99.
Fool In Love Festival Full Lineup
Lionel Richie
Diana Ross
Smokey Robinson
Durand Jones & The Indications
Nile Rodgers & Chic
Al Green
Santana
Charlie Wilson
Gladys Knight
The Isley Brothers
Chaka Khan
Eric Burdon
The Animals
Brenton Wood
Barbara Mason
Thee Sacred Souls
Mayer Hawthorne
Durand Jones
Aaron Frazier
The Delfonics
The Stylistics
The Manhattans
The Chi-Lites
The Legendary Blue Notes
Trish Toledo
The Intruders
Los Lobos
Johnny Farina
El Chicano
Tierra
Malo
Bloodstone
The Sinseers
The Altons
La Lom
Bobby Oroza
Lady Wray
Los Yesterdays
The McCharmlys
The O’Jays
The Jacksons
War
The Spinners
The Whispers
The Emotions
Dionne Warwick
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Zapp
Kool And The Gang
Stevie B
Rose Royce
Morris Day & The Time
Heatwave
The Bar Kays feat. Larry Dodson
Cameo
Shalamar
S.O.S. Band
Dazz Band
Con Funk Shun
Trinere
Mary Jane Girls
Evelyn Champagne King
The Pointer Sisters
El Debarge
Baby Bash
MC Magic
Lil Rob
Frankie J
Some of the artists mentioned here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Dionne Warwick is saying a little prayer for users online who have fallen for false reports about her. On January 3, as the “Walk On By” singer browsed her favorite social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), she became bombarded with questions from users about her political connection with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. So, is Dionne Warwick involved in Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s presidential campaign fundraiser?
The short answer is no. A story published by DailyMail in December claimed that Warwick would be a featured performer during one of Kennedy’s events. However, after getting wind of the rumor, Warwick quickly dismissed the allegation in a series of posts on X.
“I don’t know anything about this event,” wrote Warwick. “I did not agree to it, and I certainly won’t be there.”
I don’t know anything about this event. I did not agree to it and I certainly won’t be there. https://t.co/h12mFFpdq6
“This is absolutely ridiculous,” she continued. “If you are going to lie on my name, at least lie about something cool. Revealed: Dionne collaborates with Rihanna on new album.”
This is absolutely ridiculous. If you are going to lie on my name, at least lie about something cool.
Warwick is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with US presidents (i.e., Bill Clinton) or even using her Grammy Award-winning vocals for social causes (“That’s What Friends Are For”), but this is not one of those instances. Warwick should’ve been enjoying the virtual flower-giving after being celebrated at the 46th Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, not swatting away online trolls.
On Wednesday night, December 27, CBS aired The 46th Kennedy Center Honors, taped on December 3 in Washington, DC. The nearly two-hour television special began with Dionne Warwick, one of five 2023 honorees alongside Barry Gibb, Billy Crystal, Queen Latifah, and Renée Fleming.
Following a biographical video montage narrated by Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo’s performance of “Alfie,” Ego Nwodim introduced Chloe Bailey (also known as Chlöe), who dazzled Warwick with a stirring rendition of “Walk On By,” beginning at the 20:52 mark. Warwick bobbed her head approvingly. At the end, Chlöe looked up toward where Warwick sat and said, “I love you. Thank you.” She blew a kiss to Warwick, who smiled warmly, which must have felt almost as satisfying as receiving a tweet from Warwick. Almost. Warwick’s jam-packed tribute was punctuated by Gladys Knight singing “I Say A Little Prayer.”
The Kennedy Center posted an Instagram video of Warwick reflecting on the evening, in which she says, in part, “Oh, it was wonderful. You know, first of all, artists that I truly believe in and I know. I’m appreciative that they’ve taken the time to discover me and find out what I’m really all about.”
As per Billboard, “Walk On By” earned Warwick her first of 14 Grammy nominations (Best Rhythm & Blues Recording in 1965.) The 1964 classic was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1998, decades after peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Watch a clip of Chlöe’s performance above, and learn more about how to stream The 46th Kennedy Center Honors here.
Last night (December 27), the 46th Kennedy Center Honors event aired on CBS, showcasing tributes to Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, Billy Crystal, and opera singer Renée Fleming. Many other fabulous musicians appeared to perform dedications for the honorees.
However, for those who might have missed being able to catch it on TV, here’s what to know about how to watch it now.
How To Stream The 2023 Kennedy Center Honors
Following the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors airing on CBS, the special is currently available to stream on Paramount+. And if you don’t have the streaming platform already, there is a current loophole to get around paying for a subscription. As Rolling Stone notes, they are currently offering a free trial for a month by using the promo code “BUTTERS” — a South Park reference.
Some key moments from the event included Chloe Bailey (“Walk On By”), Cynthia Erivo (“Alfie”), and Gladys Knight (“Say A Little Prayer”) honoring Warwick with their song choices. Missy Elliott and Rapsody appeared to support Queen Latifah. Dove Cameron, Tituss Burgess, and Christine Baranski performed selections from musicals for Fleming’s segment.
Michael Bublé, Little Big Town, Ben Platt, and Ariana DeBose treated the crowd to different Bee Gees songs. Finally, Lin-Manuel Miranda helped honor Crystal. Individual clips of some of the event can also be found on The Kennedy Center’s website.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
As one of the biggest and most acclaimed hits of the year, it was very hard to avoid Doja Cat’s “Paint The Town Red” in 2023. However, it seems like the song’s point of inspiration never even heard about what the song wanted to do before it actually came out. Moreover, Dionne Warwick recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and spoke about how the rapper and singer sampled her hit “Walk On By” in the chart-topper. At one point, she recalled not even knowing that Doja wanted to record that song, at which point Clarkson brought up that they probably had to ask permission to clear the sample.
Then, Warwick said that she didn’t hear anything about clearing the sample, but still showed love to the song and thanked Doja Cat for introducing her work to a whole new generation. As such, it seems like there are no hard feelings here about this song becoming so huge, even if the 82-year-old was a bit out of the loop. Of course, it’s entirely possible that this sample clearance occurred between each artist’s teams and not between them personally. We might never know for sure, but the important thing is that this is an amicable relationship.
Dionne Warwick On “Paint The Town Red” Sample: Watch
Funnily enough, given that she’s such a legend in music, it’s no surprise that this wasn’t Dionne Warwick’s first hip-hop crossover. Her other famous one is much different, though, as it involves her reprimanding Snoop Dogg and his crew about their lyrics. “We were kind of, like, scared and shook up,” Tha Doggfather told CNN about her words. “We’re powerful right now, but she’s been powerful forever: thirty-some years in the game, in the big home with a lot of money and success. We were the most gangster as you could be, but that day at Dionne Warwick’s house, I believe we got out-gangstered that day. I made it a point to put out records of joy. Dionne, I hope I became the jewel that you saw when I was the little, dirty rock that was in your house. I hope I’m making you proud.”
Meanwhile, the Scarlet hitmaker hasn’t commented on this, but she did show how she can make it clap with no hands. It’s been nice to see her having fun online amid a lot of busy movement. While Doja recently apologized for a lackluster concert on tour, hopefully the rest of it picks up with grace and excitement. For more on Dionne Warwick and Doja Cat, log back into HNHH.
Dionne Warwick recently paid Kelly Clarkson a visit on her talk show, where the two musicians praised one another. During the discussion, Warwick opened up about how she found out that Doja Cat had sampled her song, “Walk On By,” for the latter’s Scarlet single, “Paint The Town Red.”
As it turns out, Doja didn’t need permission for the sample — so Warwick found out through a sweet story about her granddaughter.
“I didn’t know it had been recorded by her,” she said. “My granddaughter called me and says, ‘Grammy, do you know you’re on a record with Doja Cat?’ I said, ‘Doja who?’”
“Well, apparently, it’s a major hit for her,” Warwick added.
Clarkson then confirmed how much of a hit that Doja’s “Paint The Town Red” is, “Oh no no, it’s huge.”
“I’m thrilled,” Warwick continued. “I hope ‘Walk On By’ is as good for her as it has been for me… They’re great songs, and finally [the kids are] being exposed to some good music.”
Back in 1964, Warwick’s “Walk On By” had reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Decades later, Doja Cat earned her first solo No. 1 hit by incorporating it into “Paint The Town Red.”
Check out the clip of Dionne Warwick talking about Doja sampling her above.
East Orange, New Jersey, in the mid-20th century, might not sound like the cradle of an international pop sensation, but for Dionne Warwick, it was where the magic started. Born in 1940 to a gospel recording family, music coursed through her veins from the very outset. As part of the family gospel group, the Drinkard Singers, young Dionne was acquainted with the stage and spotlight early on. College years at the Hartt College of Music refined her raw talent, but the soulful spark in her voice was unmistakably innate. The foundation of what would become an illustrious career was firmly rooted in these early experiences, setting the stage for the legend she was destined to become.
The Soundtrack Of Generations: Career Triumphs
Singer Dionne Warwick performing at the Cunard International Hotel for the television show ‘The Other Broadway’, London, July 18th 1975. (Photo by Steve Herr/Radio Times/Getty Images)
Warwick’s musical journey rose when she collaborated with songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David. This alliance would produce some of the most memorable hits of the 20th century, including “Walk On By” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” Spanning across genres from pop to gospel, Warwick’s distinctive voice became synonymous with versatile artistry. With five Grammy Awards and numerous nominations, the world couldn’t help but take notice. Over six decades, Dionne cemented her legacy not just as a singer but as a television host with her own talk show, Dionne and Friends. And if one needed evidence of her financial accomplishments? By 2023, CAknowledge reported a net worth of a staggering $12 million.
Harmonies Off The Stage: Dionne’s Personal Life
Singers Whitney Houston and her mother, Cissy Houston, with cousin, singer Dionne Warwick during a Grammy Award related party on February 24, 1987. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
In the spotlight, Warwick dazzled. Away from it, she navigated the complexities that come with fame. While kept reasonably private, her personal life saw its share of challenges, including two divorces and the immense responsibility of raising her two sons. Her bond with her family, particularly her cousin Whitney Houston, was a guiding light through the highs and lows. Warwick’s resilience in the face of personal adversities and her determination to shield her loved ones painted a portrait of a woman as strong in character as she was in voice.
Hitting The Right Notes: Dionne’s Humanitarian Undertaking
THE MASKED SINGER: L-R: Host Nick Cannon and Dionne Warwick in the Mask-Matics: Group B Playoffs episode of THE MASKED SINGER airing Wednesday, Feb. 26 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (Photo by FOX via Getty Images)
The world has known Warwick as a songbird, but her melodies weren’t her only contributions. Stepping into activism, she became a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness in the ’80s and ’90s. Her charity single “That’s What Friends Are For” generated millions for AIDS research, proving her commitment went beyond mere words. Alongside her music and activism, Dionne ventured into business with her own line of fragrances, further diversifying her revenue streams. Whether through her music, advocacy, or business ventures, Dionne Warwick ensured her impact was felt far and wide.
(@nojumper)
