Dionne Warwick continues thriving as a living legend.
“I love what I do. It’s that simple,” said Warwick over the phone in a discussion with the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper.
That love for music is a testament for her six decade-long career. Warwick charted 56 hits in the Billboard Top 100 along with racking up six Grammy Awards.
She sung backup at an early age with other great legends like Sam Cooke and Ray Charles.
She now has been busy touring.
“I’m happy that people still want to hear me and see me. I love music and audiences. It’s very meaningful for me,” said Warwick.
Audiences are still flocking to hear those classic vocals. Warwick will perform at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday Sept. 28. Her busy schedule also includes a weekly Las Vegas residency at Cleopatra’s Barge that ends in November.
With constant travel demands, her musical career still remains strong. She recently released her latest album “She’s Back.”
“She’s Back was basically to quell a lot of things occurring with me. First of all, I didn’t realize, I haven’t recorded in six years.”
Her fans wanted to hear more from the Grammy Award winner. “People started asking me when I was going to make new music. I could be in the supermarket or airport, they would still ask. I finally said its time for me to get back in the studio, so I dubbed the title “She’s Back!”
Her return to music isn’t over. Warwick is preparing to release a new Christmas album titled “Dionne Warwick & The Voices of Christmas” coming Oct. 14 in both CD and digital formats.
Over the phone, Warwick became excited talking about Christmas. “It’s my absolute favorite holiday. I wish it could be Christmas every single day.”
When asked for the reasons behind her enjoyment she said, “It seems to be the only time when people are actually human. They don’t mind smiling at you or opening doors. It just feels like things are normal.”
Music has changed throughout her journey. The singer acknowledged today’s music has shifted towards digital.
“We don’t have enough time darling,” she said before letting out a laugh.
“I could go on for hours. Everything is computer now. It’s a multitude of things that have changed. I think it’s the decline of radio stations and what the FCC allows on those stations.”
When pressed about her opinion on today’s music, Warwick responded, “What is happening today is primarily being driven by the youth of our industry. It is for the babies and youngsters. I’m not sure most kids today have any desire to be in the business for 59 years like I have.”
She inspired a new generation but don’t expect to hear the legend blasting today’s top hits.
“I only listen to my peers. Only my peers,” said Warwick.
The singer will add another achievement under her belt in October. She is the 2019 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner. The TV special is set to air on PBS Oct 18th.
Awards, accolades, and achievement play only a tiny role in her success. She credits her love of God and advice from her peers that still stand with her today.
“The best advice I’ve received came from Lena Horne and Sammy Davis Jr. They told me, be who you are because you cannot be anyone else but yourself.”