Dionne Warwick -

Dionne Warwick (born Dec. 12, 1940) is an American soul-pop singer from East Orange, N.J., who rose to fame in the early 1960s with a string of ballads composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Her most popular songs from the period include “Walk On By,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” “Make It Easy On Yourself,” “Any Old Time of the Day,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.”

In 1979, she scored a comeback with the Barry Manilow-produced Dionne and the singles “Deja Vu” and “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.” She continued this success with the 1980–82 albums No Night So Long, Friends in Love, and the Barry Gibb-produced Heartbreaker. In 1985, she teamed with Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John for a chart-topping rendition of the Bacharach/Carole Bayer Sager composition “That’s What Friends Are For,” released as Dionne & Friends for the benefit of AIDS research.

Background

She was born Marie Dionne Warrick on December 12, 1940, in East Orange, N.J., the oldest of three children borne to Lee (née Drinkard, 1920–2005) and record promoter Mancel Warrick (1911–1977). She had a younger sister, singer Dee Dee Warwick (1942–2008), and a younger brother, Mancel Jr. (1947–1968).

Lee managed the Drinkard Sisters, a gospel group formed in 1938 as the Drinkard Quartet. They included her sisters Emily Drinkard (later known as Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston) and Anne Drinkard-Moss, plus brothers Nick and Larry Drinkard. Lee herself eventually sang with the group, which issued the first gospel album on a major label, the 1959 RCA release A Joyful Noise.

In 1954, the Drinkard Sisters welcomed singer Judy Clay (b. 1938), an unofficial adoptee of the Warrick family. Later that decade, Dionne and Dee Dee got their starts in the group. Dionne, Dee Dee, and Cissy formed the Gospelaires, a gospel trio that often performed with the Drinkard’s.

After a double-bill at the Apollo Theatre in 1959, singers from both parties were summoned by an agent who needed backing vocalists for saxophonist Sam Taylor. The Gospelaires, along with Clay and singer Doris Troy, became the original Sweet Inspirations, a studio backing group that later recorded in their own right after Dionne and Dee Dee left for solo careers.

During their time as Sweet Inspirations, the sisters sang on recordings by The Drifters, Garnet Mimms, Ben E. King, Chuck Jackson, Dinah Washington, Ronnie “the Hawk” Hawkins, and Solomon Burke. Concurrently, Dionne attended the Hartt College of Music in West Hartford, Connecticut.

While recording backing vocals for “Mexican Divorce” by The Drifters, she caught the attention of the song’s writer, Burt Bacharach, who instantly recognized her charisma and star potential. He hired her to sing on his upcoming demos, which he would pitch to other labels. One demo, “It’s Love That Really Counts” (intended for The Shirelles) impressed Scepter Records president Florence Greenberg.

Dionne signed a production contract with Bacharach and his partner, lyricist Hal David. Greenberg signed her to Scepter, which issued her debut single, “Don’t Make Me Over,” in November 1962. The label had her surname misspelled as Warwick, which she decided to use professionally.

Presenting Dionne Warwick

Warwick released her debut album, Presenting Dionne Warwick, in April 1963 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David combined completed single masters with recordings first prepared as song demonstrations. Warwick revisits songs recorded by the Shirelles (“It’s Love That Really Counts”), Timi Yuro (“The Love of a Boy”), Jerry Butler (“Make It Easy on Yourself”), and Tammy Montgomery (“If You See Bill”). The program also draws from Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans (“Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”); Dee Dee Warwick and the Shirelles support that track.

A1. “This Empty Place” (2:55) – Bacharach, David
A2. “Wishin’ and Hopin’” (2:55) – Bacharach, David
A3. “I Cry Alone” (2:37) – Bacharach, David
A4. “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” (2:40) – Gilbert, Wrubel
A5. “Make the Music Play” (2:25) – Bacharach, David
A6. “If You See Bill” (2:58) – Dixon
B1. “Don’t Make Me Over” (2:46) – Bacharach, David
B2. “It’s Love That Really Counts” (2:16) – Bacharach, David
B3. “Unlucky” (2:25) – Shockley, Banks
B4. “I Smiled Yesterday” (2:44) – Bacharach, David
B5. “Make It Easy on Yourself” (2:40) – Bacharach, David
B6. “The Love of a Boy” (1:59) – Bacharach, David

Sessions took place at Bell Sound Studios in New York with producers Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Original Scepter packaging identifies neither an engineer nor a sleeve photographer, so later attributions remain outside the album credit.

Scepter issued “Don’t Make Me Over” in October 1962 (b/w “I Smiled Yesterday”), followed by “This Empty Place” in March 1963 (b/w “Wishin’ and Hopin’”) and “Make the Music Play” in July (b/w “Getting Ready for the Heartbreak”). The album reached No. 14 on the UK Albums Chart. Collectors’ Choice Music issued a May 2007 compact-disc edition.

Anyone Who Had a Heart

Warwick released her second album, Anyone Who Had a Heart, in February 1964 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired the title single with four selections retained from Warwick’s debut. She revisits songs recorded by Chuck Jackson (“Getting Ready for the Heartbreak”) and Big Maybelle (“Oh Lord, What Are You Doing to Me”).

A1. “Anyone Who Had a Heart” (3:11) – Bacharach, David
A2. “Shall I Tell Her” (2:33) – Pomus, Shuman
A3. “Don’t Make Me Over” (2:46) – Bacharach, David
A4. “I Cry Alone” (2:37) – Bacharach, David
A5. “Getting Ready for the Heartbreak” (2:30) – Edwards, Weiss
A6. “Oh Lord, What Are You Doing to Me” (3:14) – Dixon, Keyes
B1. “Any Old Time of Day” (3:08) – Bacharach, David
B2. “Mr. Heartbreak” (2:33) – English, Cleveland
B3. “Put Yourself in My Place” (2:20) – Obrecht, Drain
B4. “I Could Make You Mine” (2:25) – Bacharach, David
B5. “This Empty Place” (2:55) – Bacharach, David
B6. “Please Make Him Love Me” (2:33) – Bacharach, David

Bell Sound Studios hosted the 1963 sessions under Bacharach and David. Bob Fisher mastered the album, while original packaging leaves design, photography, and recording-engineer credits unstated.

Scepter released “Anyone Who Had a Heart” in December 1963 (b/w “The Love of a Boy”). The single reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 6 on the R&B chart, and No. 2 on the Easy Listening chart. Collectables paired the album with Make Way for Dionne Warwick on a November 2011 compact disc.

Make Way for Dionne Warwick

Warwick released her third album, Make Way for Dionne Warwick, in August 1964 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired current singles with contemporary stage and pop material. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Barbra Streisand (“People”), Brook Benton (“A House Is Not a Home”), Richard Chamberlain (“(They Long to Be) Close to You”), the Shirelles (“Get Rid of Him”), and the Palisades (“Make the Night a Little Longer”). The Shirelles’ backing track remains beneath Warwick’s replacement lead on “Get Rid of Him”; Bacharach arranged and conducted the program.

A1. “A House Is Not a Home” (3:00) – Bacharach, David
A2. “People” (3:22) – Styne, Merrill
A3. “(They Long to Be) Close to You” (2:23) – Bacharach, David
A4. “The Last One to Be Loved” (3:20) – Bacharach, David
A5. “Land of Make Believe” (3:03) – Bacharach, David
A6. “Reach Out for Me” (2:52) – Bacharach, David
B1. “You’ll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)” (3:10) – Bacharach, David
B2. “Walk On By” (2:58) – Bacharach, David
B3. “Wishin’ and Hopin’” (2:55) – Bacharach, David
B4. “I Smiled Yesterday” (2:43) – Bacharach, David
B5. “Get Rid of Him” (2:34) – Miller, Greenfield
B6. “Make the Night a Little Longer” (2:31) – Goffin, King

Bacharach and David produced the Bell Sound sessions, with Al Brown credited as engineer on the original release. The first US sleeve carries no named designer or photographer.

Scepter lifted “Walk On By” in April 1964 (b/w “Any Old Time of Day”), “You’ll Never Get to Heaven” in August (b/w “A House Is Not a Home”), and “Reach Out for Me” in October (b/w “How Many Days of Sadness”). The album reached No. 68 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and No. 10 on the R&B album chart. Collectables issued a November 2011 reissue.

The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick

Warwick released her fourth album, The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick, in February 1965 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired new material with orchestral pop and stage standards. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Al Hibbler (“Unchained Melody”), Tony Bennett (“Who Can I Turn To”), Peggy Lee (“Where Can I Go Without You”), Lenny Welch (“You Can Have Him”), and Jack Jones (“Wives and Lovers”). Bacharach arranged and conducted the program.

A1. “Unchained Melody” (4:12) – Zaret, North
A2. “Who Can I Turn To” (3:10) – Newley, Bricusse
A3. “How Many Days of Sadness” (3:21) – Bacharach, David
A4. “Is There Another Way to Love You” (2:30) – Bacharach, David
A5. “Where Can I Go Without You” (3:05) – Lee, Young
B1. “You Can Have Him” (4:01) – Berlin
B2. “Wives and Lovers” (3:04) – Bacharach, David
B3. “Don’t Say I Didn’t Tell You So” (3:23) – Bacharach, David
B4. “Only the Strong, Only the Brave” (2:19) – Bacharach, David
B5. “Forever My Love” (2:16) – Bacharach, David
B6. “That’s Not the Answer” (2:05) – Bacharach, David

Sessions ran from November through December 1964 at Pye Recording Studios in London with Bacharach and David as producers. Original album credits do not name the recording engineer, designer, or photographer.

Scepter released “Who Can I Turn To” in February 1965 (b/w “A House Is Not a Home”) and “You Can Have Him” in March (b/w “Is There Another Way to Love You”). The album reached No. 107 on the Billboard Top LPs chart. Collectables issued a remastered November 2011 compact disc.

Here I Am

Warwick released her fifth album, Here I Am, in December 1965 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired new material with stage, gospel, and opera repertory. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Anthony Newley (“Once in a Lifetime”) and Nina Simone (“I Loves You, Porgy”), while “This Little Light” comes from traditional gospel repertory. The first LP sleeve misidentified several titles, a fault corrected on later editions.

A1. “In Between the Heartaches” (2:50) – Bacharach, David
A2. “Here I Am” (2:50) – Bacharach, David
A3. “If I Ever Make You Cry” (3:07) – Bacharach, David
A4. “Lookin’ with My Eyes” (2:55) – Bacharach, David
A5. “Once in a Lifetime” (2:54) – Newley, Bricusse
A6. “This Little Light” (2:10) – Traditional
B1. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (2:21) – Bacharach, David
B2. “Window Wishing” (2:31) – Bacharach, David
B3. “Long Day, Short Night” (2:18) – Bacharach, David
B4. “Are You There (With Another Girl)” (2:50) – Bacharach, David
B5. “How Can I Hurt You” (2:42) – Bacharach, David
B6. “I Loves You, Porgy” (1:45) – Gershwin, Gershwin, Heyward

Bell Sound Studios in New York hosted the Bacharach-David production. The original issue omits named engineering, design, and photography credits, though the sleeve’s erroneous title list distinguishes the first pressing.

Scepter issued “Here I Am” in August 1965 (b/w “They Long to Be Close to You”), “Looking with My Eyes” in September (b/w “Only the Strong, Only the Brave”), and “Are You There” in December (b/w “If I Ever Make You Cry”). The album reached No. 45 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and No. 3 on the R&B album chart.

Dionne Warwick in Paris

Scepter released the live album Dionne Warwick in Paris in April 1966 from Warwick’s January engagement at the Olympia. Jacques Denjean arranged and recorded “Message to Michael,” the first major Scepter single outside Bacharach and David’s production control, and the song reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bacharach and David produced the album; sleeve designer and photographer Burt Goldblatt used three adjacent Warwick portraits against a pink field. The set reached No. 76 on the Billboard album chart and No. 3 on the R&B album chart.

Here Where There Is Love

Warwick released her sixth studio album, Here Where There Is Love, in December 1966 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired recent singles with contemporary pop, stage, and folk material. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Jackie DeShannon (“What the World Needs Now Is Love”), Chuck Jackson (“I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself”), Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas (“Trains and Boats and Planes”), Cilla Black (“Alfie”), Shirley Bassey (“As Long as He Needs Me”), Keely Smith (“I Wish You Love”), and Bob Dylan (“Blowin’ in the Wind”). Bacharach arranged and conducted the program.

A1. “Go with Love” (2:47) – Bacharach, David
A2. “What the World Needs Now Is Love” (3:14) – Bacharach, David
A3. “I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself” (3:50) – Bacharach, David
A4. “Here, Where There Is Love” (2:30) – Bacharach, David
A5. “Trains and Boats and Planes” (2:46) – Bacharach, David
B1. “Alfie” (2:43) – Bacharach, David
B2. “As Long as He Needs Me” (2:50) – Bart
B3. “I Wish You Love” (2:49) – Trenet, Chauliac, Beach
B4. “(I Never Knew) What You Were Up To” (2:40) – Leeman, Druz, Leeman
B5. “Blowin’ in the Wind” (2:19) – Dylan

Bell Sound Studios hosted the New York sessions with Bacharach and David as producers. The original cover shows two figures on a beach at sunset, though the US sleeve carries no named designer or photographer.

Scepter released “Trains and Boats and Planes” in June 1966 (b/w “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”), “I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself” in September (b/w “In Between the Heartaches”), and “Alfie” in March 1967 (b/w “The Beginning of Loneliness”). The album reached No. 18 on the Billboard album chart, No. 1 on the R&B album chart, and earned a US gold certification.

On Stage and in the Movies

Warwick released her seventh studio album, On Stage and in the Movies, in May 1967 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David built the program entirely from Broadway and film repertory. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Billie Holiday (“Summertime”), Judy Garland (“You’ll Never Walk Alone”), Julie Andrews (“My Favorite Things”), Shirley Bassey (“Something Wonderful”), Fred Astaire (“The Way You Look Tonight”), and Barbara Cook (“He Loves Me”). The program also draws from Robert Morse (“I Believe in You”), Peggy Lee (“Baubles, Bangles and Beads”), Ethel Merman and Ray Middleton (“Anything You Can Do”), and Gertrude Lawrence (“My Ship”). Chuck Jackson joins the Berlin duet; Garry Sherman, Ray Ellis, and Bacharach divide the arrangements.

A1. “Summertime” (2:58) – Gershwin, Gershwin, Heyward
A2. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (4:07) – Rodgers, Hammerstein
A3. “My Favorite Things” (2:55) – Rodgers, Hammerstein
A4. “Something Wonderful” (2:27) – Rodgers, Hammerstein
A5. “One Hand, One Heart” / “With These Hands” (3:59) – Bernstein, Sondheim / Silver, Davis
B1. “The Way You Look Tonight” (2:29) – Fields, Kern
B2. “He Loves Me” (2:21) – Bock, Harnick
B3. “I Believe in You” (2:25) – Loesser
B4. “Baubles, Bangles and Beads” (2:47) – Wright, Forrest
B5. “Anything You Can Do” (2:18) – Berlin
B6. “My Ship” (3:17) – Gershwin, Weill

Sessions took place at Scepter Recording Studios and A&R Recording in New York under Bacharach and David. John Lakata and Phil Ramone engineered the album; Ramone also worked across A&R’s expanding New York session schedule. Jazz-sleeve specialist Burt Goldblatt supplied art direction and cover design, while the original issue omits a separate photography credit.

The album reached No. 169 on the Billboard album chart and No. 11 on the R&B album chart.

The Windows of the World

Warwick released her eighth studio album, The Windows of the World, in August 1967 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired six new selections with film, stage, and orchestral-pop material. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Sandie Shaw (“(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me”), Barbra Streisand (“Somewhere”), Andy Williams (“You’re Gonna Hear from Me”), Nat King Cole (“Love”), and Frank Sinatra (“What’s Good About Goodbye”). Peter Matz and Owen B. Masingill join Bacharach on arrangements.

A1. “I Say a Little Prayer” (3:04) – Bacharach, David
A2. “Walk Little Dolly” (3:27) – Bacharach, David
A3. “The Beginning of Loneliness” (3:30) – Bacharach, David
A4. “Another Night” (2:34) – Bacharach, David
A5. “The Windows of the World” (3:23) – Bacharach, David
B1. “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” (2:59) – Bacharach, David
B2. “Somewhere” (4:23) – Bernstein, Sondheim
B3. “You’re Gonna Hear from Me” (4:29) – Previn, Previn
B4. “Love” (2:52) – Kaempfert, Gabler
B5. “What’s Good About Goodbye” (2:41) – Robin, Arlen

Bacharach and David produced recordings made across 1966 and 1967 at Bell Sound in New York. Goldblatt continued as art director and designer, while photographer Stan Papich supplied the portrait image.

Scepter lifted “The Windows of the World” in July 1967 (b/w “Walk Little Dolly”) and “I Say a Little Prayer” in October (b/w “The Valley of the Dolls”). The album reached No. 22 on the Billboard album chart and No. 11 on the R&B album chart. Rhino coupled the record with Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls in 2004 and added “Taking a Chance on Love.”

Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls

Warwick released her ninth studio album, Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls, in March 1968 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired new material with contemporary pop and film songs. Warwick revisits recordings by the Fifth Dimension (“Up, Up and Away”) and Cilla Black (“You’re My World”); the title theme comes from Valley of the Dolls. Manny Albam, Peter Matz, Garry Sherman, and Pat Williams join Bacharach on arrangements.

A1. “As Long as There’s an Apple Tree” (2:05) – Bacharach, David
A2. “Up, Up and Away” (2:38) – Webb
A3. “You’re My World” (3:05) – Sigman, Bindi
A4. “Theme from Valley of the Dolls” (3:35) – Previn, Previn
A5. “Silent Voices” (3:07) – Monath, Limiti, Mogol, Isola
B1. “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” (2:50) – Bacharach, David
B2. “For the Rest of My Life” (3:07) – Curtis, Carraresi
B3. “Let Me Be Lonely” (3:35) – Bacharach, David
B4. “Where Would I Go” (2:40) – Bacharach, David
B5. “Walking Backwards Down the Road” (2:54) – Bacharach, David

Sessions took place at A&R Recording and Bell Sound Studios in New York under Bacharach and David. Phil Ramone and Ed Smith engineered the record. The original Scepter issue does not identify a sleeve designer or photographer.

Scepter issued “Theme from Valley of the Dolls” in November 1967 (b/w “I Say a Little Prayer”) and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” in April 1968 (b/w “Let Me Be Lonely”). The album reached No. 6 on the Billboard album chart, No. 2 on the R&B album chart, No. 10 in Britain, and earned a US gold certification.

The Magic of Believing

Warwick released her tenth studio album, The Magic of Believing, in June 1968 on Scepter.

The gospel program pairs Warwick with the Drinkard Singers and draws from established sacred repertory. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Mahalia Jackson (“Somebody Bigger Than You and I,” “Steal Away,” “In the Garden”) and James Cleveland (“Jesus Will,” “Grace”); traditional hymns and spirituals supply most of the balance. Cissy Houston, Roberta Martin, Ann Moss, and Warwick share the arrangements.

A1. “Battle Hymn of the Republic” (3:09) – Traditional
A2. “Somebody Bigger Than You and I” (3:37) – Lange, Heath, Burke
A3. “Jesus Will” (3:04) – Cleveland
A4. “The Old Landmark” (2:48) – Traditional
A5. “The Magic of Believing” (2:32) – Monath, Leveen
B1. “Blessed Be the Name” (2:48) – Traditional
B2. “Grace” (3:20) – Cleveland
B3. “Steal Away” (2:35) – Traditional
B4. “In the Garden” (3:07) – Miles
B5. “Who Do You Think It Was” (1:49) – Traditional

Scepter Studios in New York hosted the sessions, with John Lakata as engineer. Original album documentation does not identify a producer. Goldblatt designed the sleeve, which carries no separate photography attribution.

The album reached No. 49 on the Billboard R&B album chart.

Promises, Promises

Warwick released her eleventh studio album, Promises, Promises, in November 1968 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired selections from the Broadway production Promises, Promises with contemporary pop and stage material. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Danny Williams (“This Girl’s in Love with You”), O.C. Smith (“Little Green Apples”), Shirley Bassey (“Where Is Love”), Dusty Springfield (“Where Am I Going”), and Tony Bennett (“Yesterday I Heard the Rain”). Don Sebesky and Peter Matz join Bacharach on arrangements.

A1. “Promises, Promises” (2:57) – Bacharach, David
A2. “This Girl’s in Love with You” (4:13) – Bacharach, David
A3. “Little Green Apples” (3:55) – Russell
A4. “Where Is Love” (2:48) – Bart
A5. “Who Is Gonna Love Me” (3:11) – Bacharach, David
B1. “Whoever You Are, I Love You” (3:18) – Bacharach, David
B2. “Where Am I Going” (2:05) – Fields, Coleman
B3. “Wanting Things” (2:22) – Bacharach, David
B4. “Lonely in My Heart” (2:56) – Williams, Matz
B5. “Yesterday I Heard the Rain” (2:43) – Manzanero, Lees

A&R Recording in New York hosted the sessions with Bacharach and David as producers and Phil Ramone as engineer. Goldblatt designed the sleeve; Michael Freeman photographed the front portrait.

Scepter released “Who Is Gonna Love Me” in August 1968 (b/w “The Beginning of Loneliness”), “Promises, Promises” in October (b/w “Whoever You Are, I Love You”), and “This Girl’s in Love with You” in January 1969 (b/w “Dream Sweet Dreamer”). “Promises, Promises” reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “This Girl’s in Love with You” reached No. 7. The album peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard album chart and No. 7 on the R&B album chart.

Soulful

Warwick released her twelfth studio album, Soulful, in April 1969 on Scepter.

Chips Moman paired Warwick with the American Sound rhythm section for a program of contemporary soul and rock material. Warwick revisits songs recorded by the Righteous Brothers (“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”), James and Bobby Purify (“I’m Your Puppet”), the Rascals (“People Got to Be Free”), and Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (“You’re All I Need to Get By”). The set also draws from the Beatles (“We Can Work It Out,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Hey Jude”), Aretha Franklin (“Do Right Woman—Do Right Man”), Otis Redding (“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”), and the Impressions (“People Get Ready”). Guitarist Reggie Young, bassist Tommy Cogbill, keyboardist Bobby Emmons, and drummer Gene Chrisman form the principal rhythm unit; Mike Leech directed strings.

A1. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” (4:23) – Mann, Weil, Spector
A2. “I’m Your Puppet” (3:02) – Penn, Oldham
A3. “People Got to Be Free” (2:55) – Cavaliere, Brigati
A4. “You’re All I Need to Get By” (2:24) – Ashford, Simpson
A5. “We Can Work It Out” (2:30) – Lennon, McCartney
B1. “A Hard Day’s Night” (3:03) – Lennon, McCartney
B2. “Do Right Woman—Do Right Man” (3:00) – Penn, Moman
B3. “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” (3:31) – Redding, Butler
B4. “People Get Ready” (2:44) – Mayfield
B5. “Hey Jude” (4:02) – Lennon, McCartney

Moman and Warwick produced the American Sound sessions, the same Memphis operation behind contemporary recordings by Dusty Springfield and Elvis Presley. Original Scepter documentation does not name the engineer, sleeve designer, or photographer.

Scepter lifted “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” in September 1969 (b/w “Window Wishing”). The album reached No. 11 on the Billboard album chart and No. 2 on the R&B album chart.

I’ll Never Fall in Love Again

Warwick released her thirteenth studio album, I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, in April 1970 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired material from Promises, Promises and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with contemporary pop songs. Warwick revisits recordings by Jerry Orbach and Jill O’Hara (“I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”), B.J. Thomas (“Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”), the Beatles (“Something”), Richard Harris (“Didn’t We”), and Frank Sinatra (“My Way”). Jill O’Hara also introduced “Knowing When to Leave” in Promises, Promises; Larry Wilcox joined Bacharach on arrangements.

A1. “The Wine Is Young” (3:39) – Bacharach, David
A2. “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” (2:52) – Bacharach, David
A3. “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” (2:56) – Bacharach, David
A4. “Loneliness Remembers What Happiness Forgets” (2:05) – Bacharach, David
A5. “Something” (2:25) – Harrison
B1. “Paper Maché” (2:56) – Bacharach, David
B2. “Knowing When to Leave” (2:41) – Bacharach, David
B3. “Let Me Go to Him” (3:25) – Bacharach, David
B4. “Didn’t We” (2:43) – Webb
B5. “My Way” (3:25) – Revaux, Anka

Bacharach and David produced the album, with Larry Levine and Phil Ramone credited as engineers. Larry Wilcox joined Bacharach on arrangements. Goldblatt designed the sleeve, while Hollywood portrait photographer Harry Langdon supplied the cover image in the same year as Diana Ross’s self-titled Motown album.

Scepter released the title song in December 1969 (b/w “What the World Needs Now Is Love”), “Let Me Go to Him” in April 1970 (b/w “Loneliness Remembers What Happiness Forgets”), and “Paper Maché” in June (b/w “The Wine Is Young”). The title single reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Billboard listed the album at No. 23 on the main chart and No. 7 on the R&B album chart.

Very Dionne

Warwick released her fourteenth studio album, Very Dionne, in December 1970 on Scepter.

Bacharach and David paired five new selections with contemporary pop, stage, and standard material. Warwick revisits songs recorded by the Beatles (“Yesterday”), the Carpenters (“We’ve Only Just Begun”), Frank Sinatra (“Here’s That Rainy Day”), Jerry Butler (“Make It Easy on Yourself”), Little Anthony and the Imperials (“Going Out of My Head”), and Melba Moore (“I Got Love”). Marty Paich and Larry Wilcox join Bacharach on arrangements.

A1. “Check Out Time” (4:06) – Bacharach, David
A2. “Yesterday” (2:36) – Lennon, McCartney
A3. “We’ve Only Just Begun” (3:07) – Williams, Nichols
A4. “Here’s That Rainy Day” (3:35) – Van Heusen, Burke
A5. “The Green Grass Starts to Grow” (3:00) – Bacharach, David
B1. “They Don’t Give Medals to Yesterday’s Heroes” (2:55) – Bacharach, David
B2. “Walk the Way You Talk” (2:50) – Bacharach, David
B3. “Make It Easy on Yourself” (3:34) – Bacharach, David
B4. “Going Out of My Head” (3:08) – Randazzo, Weinstein
B5. “I Got Love” (2:26) – Geld, Udell

Recordings came from A&R Recording in New York, United and A&M studios in Hollywood, and the Garden State Arts Center in New Jersey. Bacharach and David produced; Armin Steiner, Larry Levine, Michael Wright, and Phil Ramone handled engineering. Art director Dick Smith directed the package, while Langdon photographed Warwick.

Scepter issued “Make It Easy on Yourself” in September 1970 (b/w “Knowing When to Leave”) and “The Green Grass Starts to Grow” in November (b/w “They Don’t Give Medals to Yesterday’s Heroes”). The album reached No. 37 on the Billboard album chart and No. 8 on the R&B album chart.

The Love Machine

Warwick sang “He’s Moving On” and “Amanda” for the 1971 film The Love Machine. Bryan Wells wrote the music and Ruth Batchelor supplied lyrics; “He’s Moving On” appears under both the opening and closing credits. Colgems issued the soundtrack album under Warwick’s then-current “Warwicke” spelling.

Dionne

Warwick released her fifteenth studio album, Dionne, in January 1972 on Warner Bros.

Bacharach, Bob James, and Don Sebesky divided the program across separate production and arrangement assignments. Warwick revisits songs recorded by the Carpenters (“Close to You”), Barbra Streisand (“Be Aware”), Elton John (“Love Song”), the Fifth Dimension (“One Less Bell to Answer”), and Shirley Bassey (“If We Only Have Love”). James arranged three selections, while Sebesky handled three further tracks.

A1. “I Just Have to Breathe” (3:52) – Bacharach, David
A2. “The Balance of Nature” (3:28) – Bacharach, David
A3. “If You Never Say Goodbye” (3:12) – Bacharach, David
A4. “Close to You” (2:51) – Bacharach, David
A5. “My First Night Alone Without You” (2:55) – Vassy
B1. “Be Aware” (4:32) – Bacharach, David
B2. “Love Song” (3:03) – Duncan
B3. “One Less Bell to Answer” (4:37) – Bacharach, David
B4. “If We Only Have Love” (4:16) – Brel, Blau, Shuman
B5. “Hasbrook Heights” (3:26) – Bacharach, David

A&R Recording in New York hosted the sessions. Phil Ramone engineered all three production teams, giving the split program a common technical lead. Warner art director Ed Thrasher directed and photographed the front sleeve; Bill King supplied the rear portrait. Thrasher’s label portfolio already included Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks.

The label issued “If We Only Have Love” in February 1972 (b/w “Hasbrook Heights”). Billboard placed the album at No. 54 on the main chart and No. 22 on the Soul LPs chart.

Just Being Myself

Warwick released her sixteenth studio album, Just Being Myself, in January 1973 on Warner Bros.

Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland produced the full album. McKinley Jackson and Gene Page supplied orchestral arrangements.

A1. “You’re Gonna Need Me” (4:20) – Holland, Dozier, Holland, Wylie
A2. “I Think You Need Love” (3:37) – Holland, Dozier, Holland
A3. “You Are the Heart of Me” (4:14) – Smith, Dunbar
A4. “I Always Get Caught in the Rain” (3:42) – Smith, Dunbar
B1. “Don’t Let My Teardrops Bother You” (4:00) – Holland, Dozier, Holland, Wylie
B2. “I’m Just Being Myself” (4:31) – Holland, Dozier, Holland, Dozier
B3. “Come Back” (4:30) – Holland, Dozier, Holland
B4. “Don’t Burn the Bridge That Took You Across” (4:24) – Holland, Dozier, Holland

Sessions took place at HDH Sound Studios in Detroit. Jerry Hall, Brian Holland, Lawrence Horn, and Barney Perkins handled recording and mixing, linking the album to the production team’s early Invictus and Hot Wax period. Thrasher photographed Warwick for the Warner package.

Warner Bros. issued “I Think You Need Love” in 1973 (b/w “Don’t Let My Teardrops Bother You”), followed by the title song (b/w “You’re Gonna Need Me”). The album reached No. 178 on the Billboard album chart.

“Then Came You”

Atlantic paired Warwick with the Spinners for “Then Came You” in July 1974 (b/w “Just as Long as We Have Love”). Thom Bell produced the Philadelphia recording, with the Spinners’ Philippe Wynne sharing the lead. The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the R&B chart before Warner placed it on Warwick’s next album.

Then Came You

Warwick released her seventeenth studio album, Then Came You, in February 1975 on Warner Bros.

Jerry Ragovoy produced nine selections, while Thom Bell directed the title collaboration with the Spinners. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Love Unlimited (“Move Me No Mountain”) and Baby Washington (“I Can’t Wait Until I See My Baby’s Face”). Guitarists Jerry Friedman, John Tropea, and Jeff Mironov join bassist Bob Babbitt, drummer Andrew Smith, and keyboardist Leon Pendarvis across the Ragovoy sessions.

A1. “Take It from Me” (3:41) – Ragovoy
A2. “We’ll Burn Our Bridges Behind Us” (3:30) – Ragovoy, Laurie
A3. “Sure Thing” (3:09) – Ragovoy, Schroeder, Weiss
A4. “Then Came You” (3:53) – Marshall, Pugh
A5. “How Can I Tell Him” (5:21) – Ragovoy, Brackman
B1. “Move Me No Mountain” (4:52) – Ragovoy, Schroeder
B2. “I Can’t Wait Until I See My Baby’s Face” (3:27) – Ragovoy, Taylor
B3. “It’s Magic” (3:16) – Ragovoy, Brackman
B4. “Who Knows” (3:15) – Ragovoy, Laurie
B5. “Getting in My Way” (3:15) – Ragovoy, Brackman

The Hit Factory in New York hosted the Ragovoy recordings, with Bruce Tergesen, Harry Maslin, and Jim McCurdy as engineers. Photographer Albert Watson supplied the Warner sleeve image near the start of his editorial and advertising career.

Warner Bros. released “Sure Thing” in 1974 (b/w “Who Knows”) and “Take It from Me” in 1975 (b/w “Getting in My Way”). The album reached No. 167 on the Billboard album chart and No. 35 on the Soul LPs chart.

Track of the Cat

Warwick released her eighteenth studio album, Track of the Cat, in November 1975 on Warner Bros.

Thom Bell produced the album with members of MFSB. Guitarists Bobby Eli and Tony Bell join bassist Bob Babbitt, drummers Charles Collins and Andrew Smith, and percussionist Larry Washington among the principal players.

A1. “Track of the Cat” (6:54) – Bell, Creed
A2. “His House and Me” (4:50) – Bell, Creed
A3. “Ronnie Lee” (3:39) – Bell, Creed
A4. “World of My Dreams” (3:59) – Bell, Creed
B1. “Jealousy” (3:24) – Marshall, Wortham, Barrett
B2. “This Is Love” (3:30) – Marshall, Bell
B3. “Love Me One More Time” (4:11) – Bell, Creed
B4. “Once You Hit the Road” (4:03) – Simmons, Jefferson

Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia hosted the sessions, with Don Murray as chief engineer. Bell’s concurrent Philadelphia work included albums for the Spinners and Johnny Mathis. Watson returned for the front-cover photograph, establishing a visual link with Then Came You.

Warner Bros. issued “Once You Hit the Road” in October 1975 (b/w “World of My Dreams”) and “His House and Me” in March 1976 (b/w “Ronnie Lee”). The album reached No. 137 on the Billboard album chart and No. 15 on the Soul LPs chart.

Only Love Can Break a Heart

Musicor released Only Love Can Break a Heart in February 1977 from previously unreleased Scepter-era masters. The ten-song set includes the title track, “They Say It’s Wonderful,” “You’re My World,” “Let It Be Me,” “Monday, Monday,” and “Who Gets the Guy.” Musicor issued “Only Love Can Break a Heart” (b/w “If I Ruled the World”), which reached No. 109 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under chart. Billboard placed the album at No. 188 on the album chart.

A Man and a Woman

ABC released A Man and a Woman, Warwick’s concert collaboration with Isaac Hayes, in 1977 as a two-LP set. Esmond Edwards produced the recording from Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, where both singers alternated solo material with medleys and joint performances. Joseph Mele and Lester Snell arranged the program, while backing singers Barbara McCoy, Darlene Love, and Dee Dee Warwick supported the leads. The album reached No. 49 on the Billboard album chart and No. 20 on the Soul LPs chart.

Love at First Sight

Warwick released her nineteenth studio album, Love at First Sight, in 1977 on Warner Bros.

Michael Omartian and Steve Barri paired new material with contemporary pop songs. Warwick revisits recordings by Carlton Dinnall (“A Long Way to Go”), Barry Manilow (“Early Morning Strangers”), and Polly Brown (“Do You Believe in Love at First Sight”). Guitarists Ben Benay, Jay Graydon, and Ray Parker Jr. join bassist Scott Edwards and drummer Ed Greene in the principal session group.

A1. “Keepin’ My Head Above Water” (3:20) – Lambert, Potter
A2. “Love in the Afternoon” (3:12) – Germinaro, Sands, Weisman
A3. “A Long Way to Go” (3:25) – Mann, Weil
A4. “Do I Have to Cry” (3:01) – David, Stack
A5. “Don’t Ever Take Your Love Away” (5:40) – Hayes, Jones
B1. “One Thing on My Mind” (3:25) – Germinaro, Sands
B2. “Early Morning Strangers” (3:48) – David, Manilow
B3. “Livin’ It Up Is Starting to Get Me Down” (3:40) – Larson, Rubins
B4. “Since You Stayed Here” (2:41) – Larson, Rubins
B5. “Do You Believe in Love at First Sight” (3:06) – Rae, Roker, Shury, McDonald

Sessions took place at Kendun Recorders in Burbank with Phil Kaye as engineer and Rick Heenan and Joe Laux as assistants. Steve Barri entered after producing the Four Tops’ Catfish for ABC. John Cabalka directed the package in the same year as the Meters’ New Directions, while Langdon photographed Warwick for a third album sleeve in seven years.

Warner Bros. issued “Do You Believe in Love at First Sight” (b/w “One Thing on My Mind”), “Keepin’ My Head Above Water” (b/w “Livin’ It Up Is Starting to Get Me Down”), and “Don’t Ever Take Your Love Away” (b/w “Since You Stayed Here”). The album did not enter the Billboard album chart.

Dionne

Warwick released her twentieth studio album, Dionne, in May 1979 on Arista.

Barry Manilow paired new material with contemporary pop songs for Warwick’s first Arista project. Warwick revisits recordings by Cissy Houston (“After You”), the Box Tops (“The Letter”), Cheryl Ladd (“I’ll Never Love This Way Again”), and Manilow (“All the Time”). Keyboardist Bill Mays, guitarist Mitch Holder, bassist Will Lee, and drummer Rick Shlosser form the core session group; Gene Page, Artie Butler, Greg Mathieson, and Jimmie Haskell supply orchestral arrangements.

A1. “Who, What, When, Where, Why” (3:15) – Holmes
A2. “After You” (4:02) – Frank, James
A3. “The Letter” (3:11) – Thompson
A4. “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” (3:33) – Kerr, Jennings
A5. “Déjà Vu” (4:06) – Hayes, Anderson
B1. “Feeling Old Feelings” (4:03) – Hice, Hardy
B2. “In Your Eyes” (3:43) – Manilow, Sussman, Feldman
B3. “My Everlasting Love” (4:23) – Sandler, FitzSimmons, Cowan
B4. “Out of My Hands” (3:17) – Houston, Fields, Frank
B5. “All the Time” (4:06) – Manilow, Panzer

United Western Studios in Hollywood hosted the winter 1978–79 sessions with producer Manilow and engineer Michael DeLugg. In the same period, DeLugg also recorded Manilow’s One Voice. Art director Donn Davenport assembled the Arista package around Harry Langdon’s portrait, while Jay Thompson supplied the insert photograph.

Arista issued “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” in July 1979 (b/w “In Your Eyes”), followed by “Déjà Vu” in November (b/w “All the Time”) and “After You” in March 1980 (b/w “Out of My Hands”). The first single reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Déjà Vu” reached No. 15. Both performances received Grammy Awards at the 1980 ceremony. The album reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and No. 10 on the Soul LPs chart, then earned a US platinum certification.

No Night So Long

Warwick released her twenty-first studio album, No Night So Long, on July 18, 1980, through Arista.

Steve Buckingham paired new material with contemporary pop and soul songs. Warwick revisits recordings by Michael Jackson (“It’s the Falling in Love”) and Peabo Bryson (“Reaching for the Sky”). Randy McCormick, Joe Neil, Isaac Hayes, Tom Robb, and James Stroud form the principal session group, while Tower of Power supplies horn parts. Kim Carnes joins selected backing parts.

A1. “Easy Love” (3:15) – Dorff, Herbstritt, Cate
A2. “No Night So Long” (3:26) – Kerr, Jennings
A3. “It’s the Falling in Love” (3:23) – Sager, Foster
A4. “When the World Runs Out of Love” (3:44) – Christian, Patton
A5. “We Never Said Goodbye” (3:41) – Hayes, Anderson
B1. “How You Once Loved Me” (3:33) – Willis, Roberts
B2. “Reaching for the Sky” (4:28) – Bryson
B3. “Sweetie Pie” (2:30) – Mercury, Smith
B4. “Somebody’s Angel” (3:44) – Lasley, Allen
B5. “We Had This Time” (3:44) – Manchester, Weiss

Sessions crossed Mastersound Studios in Atlanta, Britannia Studios in Hollywood, and the Record Plant in Sausalito, with Buckingham as producer and Joe Neil, Alan Chinowsky, and Lenny Roberts as engineers. Neil also played synthesizer and mixed the Mastersound recordings. Davenport directed the package, and Langdon photographed Warwick for a third consecutive Arista sleeve.

Arista released the title song in July 1980 (b/w “Reaching for the Sky”), followed by “Easy Love” (b/w “We Never Said Goodbye”). “No Night So Long” reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart; “Easy Love” reached No. 62 and No. 12 on those charts. The album peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 and No. 22 on the Soul LPs chart.

Hot! Live and Otherwise

Arista released Hot! Live and Otherwise on May 20, 1981, as a two-LP set that paired three concert sides from Harrah’s in Reno with a studio side. Steve Buckingham and Michael Masser produced the project, while Dick Bogart, Joe Neil, and Mike Leitz handled the principal engineering. The album reached No. 72 on the Billboard 200 and No. 35 on the Soul LPs chart. In 2007, a compact-disc edition removed “We Never Said Goodbye” and “Dedicate This Heart,” then added “Right Back” and “When the Good Times Come Again” with liner notes by David Nathan.

Friends in Love

Warwick released her twenty-second studio album, Friends in Love, on April 14, 1982, through Arista.

Jay Graydon paired new material with contemporary soul and pop songs. Warwick revisits recordings by Earth, Wind & Fire (“Can’t Hide Love”), the Stylistics (“Betcha by Golly, Wow”), and the Bee Gees (“A Love So Right”). Johnny Mathis shares two duets, while Stevie Wonder plays piano on “With a Touch.” Guitarists Steve Lukather and Larry Carlton, bassists Abraham Laboriel and Mike Porcaro, and drummers Steve Gadd and Mike Baird support the principal tracks.

A1. “For You” (4:55) – Graydon, Page, Bettis
A2. “Friends in Love” (4:02) – Graydon, Foster, Champlin
A3. “Never Gonna Let You Go” (4:50) – Mann, Weil
A4. “Can’t Hide Love” (4:50) – Scarborough
A5. “Betcha by Golly, Wow” (3:28) – Bell, Creed
B1. “More Than Fascination” (4:02) – Snow
B2. “Got You Where I Want You” (3:38) – Parton, Andron
B3. “With a Touch” (4:40) – Wonder
B4. “What Is This” (3:58) – Waters, Graydon
B5. “A Love So Right” (3:55) – Sklerov, Lloyd

Garden Rake Studio in Sherman Oaks hosted the recordings and mixes, with Graydon and Ian Eales as engineers. Al Schmitt recorded the strings at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. Graydon entered the project after producing Al Jarreau’s Breakin’ Away and the Manhattan Transfer’s Mecca for Moderns. Davenport designed the Arista package around David Vance’s portrait; John Pinderhughes photographed the inner sleeve.

Arista issued the Mathis duet “Friends in Love” in April 1982 (b/w “What Is This”), followed by “For You” (b/w “A Love So Right”). The title song reached No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “For You” reached No. 14 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Billboard placed the album at No. 83 on the main chart and No. 33 on the Soul LPs chart.

Heartbreaker

Warwick released her twenty-third studio album, Heartbreaker, on September 28, 1982, through Arista.

Barry Gibb, Albhy Galuten, and Karl Richardson built the program around songs prepared for Warwick. She revisits the Ruby and the Romantics hit “Our Day Will Come.” Galuten and Richard Tee join guitarist Tim Renwick, bassist George “Chocolate” Perry, and drummer Steve Gadd in the principal session group; Gibb adds guitar and backing parts.

A1. “Heartbreaker” (4:16) – B. Gibb, R. Gibb, M. Gibb
A2. “It Makes No Difference” (4:26) – B. Gibb, Galuten
A3. “Yours” (4:58) – B. Gibb, R. Gibb, M. Gibb
A4. “Take the Short Way Home” (3:47) – B. Gibb, Galuten
A5. “Misunderstood” (4:07) – B. Gibb, R. Gibb, M. Gibb
B1. “All the Love in the World” (3:25) – B. Gibb, R. Gibb, M. Gibb
B2. “I Can’t See Anything (But You)” (3:24) – B. Gibb, Galuten, M. Gibb
B3. “Just One More Night” (3:51) – B. Gibb, Galuten
B4. “You Are My Love” (3:50) – B. Gibb, R. Gibb, M. Gibb
B5. “Our Day Will Come” (3:47) – Hilliard, Garson

April and May sessions crossed Middle Ear and Criteria in Miami with Mediasound in New York. Richardson served as engineer alongside his production partners, extending the team formed for Barbra Streisand’s Guilty before their work on Kenny Rogers’s Eyes That See in the Dark. Davenport created the logo and art direction, Garry Gross photographed Warwick, and Chad Shipley supplied the sleeve illustration.

Arista released “Heartbreaker” in September 1982 (b/w “I Can’t See Anything (But You)”), followed by “All the Love in the World” (b/w “You Are My Love”), “Take the Short Way Home” (b/w “Yours”), and “Yours” in selected markets. The title song reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Billboard placed the album at No. 25, while several European markets returned top-ten results.

How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye

Warwick released her twenty-fourth studio album, How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye, on September 29, 1983, through Arista.

Luther Vandross paired new material with contemporary pop and soul songs. Warwick revisits recordings by Michael McDonald (“I Can Let Go Now”) and the Shirelles (“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”); Shirley Alston joins the latter track. Keyboardist Nat Adderley Jr., bassist Marcus Miller, guitarists Doc Powell and Georg Wadenius, drummer Yogi Horton, and percussionist Paulinho da Costa anchor the sessions. Patti Austin and Cissy Houston join selected backing parts.

A1. “Got a Date” (5:17) – Vandross, Miller
A2. “So Amazing” (3:43) – Vandross
A3. “I Do It ’Cause I Like It” (5:00) – Vandross, Miller
A4. “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye” (3:27) – Goldman
B1. “What Can a Miracle Do” (4:39) – Vandross, Grolnick
B2. “Two Ships Passing in the Night” (5:11) – Warwick
B3. “I Can Let Go Now” (2:53) – McDonald
B4. “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” (5:26) – King, Goffin

The Record Plant in Los Angeles and Mediasound in New York hosted the sessions. Ray Bardani led an engineering team that included Carl Beatty, Michael Brauer, Michael Christopher, Doug Epstein, and Bill Stein, then mixed the album with Vandross and Miller. Bardani also engineered and mixed Vandross’s Busy Body in the same period. Davenport directed the package, and fashion photographer Frank Laffitte supplied the cover portrait.

Arista issued the title duet in September 1983 (b/w “What Can a Miracle Do”), followed by “Got a Date” in January 1984 (b/w “I Do It ’Cause I Like It”). “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye” reached No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart; “Got a Date” reached No. 45 on the R&B chart and No. 15 on the Dance Club chart. The album peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard 200 and No. 19 on the Black LPs chart. SoulMusic Records added six bonus tracks on a 2014 expanded edition.

The Woman in Red

Motown released Stevie Wonder’s soundtrack for The Woman in Red on August 28, 1984, as a soundtrack album. Warwick joins Wonder on “It’s You” and “Weakness,” then sings “Moments Aren’t Moments” alone. Wonder wrote and produced all three selections, with Gary Olazabal among the principal engineers. “It’s You” and “Weakness” later reappeared on Warwick’s next Arista album.

Finder of Lost Loves

Warwick released her twenty-fifth studio album, Finder of Lost Loves, on January 24, 1985, through Arista.

Barry Manilow paired new material with two recordings first issued on The Woman in Red and several outside songs. Warwick revisits recordings by the Bee Gees (“Run to Me”) and Rose Royce (“Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”). Manilow shares “Run to Me”; Glenn Jones joins “Finder of Lost Loves,” while Stevie Wonder appears on “It’s You” and “Weakness.”

A1. “No One in the World” (3:34) – Hirsch, Sharron
A2. “Without Your Love” (4:43) – Lange
A3. “Run to Me” (4:36) – B. Gibb, R. Gibb, M. Gibb
A4. “Finder of Lost Loves” (4:41) – Bacharach, Sager
A5. “Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (5:01) – Goldman
B1. “It’s You” (4:58) – Wonder
B2. “It’s Love” (3:36) – Manilow, Anderson
B3. “Bedroom Eyes” (4:45) – Manilow, Sussman, Feldman
B4. “Weakness” (4:16) – Wonder
B5. “You Made Me Want to Love Again” (4:29) – Kerr, Gimbel

Recordings crossed Sunset Sound and Capitol Studios in Hollywood with Lion Share in Los Angeles. Michael DeLugg engineered the Manilow productions, David Cole recorded the Landis selection, John Guess handled the Bacharach-Sager duet, and Gary Olazabal recorded the Wonder tracks. DeLugg’s association with Warwick reached back to her first Arista album. Davenport directed the package, and Langdon photographed the cover.

Arista issued “Finder of Lost Loves” in January 1985 (b/w “You Made Me Want to Love Again”), followed by “Run to Me” in April (b/w “Bedroom Eyes”). The album reached No. 106 on the Billboard 200 and No. 50 on the Black Albums chart. SoulMusic’s 2014 expanded edition added alternate versions of the title song, including Warwick’s duet with Vandross.

Friends

Warwick released her twenty-sixth studio album, Friends, on November 25, 1985, through Arista.

Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager paired five new selections with project-specific productions from Albhy Galuten, David Foster, Stevie Wonder, and Barry Manilow. Warwick revisits Rod Stewart’s recording of “That’s What Friends Are For” with Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Wonder. “Moments Aren’t Moments” returns from The Woman in Red.

A1. “That’s What Friends Are For” (4:15) – Sager, Bacharach
A2. “Whisper in the Dark” (4:35) – Roberts, Bronfman
A3. “Remember Your Heart” (3:43) – Navarro, Bryant
A4. “Love at Second Sight” (4:40) – Foster, Gordon
A5. “Moments Aren’t Moments” (4:36) – Wonder
B1. “Stronger Than Before” (3:22) – Sager, Bacharach, Roberts
B2. “Stay Devoted” (3:36) – Sager, Bacharach
B3. “No One There (To Sing Me a Love Song)” (4:28) – Walden, Glass, Jackson, Afanasieff
B4. “How Long?” (4:12) – Sager, Bacharach
B5. “Extravagant Gestures” (4:59) – Sager, Bacharach

Separate recording teams followed the six production assignments under Clive Davis’s executive supervision; the original issue does not identify a single project engineer. Bacharach and Sager resumed their Warwick partnership after the title theme on Finder of Lost Loves. Manilow returned from that album for “No One There” and adapted an original Narada Michael Walden arrangement; Walden was then producing Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. Davenport provided art direction. David Vance photographed Warwick and handled make-up, while Ron Batzdorff supplied the back-cover group portrait.

Arista issued “That’s What Friends Are For” in November 1985 (b/w “Two Ships Passing in the Night”), followed by “Whisper in the Dark” in February 1986 (b/w “Moments Aren’t Moments”). The first single spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and raised funds for the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Their joint performance received the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Bacharach and Sager received Song of the Year. The album reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and No. 9 on the Black Albums chart, then earned gold certification in the United States and Canada.

Reservations for Two

Warwick released her twenty-seventh studio album, Reservations for Two, on July 30, 1987, through Arista.

Bacharach and Sager produced three selections, Aaron Zigman and Jerry Knight directed three, Kashif handled two, and Smokey Robinson and Manilow supplied one each. Jeffrey Osborne, Robinson, Howard Hewett, Kashif, and June Pointer share duet parts across the album.

A1. “Love Power” (4:32) – Bacharach, Sager
A2. “Close Enough” (4:11) – Lasley, Wilcox
A3. “You’re My Hero” (4:41) – Robinson, Stone
A4. “In a World Such as This” (4:16) – Bacharach, Sager, Roberts
A5. “Another Chance to Love” (4:08) – Hammond, Shifrin
B1. “Reservations for Two” (4:22) – Clark, East, Prim
B2. “Cry on Me” (4:09) – Zigman, Knight
B3. “Heartbreak of Love” (3:52) – Bacharach, Sager, Warren
B4. “For Everything You Are” (3:50) – Connors, Holdridge
B5. “No One in the World” (3:33) – Hirsch, Sharron

Sessions crossed Conway, Hitsville, Lion Share, Ocean Way, Sunset Sound Factory, the Village Recorder, and New Music Group Studios. Mick Guzauski, Daren Klein, Russ Terrana, Darroll Gustamachio, and Michael DeLugg led the engineering assignments for the separate production teams. Guzauski also mixed most Bacharach-Sager and Zigman-Knight tracks. Art director Maude Gilman and designer Ann Petter built the package around another Langdon portrait.

Arista released “Love Power” in June 1987 (b/w “In a World Such as This”), followed by “Reservations for Two” in September (b/w “For Everything You Are”) and “Another Chance to Love” in March 1988 as the third single. “Love Power” reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, while the title duet entered the R&B top twenty. The album reached No. 56 on the Billboard 200 and No. 32 on the Black Albums chart, with No. 14 peaks in Sweden and Italy.

Dionne Warwick Sings Cole Porter

Warwick released her twenty-eighth studio album, Dionne Warwick Sings Cole Porter, on June 11, 1990, through Arista.

Arif Mardin shaped a standards program identified with Broadway, film, jazz, and popular singers. Warwick revisits songs recorded by Fred Astaire (“Night and Day”), Ethel Merman (“I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Anything Goes”), Frank Sinatra (“I’ve Got You Under My Skin”), and Artie Shaw (“Begin the Beguine”). The set also draws from Ella Fitzgerald (“I Love Paris,” “All of You,” “I Concentrate on You”) and Mabel Mercer (“Just One of Those Things”). Peter Matz, Jonathan Tunick, Marc Shaiman, and Robbie Kondor contribute arrangements; Stanley Jordan and Grover Washington Jr. join the alternate “Night and Day.”

“Night and Day” (3:39) – Porter
“I Love Paris” (3:27) – Porter
“I Get a Kick Out of You” (3:53) – Porter
“What Is This Thing Called Love?/So in Love” (3:18) – Porter
“You’re the Top” (3:25) – Porter
“I’ve Got You Under My Skin” (3:38) – Porter
“Begin the Beguine” (5:18) – Porter
“It’s All Right with Me” (4:38) – Porter
“Anything Goes” (2:37) – Porter
“All of You” (3:20) – Porter
“I Concentrate on You” (3:26) – Porter
“Just One of Those Things” (3:31) – Porter
“Night and Day” (Jazz Version) (3:20) – Porter

Recordings crossed six New York studios with Ocean Way and the Village Recorder in Los Angeles. Michael O’Reilly recorded and mixed eleven tracks, while Don Hahn handled “Anything Goes” and “I Concentrate on You.” Mardin entered the project after producing albums for Chaka Khan and Bette Midler across the preceding decade. Gilman directed the package, Anthony Ranieri designed the sleeve, and Langdon supplied the portrait.

Billboard placed the album at No. 155, while the Australian albums chart listed it at No. 108. The project brought Warwick the Cole Porter Centennial Award.

Friends Can Be Lovers

Warwick released her twenty-ninth studio album, Friends Can Be Lovers, on January 20, 1993, through Arista.

Barry J. Eastmond, Ian Devaney, Andy Morris, David Elliott, Harvey Mason, Warwick, and Masaki Kubo divided the production assignments. Warwick revisits Sting’s “Fragile,” with Luther Vandross on backing parts. Whitney Houston joins “Love Will Find a Way,” while Burt Bacharach reunites with Hal David on “Sunny Weather Lover.”

“Sunny Weather Lover” (4:09) – Bacharach, David
“Age of Miracles” (4:41) – Musker, Kerr
“Where My Lips Have Been” (4:35) – Burns, Knox, Huber
“Friends Can Be Lovers” (5:28) – Stansfield, Devaney, Morris
“Love Will Find a Way” (4:56) – Elliott, Steele
“Much Too Much” (4:29) – Warren
“Til the End of Time” (5:11) – Elliott, Eastmond, Steele
“The Woman That I Am” (4:35) – Eastmond, Garrett
“Fragile” (4:09) – Sting
“I Sing at Dawn” (4:27) – Iwatani, Warwick, Izumi

Recordings crossed studios in New York, California, Texas, and England. Earl Cohen, Michael C. Ross, Ray Bardani, Bobby Boughton, Barney Perkins, Mick Guzauski, David Apelt, and Rob Shrock handled the principal recording and mix assignments. Bardani returned a decade after the Vandross sessions, while Warwick shared production and mixing on “Fragile.” Gilman directed and designed the package around Dave Vance’s photograph.

Arista issued “Sunny Weather Lover” in January 1993, followed by “Where My Lips Have Been” in June and the title song later in the year. “Where My Lips Have Been” reached No. 95 on the R&B chart. The album peaked at No. 84 on the R&B Albums chart and No. 193 in Australia. Cherry Red’s 2020 Arista box added collaborations with Sacha Distel, Johnny Mathis, and the Spinners.

Christmas in Vienna II

Warwick joined Plácido Domingo for the concert recorded on December 21, 1993, at Vienna’s Hofburg Palace. Conductor Vjekoslav Šutej led the Vienna Symphony and Mozart Boys’ Choir through solo and joint selections, including “O Holy Night,” “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” “As Time Goes By,” and “Ave Maria.” Sony Classical released the recording in 1994 as Christmas in Vienna II, with the US edition titled Celebration in Vienna.

Aquarela do Brasil

Warwick released her thirtieth studio album, Aquarela do Brasil, on October 18, 1994, through Arista.

Téo Lima paired Warwick with Brazilian arrangers and repertory from Brazilian popular song and jazz standards. Warwick revisits music recorded by Antônio Carlos Jobim (“Jobim Medley”), Jobim and Chico Buarque (“Piano na Mangueira”), Jimmy Dorsey (“Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil)”), and Duke Ellington (“Caravan”). Dori Caymmi, Oscar Castro-Neves, Brenda Russell, Patrick Williams, Antonio Adolfo, and Lincoln Olivetti divide the arrangements.

“Jobim Medley” (5:52) – Jobim, Buarque, Lees, Gimbel, de Moraes
“Virou Areia” (4:13) – Tavares, Warwick, Lenine
“Oh Bahia” (5:25) – Barroso, Warwick, Gilbert
“Piano na Mangueira” (2:48) – Jobim, Buarque
“Captives of the Heart” (4:48) – Bacharach, Bettis
“Samba Dobrado” (4:22) – Warwick, Djavan
“Heart of Brazil” (4:37) – Adolfo, Waters, Wellington
“Afrika/So Bashiya Bahlala Ekhaya” (3:48) – Amandla, Sontonga
“Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil)” (3:59) – Barroso, Russell
“Caravan” (3:55) – Ellington, Mills, Tizol
“Flower of Bahia” (4:16) – Caymmi, Pinheiro, Mann
“10,000 Words” (4:26) – Russell, Turano

Brazilian studios captured the rhythm tracks and lead parts before Los Angeles sessions added strings, horns, and backing singers. Joel Moss mixed the album and shared engineering with Carlos Roconi, Luis Carlos Reis, and Marcelo Sabóia. Lima also directed the artwork, while Sherri Whitmarsh designed the package around Andrea Arroyo’s illustration and David Vance’s photograph.

Arista issued “Captives of the Heart” as a 1994 single. The album reached No. 122 in Australia the following year and closed Warwick’s Arista studio tenure. Cherry Red’s 2020 box added five recordings later collected on the Tropical Love EP.

“That’s What Friends Are For”

In 1985, Dionne reunited with Bacharach to record “That’s What Friends Are For,” a ballad co-written with Carole Bayer Sager in 1982 for Rod Stewart, whose original version appeared in the comedy film Night Shift by director Ron Howard.

Dionne recorded “That’s What Friends Are For” for research into the growing AIDS epidemic, which claimed the lives of many friends in the song and dance communities. To maximize the song’s impact, she invited three fellow big names in soul and pop: Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John – billed collectively as Dionne and Friends.

On “That’s What Friends Are For,” the four singers trade tender lines about friendship and loyalty. Each singer gets a solo spot. In the third verse, Elton bellows the transcendent lines “Keep smilin’, keep shinin’, knowing you can always count on me for sure.”

While Stewart’s version featured a prominent backing track with a sax solo and wheezing synthesizer, Dionne and Friends trade lines non-stop between Wonder’s harmonica intro/outro. They sing the song in E-flat (as opposed to his C-major version).

In the winter of 1986, “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick and Friends spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was the second pop chart-topper for the “Walk On By” singer, whose prior No. 1 occurred 11 years earlier with the Spinners duet “Then Came You.”

“That’s What Friends Are For” raised more than $3 million for AIDS research. At the 29th Annual Grammy Awards, it won Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (Dionne Warwick and Friends) and Song of the Year (Bacharach and Bayer Sager).

Discography:

Presenting Dionne Warwick (1963)
Anyone Who Had a Heart (1964)
Make Way for Dionne Warwick (1964)
The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick (1965)
Here I Am (1965)
Here Where There Is Love (1966)
On Stage and in the Movies (1967)
The Windows of the World (1967)
The Magic of Believing (1968)
Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls (1968)
Promises, Promises (1968)
Soulful (1969)
I’ll Never Fall in Love Again (1970)
Very Dionne (1970)
The Love Machine (OST, 1971)
Dionne (1972)
Just Being Myself (1973)
Track of the Cat (1975)
Then Came You (1975 • Dionne Warwicke)
Love at First Sight (1977)
Only Love Can Break a Heart (1977)
A Man and a Woman (live, 1977 • Isaac Hayes & Dionne Warwick )
Dionne (1979)
No Night So Long (1980)
Friends in Love (1982)
Heartbreaker (1982)
How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye (1983)
The Woman in Red: Selections From… (OST, 1984 • Stevie Wonder & Dionne Warwick)
Finder of Lost Loves (1985)
Friends (1985)
Reservations for Two (1987)
Dionne Warwick Sings Cole Porter (1990)
Friends Can Be Lovers (1993)
Aquarela do Brasil (1994)