DIONNE WARWICK BIO

Scintillating, soothing and sensual best describe the familiar and legendary voice of the one and only DIONNE WARWICK, who has become a cornerstone of American pop music and culture. Warwick's career has spanned more than 48 years, establishing her as an international music legend. She has earned more than sixty charted hits and sold over 100 million records. She began singing professionally in 1961 after being discovered by a young songwriting team, Burt Bacharach and Hal David. She had her first hit in 1962 with "Don't Make Me Over." By 1970, she had racked up more than 18 consecutive Top 100 singles, including her classic Bacharach/David recordings, "Walk on By," "Anyone Who Had a Heart," "Message to Michael," "Promises, Promises," "A House is Not a Home," "Alfie," and the theme from "The Valley of the Dolls."

Ms. Warwick received her first Grammy Award in 1968 for her classic "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and a second Grammy Award in 1970 for the best-selling album, "I'll Never Fall in Love Again." In 1974, she hit the top of the charts with "Then Came You," a million-selling duet with The Spinners. In 1976, Arista Records label-mate Barry Manilow produced her first Platinum-selling album, "Dionne," which included the back-to-back hits "I'll Never Love This Way Again," and "Deja vu." Both recordings earned Grammy Awards, making Ms. Warwick the first female artist to win the Best Female Pop and Best Female R&B Performance awards.

Ms. Warwick's 1982 album, "Heartbreaker," co-produced by Barry Gibb and the Bee Gees, became an international chart-topper. In 1985, she reunited with producer Burt Bacharach and longtime friends Gladys Knight, Steve Wonder and Elton John to record the landmark song "That's What Friends Are For," which became a number one hit record around the world and the first recording dedicated to raising awareness and major funds for the AIDS cause, which Ms. Warwick continually supports.

Throughout the 80's and 90's, Ms. Warwick collaborated with many of her musical peers, including Johnny Mathis, Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osborne, Kashif and Stevie Wonder. Most recently, she recorded an album of duets, "My Friends and Me," (Concord Records) and a much anticipated Gospel album, "Why We Sing," (Rhino Records). She is currently finishing a new album of the music of legendary composer Sammy Cahn. Most recently, Ms. Warwick added "author" to her list of credits with a best-selling children's book, "Say A Little Prayer."

Always one to give back, Ms. Warwick has supported and campaigned for a number of causes and charities near to her heart, including AIDS, The Starlight Foundation, children's hospitals, world hunger, disaster relief and music education, for which she has raised millions of dollars. A New Jersey school was named in her honor, The Dionne Warwick Institute in recognition of her support and accomplishments.

This BIO and Photo was reproduced from the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Media Press Kit