On the next episode of the SOUNDS Podcast, Tom Needham welcomes the legendary Dionne Warwick, whose career as a soulful pop icon has enchanted audiences for decades. Known for timeless hits like “Walk On By” and “I Say a Little Prayer,” Warwick’s collaboration with Burt Bacharach in the 1960s produced some of the most beloved songs in pop history.
Beyond her unmistakable voice, Dionne Warwick is celebrated for her dedication to humanitarian causes, advocating for AIDS research, world hunger relief, and LGBTQ rights. In 1985, she teamed up with Bacharach again for the iconic song “That’s What Friends Are For,” alongside Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder, with proceeds supporting AIDS research and underscoring her commitment to philanthropy.
With five Grammy Awards and numerous Lifetime Achievement honors, including from ASCAP and the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, Warwick’s influence on music and society is profound. She experienced a major comeback in the 1970s with the chart-topping “Then Came You” with the Spinners and later reached platinum success with “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” produced by Barry Manilow.
In recent years, Warwick revisited her R&B roots with “She’s Back,” an album produced by her son, showing her enduring passion for music. This legendary artist was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing her lasting impact on the music world.
The SOUNDS Podcast with Tom Needham can be heard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major podcast platforms.