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 | By David Nathan, Copyright © 2003 By Soul Music.comIn celebration of her fortieth year as a recording artist and given the role she has played in my life (as the singer who introduced me to the music that has been my passion and given me an entire career in the world of entertainer and as a real friend who I have come to know and love), Dionne Warwick seems the perfect candidate for an exclusive soulmusic.com interview! As always cordial and forthright, Dionne spoke with me on January 11 on a range of subjects including her views on the current state of music, her busy schedule, some of the people who have been a part of her life and comments on a random selection of songs and albums from her distinguished and illustrious accomplishment-filled career… DN: What are your thoughts on the current state of music? DW: I personally feel there is an enormous lack of music as I know it, as I’ve been accustomed to over these past forty years. I’m confused as to what has happened: it’s no longer about talent or being committed to artists but about mass marketing and flesh-peddling. It disturbs me an enormous amount. Coming up when I did, I’ve seen enormous changes over the forty years. Naturally, I expect changes to happen because that’s what keeps music alive. But the industry has lost sight of how those changes should happen and instead of caring and nurturing our ‘babies’, they are being exploited. I‘ve likened our industry to a pendulum: of course, there has been a broad swing [one way] but I think it does have to go back the other way. We’re missing our foundation – artists like Johnny Mathis, Roberta Flack, Gladys Knight - who have been the instruments that laid the foundation for our kids to work from. I’d say, based on the amount of work I’m doing these days, constantly being on the road again, people want to hear melodies and words they are comfortable with. The music industry has got to get back to basics… DN: I looked at your tour schedule and you look busier than ever! DW: Yes, I am working more than ever. The funny thing is I was told many times by lots of people coming up that the longer you are in the business, the less work you would have to do. Well, those were lies (laughs)! But it’s a good thing that people still enjoy what I do. DN: How do you keep going, doing this year after year? DW: I enjoy what I do. I love singing. There’s an instant gratification when I look up and see people smiling and singing along with me. That’s basically the inspiration. Still, I am looking forward to slowing down. There’s a certain pace when you’re twenty, a certain pace at thirty….and now that I’m thirty…(laughs)… DN: You seem to be enjoying a renewal… DW: I think the resurgence has to do with the songs I’m associated with. Many of them have been used in recent films… DN: Like “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” they had a whole scene where the whole table of people started singing – I think it was “I Say A :Little Prayer”… DW: Yes, it’s garnered me a younger audience through the songs that have been used on television, in commercials. It’s like starting again. It’s nice that melodies I’m associated with have lasted. DN: You are working more in Europe than ever… DW: Really, it’s like starting all over again in Europe. It’s been incredible. It feels exactly the same…the reaction I’m getting now is like it was when I first went there in the ‘60s. DN: Is there a difference between European and U.S. audiences? DW: The difference is in loyalty: here [in the U.S.], people are so spoiled. In Europe, the audiences feel an innate responsibility to remain my friends. Not only in Britain but in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, everywhere. DN: I hear they sing a long to every song… DW: Yes, it’s a lot of fun… DN: For years, as part of your opening comments to the audience, you’ve always invited people to join in… DW: Well, I invited them to and now, they’re like, ‘let’s do it’. Songs like “Walk On By” are a symbol for the European audiences.. DN: OK, now let’s talk about some of the current artists you admire… DW: I’ve had the pleasure to hear and see Usher perform and he’s a major star. Once Michael Jackson throws the baton wherever he wants to, it will be directed to Usher. Then, Destiny’s Child have the glitz and glamour The Supremes when we first started out together: they’re very talented collectively and individually. They’re the kind of group I wouldn’t mind having my grandchild go to see. Then, India Arie and Jill Scott are carrying forward meaningful information in the kind of songs they’re singing… DN: Who are some of the current artists you feel have been influenced by you musically? DW: Deborah Cox, Whitney Houston… |
Dionne Warwick 2003 Interview, Pt. 1 | |