Dionne Warwick is someone that I have been meaning to see for a long time and always passed on for one reason or another. I figured that this was probably the last tour by the iconic lady who has just entered her 83rd year. After all, she performed her farewell tour a couple of years ago. This outing was advertised as a mix of talking about her life and career, and singing some of her most famous songs which were, of course, written by the great Burt Bacharach. I love the music of Burt Bacharach. I once saw him in concert at Edinburgh Playhouse. He sat centre stage playing a grand piano with a small orchestra and vocalists who took turns in delivering his classic tunes. I had forgotten just how many great songs he had written. We were in the front row, and I shook his hand at the end of the performance. A night I will never forget. I have written about this on my blog.
Anyway, enough reminiscing and back to the beautiful, soulful voice of Dionne Warwick who sang so many Bacharach and David classics. The show was entitled Don’t Make Me Over, after the famous song. The Glasshouse website proclaimed her arrival:
“Soulful. Insightful. In person and in Her Own Words.
Iconic singer Dionne Warwick brings her captivating life story and legendary catalogue to the stage for an intimate evening of conversation and song. Join the chart-topping vocalist behind classics like “Walk on By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “That’s What Friends Are For” as she takes audiences through her groundbreaking 60+ year career. Warwick will share personal anecdotes and career milestones interwoven with live renditions of her hits, supported by archival footage and testimonials from figures like Elton John and President Clinton.”
The show was in two parts with a short interval. Dionne took to the stage with “don’t make me over” emblazoned on the screen above her. She started by singing that classic song. Sure, her voice may not quite as strong as it used to be, but it was tremendous to hear her sing the song again, accompanied by a small band who appeared left off stage. A large, very comfy -looking, sofa was to the right of the stage and Dionne took her place there alongside long-time collaborator Dave Wooley who was shortly to interview her.
A short excerpt from the recent documentary also entitled Don’t Make Me Over, directed by Dave Wooley was shown at the start of the performance. Publicity for the documentary explains that it “Reveals the intimate stories behind a pioneering artist who took charge of her own career and smashed through cultural, racial and gender barriers to become the soundtrack for generations.”
The conversation between Dionne and Dave began with video of her humble beginnings, gospel singing in a New Jersey church. The discussion then moved through her life and career, her first meeting with Bacharach, in the UK where he was touring as pianist and musical director for none other than Marlena Dietrich. Now that is some tour that I wish I had seen! And so, the evening progressed moving through the years, with tributes from many famous people including Smokey Robinson, former President Bill Clinton, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Barry Gibb and many more. Dionne concluded the first set with a lovely rendition of the beautiful “I Say a Little Prayer”.
After a short break the proceedings resumed in a similar manner with Dave and Dionne chatting about her more recent achievements. Dionne talked about her family and her children. She then revealed that her drummer for the evening was none other than her son, who also sang with her. This part of the show included more songs, accompanied by her son: “Walk on By”, “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and “Heartbreaker. The evening concluded with a lovely rendition of “That’s What Friends Are For.” It doesn’t get much better than this. A lovely evening spent with a true legend and icon of our generation.
Thanks to Elaine for the photographs and Chris for manipulating the site.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Lesley Griffin on May 26, 2024 at 5:42 pm
Another great concert Peter
Lesley Griffin
Posted by vintagerock on May 26, 2024 at 5:58 pm
Thanks Lesley more to follow best wishes Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on May 28, 2024 at 9:12 am
Such a nice report – this format with songs and conversation seems to work very well for performers who have a good story to tell and a personality to carry it. I’m reminded of your blog on Lulu’s concert recently.
Thanks for sharing this.
Posted by vintagerock on May 28, 2024 at 11:18 am
Hi Ciaran yes Dionne Warwick is a true lady and a legend. I feel privileged to have seen her. Happy days Peter