By Charlene Giannetti

Several years ago, I was in the green room at a TV station in New Jersey waiting to go on camera to talk about one of my parenting books. I had just poured myself a cup of coffee when in walked another one of the show’s guests, Dionne Warwick.

Now, I’ve been around celebrities before. Having worked for both newspapers and magazines, I had many occasions to interview the rich and famous for stories. I was never at a loss for words until that moment. (To this day, I can’t remember what we talked about, but I tried hard not to gush).

Dionne Warwick’s music was the soundtrack of my growing up years, from high school, through college and on into young adulthood. The music and words were composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, respectively, but her voice infused those lyrics with an emotion that cut right through to the adolescent heart. When she asked, “What’s it all about, Alfie?” she echoed what many of us living through the tumultuous sixties and seventies were wondering, too. And with every angst-filled relationship that ended badly, we could console ourselves with “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” or, if we were really in for a good cry, “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me.”

When her career was in high-gear, Warwick had power. Maybe people didn’t know the way to San Jose, but after that song dominated the charts, the mayor thanked her for jump-starting the city’s tourist trade. That song earned Warwick her first Grammy Award, making her the second African-American female artist, following the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, to be so honored. According to Billboard, Warwick is second only to Aretha Franklin as the female vocalist with the most Billboard Hot 100 chart hits during the rock era, 1955-1999, with a total of 56 having achieved that status.

With Warwick the hits just kept on coming—“Message to Michael,” “Promises, Promises,” “A House is not a Home,” “Walk on By,” and “Don’t Make Me Over,” to mention a few. When we flocked to the theaters to see “The Valley of the Dolls,” a blockbuster in its day, Warwick sang the theme song.  Written by Andre and Dory Previn, the song was to be sung by Judy Garland, who was fired from the movie. Warwick stepped in and the song was released as the flip side of her hit, “I Say a Little Prayer.” Although the theme song was on the “B” side of the record, both sides became hits, thus achieving what few records managed in those days, a double-sided juggernaut.

In 1985, Warwick recorded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR) benefit single “That’s What Friends Are For” alongside Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder, which raised more than $3 million for the cause. In addition to her philanthropic work, Warwick still keeps a hectic performing schedule, including this evening’s performance (January 23), at B.B. King’s. And I will be there to listen and reminisce.

Dionne Warwick in Concert
8 p.m. Friday, January 23
B.B. King’s
237 West 42nd Street
212-997-4144
www.bbkingblues.com

If you haven’t discovered B.B. King’s, a true musical gem on 42nd Street, tonight might be a good time to do so. The seating is comfortable with numerous booths offering a cozy place to view the entertainment. B.B. King’s has a full restaurant and the food, described as American with a Southern flair, doesn’t disappoint. Don’t miss the macaroni and cheese, the best we’ve ever tasted. For those who choose to eat before the performance, try Lucille’s Bar & Grill, a separate bar/restaurant in B.B. King’s.