Dionne Warwick is one of the world’s most consistent entertainers and creatives. For nearly six decades, Warwick has delivered hit after hit while working with the likes of Luther Vandross, Ray Charles and Michael Jackson. After establishing a successful career in entertainment, Warwick is introducing herself to an entirely new generation through Twitter.
In November, Warwick gained thousands upon thousands of followers. Quickly, things went to a new level when she had a brief interaction with Chance The Rapper. However, some fans thought that the account may be a fake. Never one to shy away from the timeline, she posted a video of herself explaining that she is the one running the account with a little help from her niece.
For those who may only be familiar with the Twitter version of the legendary Dionne Warwick, here are a few quick facts about the singer-songwriter.
1. Warwick is an Orange, New Jersey native.
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Two weeks before Christmas, Warwick was born in northern New Jersey in a town called Orange. Orange sits in a county called Essex that has produced a number of celebrities like Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O’Neal, Whitney Houston and Michael B. Jordan.
2. She is Whitney Houston’s cousin.
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Talent lives in the Warwick family. Growing up in New Jersey, Warwick’s aunt, Cissy Houston, was a gospel singer. Houston is also the mother of hitmaker Whitney Houston. Later on, Warwick’s son, David, wrote the song “Love Will Find A Way” for his mother and cousin.
3. Warwick made much of her music in Brazil.
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While she developed a love for music in New Jersey, much of Warwick’s work was done in Brazil. For nearly 25 years, she made Brazil her base of operations. While there, Warwick said that she loved Brazil because many of the communities there shared similar values.
4. She was the first Black woman to perform for Queen Elizabeth II.
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In November 1970, Warwick made history. The 29-year-old singer traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to perform for Queen Elizabeth II at the London Palladium during the Royal Variety Show. She became the first Black woman to perform for Queen Elizabeth II.
5. Warwick had 69 records chart in the Billboard Hot 100 during the rock era.
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If we’re talking about a Verzuz, Dionne Warwick could compete with just about anyone. From 1962 to 1999, Warwick entered the Billboard Hot 100 thirty-six times. She has sold 75 million singles and 25 million albums during her career. During her era, she stands as the most successful female artist on the charts other than Aretha Franklin.
6. Warwick is an accomplished actress.
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If you didn’t know, now you know. Warwick is an extremely accomplished actress. During her 60-year career, she has appeared on a number of shows including The Wayans Bros and Walker, Texas Ranger. She also appeared in the animated series, Johnny Bravo.
7. Warwick has earned six Grammy awards.
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The New Jersey native’s hits have translated into accolades. During her career, she has earned six Grammy awards. Adding on, she has also had three of her songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Most notably, she is the first Black woman to earn a Grammy award for a solo pop performance.
8. Her kids have found success in the music business.
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Talent runs in the family. With Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick in their family, it is no surprise that David Elliott and Damon Elliott have found success in the music industry. Warwick’s two sons have worked with Whitney Houston, Pink, Keyshia Cole and Christina Aguilera. David Elliott has also ventured into acting by playing Sam Cooke in Ali.
9. Dionne is her middle name.
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Before Omari went by Kanye and Aubrey went by Drake, Marie introduced herself as Dionne. In 1940, Warwick was given the name Marie. As she got older and began singing in church, she started going by her middle name.
10. Warwick appeared in a recent season of The Masked Singer.
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During the pandemic, Warwick has remained active. She made a guest appearance during Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight’s Verzuz battle. She also participated in the third season of The Masked Singer, but was eliminated in the second round.