Dionne Warwick is one of the most popular vocalists of all-time, ranking #34. She was also the 23rd most successful chart artist of the 60s. Her long-running chart career spans 4 decades and began when "Don't Make Me Over" peaked at #21 in 1963. The song has since earned an entry into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Warwick herself was awarded the Grammy for Lifetime Achievement in 2019. Dionne Warwick is the older sister of Dee Dee Warwick and Whitney Houston's cousin. The bulk of her extensive catalogue was written by the epic songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The biggest hits Warwick had each decade include "(Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls" (#2 in 1968), "Then Came You" (#1 in 1974, a team effort with The Spinners), and "That's What Friends Are For" (#1 for four weeks in 1986, a group effort with Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight). Warwick scored one lone chart appearance in the 90s when a new superstar version of "What The World Needs Now Is Love" crawled up to #87 in 1998. Going all the way back to the beginnings of her stellar career, Warwick was churning out so many great tunes that the chart couldn't hold them all. "Get Rid Of Him" from 1964 is a fine example.
Dee Dee Warwick is the younger sister of Dionne Warwick, both of whom are cousins of Whitney Houston. Lots of vocal prowess in this family! Dee Dee did not have the illustrious career of Dionne, but it's not for lack of talent. Dee Dee did a ton of backup vocals for others, and nearly cracked the Top 40 in 1966 when "I Want To Be With You" landed at #41. Her version of "You're No Good" is also worth a spin. The version of the song most people are familiar with is Linda Ronstadt's, which went to #1 in 1975. Dee Dee's version was released in 1963 and it's stunning that it didn't claim the top spot first. Dee Dee passed away in 2008 at the age of 66.
