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.
Known for his sultry ballads and soft pop, Luther Vandross left behind a string of hits through the decades until his passing in 2005 at the age of 54. He began his chart career in 1981 when "Never Too Much" peaked at #33 and finished it with the beautiful "Dance With My Father," (co-written with Richard Marx) which reached #38 and won Grammys for Song of the Year and R&B Male Vocal in 2003. Vandross was no stranger to the Top 10 in the 90s, scoring hits like "Here And Now" (#6, another Grammy winner), "Power of Love/Love Power" (#4, another Grammy winner), "Don't Want To Be A Fool" (#9), "The Best Things In Life Are Free" (#10), and "Endless Love" (a duet with Mariah Carey that soared to #2). "I'll Let You Slide" shows the dance side of Vandross, in all of its 80s glory. It comes from his 1983 album, "Busy Body," which produced the Top 40 hit with Dionne Warwick, "How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye" (#27).
Hailing from Detroit, The Spinners were active on the charts from the 60s through the 80s. They racked up so many hits in the 70s they ranked as the 26th most successful artist of the decade. Some of their most memorable songs include "I'll Be Around" (#3 in 1972), "Then Came You" (#1 in 1974, a duet with Dionne Warwick), "The Rubberband Man" (#2 in 1976), and "Cupid/I've Loved You For A Long Time" (#2 in 1980). The Spinners saw their final chart appearance in 1983 when "Funny How Time Slips Away" stalled at #67. Their 1985 album, "Lovin' Feelings," failed to yield any hits, but I think they were robbed. "Put Us Together" had all the makings of a comeback.
