Dionne Warwick, born on December 12, 1940, in East Orange, New Jersey, is an iconic American singer, actress, and television host. Her career spans more than six decades, during which she has become one of the most celebrated vocalists in popular music history. Known for her smooth voice and sophisticated style, Warwick has made a significant impact on the music industry, particularly through her collaborations with legendary songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
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Who is Dionne Warwick?
- Age: 84 years
- Full name: Marie Dionne Warwick
- Family: Mancel Warwick (father), Lee Drinkard Warwick (mother), and Whitney Houston (Cousin)
- Husband/ Spouse: Not Available
- Children/ Sons: David Elliott, and Damon Elliott
- Ex-Husband: William David Elliott
- Net Worth: $500 Thousand
- Height: 5′ 7″ (1.70 m)
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Dionne Warwick Age, Early Life, and Education
Warwick was the first of three children in a deeply religious and musically inclined family. Her father, Mancel Warwick, was a gospel record promoter, while her mother, Lee Drinkard Warwick, was also a singer who managed the Drinkard Singers, a gospel group that included Dionne’s aunts and uncles. Additionally, Dionne’s grandfather was a minister.
This rich musical environment laid the foundation for her future career in music. As a teenager, she performed with the Drinkard Singers. At the age of fourteen, Warwick formed a gospel trio called The Gospelaires with her sister and cousin.
The group gained recognition by winning an amateur contest at the Apollo Theater, which helped them perform alongside prominent artists such as Dinah Washington and Chuck Jackson. This early exposure to the music industry was crucial in shaping her artistic identity.
Warwick pursued formal music education at Hartt College of Music in Connecticut, where she received a scholarship. During her time there, she continued to develop her vocal skills and performed with various artists. It was during a session with The Drifters that she caught the attention of composer Burt Bacharach, who would become a significant collaborator in her career.
Dionne Warwick Songs and Professional Career
Burt Bacharach and Hal David invited Dionne to record demonstration tracks for their songs, which led to her signing with Scepter Records in 1962. Her debut single, “Don’t Make Me Over,” was released that same year and marked the beginning of her illustrious career. The song’s success marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David, who would go on to write many of her most iconic songs.
Interestingly, a typographical error on the label misspelled her last name as “Warwick,” and she adopted this version professionally. Warwick’s collaboration with Bacharach and David proved to be a defining aspect of her career. The trio produced many hits that showcased her unique vocal style and emotional depth. Some of her most notable songs from this period include:
- “Anyone Who Had a Heart” (1963)
- “Walk On By” (1964)
- “Message to Michael” (1966)
- “Alfie” (1967)
- “I Say a Little Prayer” (1967)
These songs not only topped charts but also solidified Warwick’s status as a leading figure in the pop-soul genre. Her ability to crossover between genres made her one of the first African American female artists to achieve significant success on mainstream charts. In 1968, she won her first Grammy Award for “Do You Know the Way to San José?”
This recognition was followed by another Grammy win in 1970 for “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” further establishing her as a powerful force in the music industry.
Dionne Warwick Career Challenges and Evolution
Despite her success in the 1960s, Warwick faced challenges in the following decade. After parting ways with Bacharach and David in 1971 due to their declining partnership, she signed with Warner Bros. Records. Although she struggled initially to find hits during this period, she eventually rebounded with collaborations that included “Then Came You,” a duet with The Spinners that reached number one on the charts.
In 1979, Warwick signed with Arista Records, where she experienced a resurgence in popularity. Her self-titled album Dionne produced several hits, including “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” and “Déjà Vu,” both of which earned her Grammy Awards. This period also marked her collaboration with Barry Manilow, which revitalized her career and introduced her to new audiences.
Warwick’s career continued to flourish into the 1980s as she recorded more successful albums and singles. One of her most notable collaborations during this time was “That’s What Friends Are For,” featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. The song became an anthem for AIDS awareness and raised significant funds for research, reflecting Warwick’s commitment to social causes.
Warwick continued to release music into the 1990s and beyond, adapting to changing musical landscapes while maintaining her signature style. She became known for her philanthropic efforts as well; Warwick served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.Throughout her career, Warwick has received numerous awards and honors:
- Six Grammy Awards
- Induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame
- Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Her influence extends beyond music; she has appeared in films such as Valley of the Dolls (1967) and made guest appearances on various television shows. She made appearances on television shows such as Solid Gold and Dionne And Friends, showcasing not only her musical talents but also her charisma as a television personality.
Additionally, Dionne became known for hosting infomercials for the Psychic Friends Network and launched several entrepreneurial ventures, including skincare lines and interior design projects.
Dionne Warwick Husband, Children, and Divorce
Warwick met William David Elliott in 1965 while working as a background vocalist for the Rhoda Scott Trio, where Elliott was the drummer. Their romance blossomed quickly, leading to an engagement. The couple married on May 14, 1966.
However, their marriage faced difficulties early on, resulting in a separation just a year later. Warwick and Elliott divorced in May 1967 due to reported infidelity and emotional issues within their relationship. The couple reconciled and remarried in Milan, Italy in august 1967.
The couple welcomed their first son, David Elliott, on January 18, 1969. Their second son, Damon Elliott, was born in 1973. Damon later became a successful music producer. The couple separated again in 1975 after approximately eight years of marriage. The divorce was finalized in December of the same year in Los Angeles.
William David Elliott passed away in 1983 at the age of 49 due to cancer.
Dionne Warwick Net Worth and Bankruptcy
As of 2025, Dionne Warwick’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. This figure reflects a recovery from her past financial difficulties, primarily supported by ongoing music royalties, occasional live performances, and television appearances. Warwick’s financial troubles culminated in a bankruptcy filing in 2013.
She reported liabilities exceeding $10 million, largely due to unpaid taxes owed to the IRS and the state of California. The singer attributed her financial woes to “negligent and gross financial mismanagement” during the late 1980s through the mid-1990s. At the time of her bankruptcy filing, she claimed only $25,500 in assets against her debts.
Dionne owed the IRS nearly $7 million from 1991 to 1999 and over $3 million to California. Furthermore, her monthly income was around $21,000, which barely covered her monthly expenses of approximately $20,940, leaving little room for debt repayment.
Dionne Warwick Funeral
Warwick participated in the memorial service for her aunt, Cissy Houston, which took place on October 17, 2024, at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. This church held special significance as it was also the venue for Whitney Houston’s funeral over a decade ago. The service celebrated Cissy Houston’s life and contributions to gospel music, featuring performances by Warwick, BeBe Winans, Darlene Love, and a large choir.
Cissy Houston, who passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91, was a two-time Grammy-winning artist known for her powerful voice and deep faith. During the memorial, Warwick expressed her sorrow and fond memories of her aunt, stating, “Cissy, I’m going to miss you” as she reflected on Houston’s influence and legacy. The event was attended by family members, friends, and notable figures including Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who honored Houston’s impact on music and culture.
is Dionne Warwick still alive?
Warwick is alive and in good health. Furthermore, she is set to perform in a couple of events in Australia in 2025.
is Dionne Warwick related to Whitney Houston?
Warwick is indeed related to Whitney Houston; they are first cousins. Warwick’s mother, Lee Drinkard, and Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, were sisters. This familial connection places Warwick and Houston within the same musical lineage, as both women have made significant contributions to the music industry, particularly in the genres of gospel and pop.
how is Dionne Warwick related to Whitney Houston?
They are first cousins. Warwick’s mother, Lee Drinkard, and Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, were sisters.
who is Dionne Warwick married to?
Warwick is currently single.
what do Dionne Warwick’s sons do?
Damon has risen to become a successful music producer.
how old is Dionne Warwick now?
She is 84 years old in 2025 and set to turn 85 on December 12, 2025.
Did Dionne Warwick ever marry?
Yes, she was married twice to William Elliott. They were first married in 1966 but divorced in 1967. Subsequently, the duo remarried in 1967 and divorced in 1975.
What is Dionne Warwick’s biggest hit?
Then Came You!