Autobiography of dionne warwick

Sign up and get a free ebook! Don't miss our ebook deals! Avoid Publishing Scams. Learn More. With David Freeman Wooley. Trade Paperback eBook. Table of Contents Excerpt. About The Book Dionne Warwick made her singing debut in church at the request of her grandfather, the Reverend Elzae Warrick, when she was six years old. No one knew then that she would become an international music legend, but what she knew—as words of wisdom passed down from her grandfather—was that "if you can think it, you can do it.

Dionne tells the stories of her life from her childhood in East Orange, New Jersey, in a two-family home with her parents, brother, and sister, to now, as she celebrates her fiftieth year in show business. She came by her musical gifts honestly. Cissy went on to become a celebrated recording artist in her own right; she lived in the Warrick household, got married, and later gave birth to one of the most popular singers of our time, Whitney Houston.

Dionne went on to start her own gospel group with her sister, Dee Dee, called the Gospelaires. Her father, once a Pullman porter, became an accountant, went on to promote gospel records for Hob Records, and wrote a book on gospel music. She attributes her strong family, who are faithful and industrious Christians, for keeping her grounded and giving her the fortitude, as well as the talent, to earn her place among world-class performing artists without losing herself or her soul.

As I entered his pulpit, I looked up at him, wondering why he wanted me to sing. I closed my eyes as tight as I could, said a quick prayer, and then started to sing: Jesus loves me, this I know , For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong , They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. Midway through, I found the courage to open one eye a little bit.

The people in the congregation were smiling and urging me on. I closed my eyes again and really started to let loose. Even I was amazed at what was coming out of my little mouth and the notes I was able to hit. The moment was truly magical. When I finished, I opened my eyes and was amazed to see the entire congregation on their feet.

Autobiography of dionne warwick

I had received my first standing ovation. My godmother, Dezbe, chose Dionne as my middle name. The only person ever to call me Marie was my gym teacher, Ms. That fact helped me to recognize her name when—what seemed like a hundred years later—she sent a note to me backstage at a performance in Florida. It was addressed to Marie. I was not only able to know that she was there, I announced her presence to the audience and told them that she calls me Marie and why.

I was lucky to have good teachers and two wonderful parents who were brought up in God-fearing families and who raised their children in a similar fashion. I had what was considered a normal childhood at that time, in a neighborhood full of families much like mine, with a mother and father who gave us love and discipline in major proportions.

That part of my family was full of gospel singers. My mother was a five-foot-four-inch bundle of energy, stylish, and, although soft-spoken, could put the fear of God in you with just a look. I believe this taught us the worth of responsibility and the importance of earning your way through life. This was especially significant given there were not many role models for women who aspired to careers and work of their own at that time.

The word I most associate with my mother is class. This captures the image of her that Dee Dee and I both kept of her and followed. I sure hope that I have maintained the legacy she gave us. My daddy stood a full foot taller than my mom did. He was six foot four, lean, and gorgeous. He worked for the railroad as a Pullman porter, one of the best jobs available to African American men in his time.

His legacy for us included an entrepreneurial spirit and vocal ability as well. He had a wonderful voice. When he retired from the railroad, he decided to become a certified public accountant. She attributes her strong family, who are faithful and industrious Christians, for keeping her grounded and giving her the fortitude, as well as the talent, to earn her place among world-class performing artists without losing herself or her soul.

All proceeds from your purchases support our educational initiatives and community programming. Delivered from our UK warehouse in 4 to 14 business days. Established seller since Seller Inventory L Warwick, Dionne. Publisher: Atria , Synopsis About this title About this edition Synopsis For the first time, music legend and humanitarian activist Dionne Warwick reflects on 50 years in showbusiness and the lessons she has learned from being an artist, a mother and a global icon.

Review Dionne Warwick has one of the true signature voices in all of music. Buy Used Condition: Good Ex-library book, usual marking Learn more about this copy. Buy New Learn more about this copy. Other Popular Editions of the Same Title. CreateSpace Indep Stock Image. Published by Atria Books , Please see your browser settings for this feature.

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