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 knewβas words of wisdom passed down from her grandfatherβwas 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.
