Carol Ross is one of the most successful entertainment publicists of all time. She’s worked with KISS, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Hall & Oates, and many other music icons. She was kind enough to take the time to speak with me about her remarkable career, and the discussion we had was enlightening, entertaining and educational. I hope you enjoy it.
Last Friday Dionne Warwick performed in Atlantic City, NJ. But it wasn’t simply a concert; it was a monumental moment in the singer’s impressive 53-year career because she officially passed the baton of her family’s rich musical legacy – which is comprised of all-time greats such as Dionne, Leontyne Price and Whitney and Cissy Houston, among others – to her granddaughter: Cheyenne Elliott.
Dionne Warwick is one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. She has 75 hit songs and has sold more than 100 million albums. From Barry Manilow to Burt Bacharach, she’s worked with the best in the business and won five Grammy awards along the way.
Her new album coming out September 2, Feels So Good, is a collection of duets with some of the most talented musicians in the industry, including Cyndi Lauper, Gladys Knight, Mya, and Jaime Foxx, just to name a few.
Dionne is also currently touring and I’m attending her August 15 performance in Atlantic City, NJ at Revel Casino, so stay tuned for my review of the show. For more information on additional dates, make sure to visit her official website.
Below is my interview with Dionne Warwick about her illustrious career that has spanned more than 50 years. I hope you enjoy it.
I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time: Jonathan Cain. In addition to having written or co-written more than 100 songs for Journey, he has penned numerous hits for The Babys and Bad English, while also maintaining a prolific career as a solo artist. In other words, the quantity, and most importantly, the quality of Jonathan Cain’s musical output is astounding.
This summer Journey is on the road with the Steve Miller Band and the Tower of Power, performing for sold-out crowds across North America. I saw them live in Holmdel, NJ and I plan on seeing them again this year. Check out the tour dates on the band’s official website to see when they’re in your area. The current lineup puts on a phenomenal show that shouldn’t be missed.
Below is part two of my interview with Jonathan Cain. Part one can be read here.
The holidays provide us with the time to reflect and be grateful for what and who we have. With this in mind, below are the beautiful lyrics to the Bacharach and David song “Be Aware.”
Be Aware
When the sun is warm where you are, and it’s comfortable and safe where you are, well it’s not exactly that way all over.
And somewhere in the world, someone is cold, be aware.
And while you’re feeling young, someone is old, be aware.
And while your stomach is full, somewhere in this world, someone is hungry.
When there is so much, should anyone be hungry?
When there’s laughter all around me and my family embraces surround me, if I seem to be forgetful, remind me.
That somewhere in the world, people are weak, be aware.
And while you speak your mind, others can’t speak, be aware.
And while your children sleep, somewhere in this world, a child is homeless.
When we have so much, should any child be homeless? Homeless?
No, not even one child! Be aware.
James Bond isn’t the only one celebrating a 50th anniversary this year. Dionne Warwick’s new album, Now, marks the five-time Grammy Award winning music legend’s 50th year as a performer. Considering she’s had more than 60 hit songs and sold more than 100 million records, Warwick has plenty to be proud of.
Now features 12 songs, old and new, by Burt Bacharach and the late, great Hal David. As if that wasn’t enough, the album was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone. What sets Now apart from Warwick’s previous albums is while she covers a few of her biggest hits, she also offers beautiful renditions of lesser known songs that are sure to please longtime fans as well as those that enjoyed Warwick’s recent foray into Jazz with Only Trust Your Heart.
This week I plan on celebrating two 50th anniversaries: James Bond’s and Dionne Warwick’s. It may seem like an unlikely combination. However, in the 1960s Warwick recorded her own version of “Mr. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.” This song was first recorded by Shirley Bassey and was supposed to be the theme song for Thunderball prior to Tom Jones’ classic song being chosen for the film.
Below you’ll find two videos. One is of “Mr. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” and the other is a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Now. Enjoy!
I woke up this morning and read that Hal David died from complications related to a stroke. Working with Burt Bacharach, he wrote innumerable songs for a variety of recording artists, but their most memorable material was sung by the incomparable Dionne Warwick. Bacharach, David and Warwick defined the 1960s with hits such as “I Say A Little Pray,” “Don’t Make Me Over” and “Walk On By.”
To celebrate 50 years in show business, Dionne Warwick’s upcoming album, Now, produced by Phil Ramone, will feature four new songs written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach. While I look forward to hearing the rest of the album, these four songs will serve as a reminder of the magic these three musical giants created when working together.
Below is a 14-minute medley by Dionne Warwick, in 2000, during a tribute to Burt Bacharach and Hal David, as well as a lesser-known, but beautiful Bacharach-David song, “Sunny Weather Lover.” Enjoy!