Grammys — Michael CavaciniMichael Cavacini

Melissa Manchester is a Grammy-award-winning musician whose understanding and appreciation for her craft is second to none. She’s also a delightful human being, and I’m happy to call her a friend. Celebrating 50 years in the music industry, Melissa is an artist who continues to be an inspiring creative force. Just released, Melissa Manchester Live ’77 is a live album that’s seeing the light of day for the first time in 45 years. I had the pleasure of interviewing Melissa about this vibrant, energetic recording from the vault; and we also discussed a myriad of other topics, including Lady Gaga, Barry Manilow, Tony Bennett, how the pandemic affected her as an artist, and so much more. You can watch the full video interview below, and I hope you enjoy it.

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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!