Dionne Warwick

USA, 1961–now

American singer who recorded most of the Bacharach and David catalogue, including 'Walk On By' and 'Do You Know the Way to San Jose', in a restrained, precisely pitched style.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Dionne Warwick and 2 artists Dionne Warwick influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Dionne Warwick?

• Mahalia Jackson — Warwick began in gospel — church choirs and the family Drinkard Singers — with Mahalia Jackson's gospel the foundation beneath her later pop poise.
• Burt Bacharach — Bacharach discovered Warwick singing backup and built his sophisticated songbook around her — his harmonically adventurous compositions defined her sound.

Which artists did Dionne Warwick influence?

• Whitney Houston — Whitney's cousin Dionne Warwick was her model for stage presence and showmanship, watched since early childhood.
• Luther Vandross — Warwick's cool, exact delivery is the other model for Vandross's singing; he later made a hit of her 'A House Is Not a Home'.