The American singer talks to Estadão about her memories of Elis, Gal, Brazil and the show she will perform in São Paulo, the
Of the great living ladies of American music, Dionne Warwick he is definitely the one who knows Brazil the most – and Brazilian music. As he tells in this interview to Stadiumhis visits to the country began in the late 1960s when he saw Elis Regina on stage for the first time. His intention, now at the age of 82, is to return to live in Salvador, Bahia, as soon as he manages to reduce the frequency of the shows. One last time is the name of what should be her last tour, even if she contradicts the production itself by saying that no, she won’t leave the stage. The concert in São Paulo will be held on May 28, at the Espaço Unimed, and tickets are already on sale on the venue’s website.
From a privileged genetic lineage – she is a cousin of WhitneyHouston, sister of Dee Dee Warwick and niece of Cissy Houston – Dionne has been on the historic pop music scene. Two of them were in the same year, 1985: the registration of We are the Worldfrom the countryside United States for Africathe largest gathering of stars ever held on the planet, and the second, meeting Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Gladys Knight to sing That’s what friends are for. “It defines what our friendship was,” she says.
Madame Dionne, what is music to you?
It’s life, happiness. It’s inspiration. I think it’s all these wonderful things. Music heals and I couldn’t imagine the world without music.
There are female and male singers who are artists, but many who aren’t. Just as there are musicians who are just musicians and others who are musicians and artists at the same time. What is the definition of an artist?
An artist is someone who knows what he is doing without considering what it is. If you love what you do, you are the best artist there is.
What is it like to be on stage giving the final performances of your career?
They won’t be my last performances, and I want to clarify it. When you hear the word goodbye, it means goodbye to the tour amount. I will continue to tour, I will still sing as long as I have the ability, but I won’t do it as often as I have in years past.
Did you know Elis Regina and Gal Costa? What can you say about them?
Yes, I knew Elis. I had the pleasure of meeting her on my first trip to Brazil in the early 60’s. I went to her show and it was phenomenal. She is an incredibly talented woman. Gal was a dear friend. A gorgeous girl who had the voice of an angel. Whenever she came to New York I saw her and was able to perform with her in Brazil which was a joy. Very sad her transition of hers, but she apparently completed her journey that boy (God) gave her. I will miss Gal. To see her, talk to her. He sings with her again. Gal was and still is very, very, very special.
What about Brazilian music today? You know something?
No, not really. I still have the thing about listening to people I know. I listen to Nana Caymmi, Chico Buarque, Milton, Simone, Jorge Ben, people I’ve known and listened to for years, who have passed on their love for Brazilian music to me, introduced me to it and involved me. Brazilian music will always have my love.
Do you still want to live in Brazil after you stop singing?
Of course I will, and I will!
It was evident, in his last show in São Paulo, how his musicians played at very low volumes. How should volume be used in music, in your opinion?
I can’t speak for anyone, but my musicians understand that they don’t have to play loud anyway. It’s not the kind of music that should have huge volumes. So I can’t give you the definition of how someone should sound, just the way we feel.
That’s What Friends Are For clip is one of the coolest things about those 80’s. What was it like to participate in that moment with Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Gladis Knight?
An absolute joy. All three have been close friends for so many years, and it was so wonderful when they returned my call asking them to be a part of the project… This song defines what our friendship is, and apparently it has defined friendships for many people . I totally agree that it is one of the most beautiful songs that could have been sung at the time. It is not only used for friendships, but also for birthdays, weddings, births, graduations…
Another big moment must have been her participation in the We Are the World video. Do you have memories of that day?
No doubt. There are so many stories from that recording… And it was important to see so many people that I haven’t seen in years, unless we met at the airport (laughs). It has been a joy to be able to do something to bring happiness and relief to people in Africa. They are the only reason we recorded the song. I was just doing something that is part of who I am (Dione was a United Nations Ambassador for World Food and Agriculture).
Do you have sadness or other feelings when you remember Withney Houston, your cousin, who died in 2012?
Sure, he was a family member, but I also know Whitney is in a better place. Probably happier than he’s ever been. She’s safe, looks down and says, “Hi, you all have to be over there and I don’t hey hey hey.”
Is there a Brazilian song you’d like to sing, but you’ve never sung?
Of course, there are many. But, as I said before, until I learn Portuguese I won’t do anything to make someone say: “What a ridiculous song” (laughs). L
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
