Dee Dee Warwick
Delia Juanita Warrick, widely known as Dee Dee Warwick, was an influential American soul singer born on September 25, 1942, in Newark Heights, New Jersey. Her musical journey began in her early years, singing in a gospel trio alongside her sister, Dionne Warwick, which laid the foundation for her career in music. Dee Dee's singing style and powerful voice distinguished her within the industry, earning her recognition as one of the most powerful soul singers of her time.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Dee Dee Warwick's career flourished, marked by hits such as "It’s Bad for Me to See You," "Foolish Fool," and "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me." These songs showcased her soulful vocal prowess and emotional depth, securing her a dedicated fanbase and establishing her as a notable figure in the genre.
In addition to her musical achievements, Dee Dee Warwick was one of the first openly lesbian performers in the music industry, a fact that played a significant role in her identity and the cultural conversations of her time.
While Warwick continued to perform and influence aspiring artists, her health began to decline in the later years. Dee Dee Warwick passed away on October 18, 2008, leaving behind a legacy marked by her contributions to soul music and her impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
In summary, Dee Dee Warwick's life was characterized by her talent, pioneering spirit, and contributions to music, making her a significant figure in the history of American soul music. Information is missing on her early career specifics and later endeavors after her prominent years in the 1960s and 1970s.
Call Me
A2 Fool Of The Year
A3 You Will Be My Music
A4 Fire In My Heart
A5 If You Don't Know By Now
B1 I Don't Want To Waste Another Day
B2 I Would Do Anything For You
B3 What Does It Take
B4 The Way We Used To Do
Label: Sutra Records – SUS 1014
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul
Dee Dee Warwick's Call Me album (1984 on Sutra Records) showcases her powerful, gospel-rooted voice navigating disco-era production, featuring standout tracks like the soulful "A Cold Night in Georgia" and "Down So Low" that highlight her raw talent, though some critics note the era's typical, sometimes generic, arrangements overshadow her originality at times, making it a showcase for her undeniable vocal gifts despite industry machinations.
The album features Dee Dee's rich, strong, and versatile voice, capable of handling uptown soul, funk, and delicate ballads.
It touches on disco, funk, and classic soul, with songs like the horn-driven "I (Who Have Nothing)" and the heartfelt "You Don't Know (What You Do To Me)".
Highlight Tracks: "A Cold Night in Georgia" is praised for its vocal command and key changes, while "Down So Low" emphasizes her gospel roots.
As a mid-80s release on Sutra Records, it reflects the era's production styles, which sometimes tried to fit her talent into commercial molds, but still allowed her voice to shine.
Reviewers often lament that Dee Dee Warwick didn't receive the widespread recognition she deserved, a sentiment echoed by the quality found on Call Me.
In summary, Call Me is considered a strong entry in Dee Dee's catalog, particularly for fans looking to explore beyond mainstream soul, revealing a formidable singer who could deliver deeply felt performances even within the constraints of '80s production.
Turning Around
Written-By – Jim Webb 3:27
A2 More Today Than Yesterday
Written-By – Patrick Upton 4:10
A3 Who Will The Next Fool Be
Written-By – Charlie Rich 3:40
A4 I'm Glad I'm A Woman
Written-By – Mike Utley, Steven Bogard 2:57
A5 She Didn't Know (She Kept On Talking)
Written-By – Charlie Whitehead, Gary Bonds, Jerry Williams 3:45
B1 A Girl Who'll Satisfy Her Man
Written-By – Jerry Crutchfield 3:25
B2 I Ain't Got To Love Nobody Else
Written-By – Charlie Lee Moore, Lee Wesley Jones Jr., Robert Wrightsil 3:06
B3 I'm Only Human
Written-By – George Soule, Terry Woodford 3:10
B4 Make Love To Me
Written-By – Joe Cobb, Van McCoy 2:45
B5 Down So Low
Written-By – Tracy Nelson 4:16
Label: ATCO Records – SD 33-337
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
Dee Dee Warwick's Turning Around (1970) is a powerful Southern Soul/R&B album on Atco Records, produced by Dave Crawford, featuring her deep, gospel-infused voice backed by The Sweet Inspirations, offering classic soul tracks like "She Didn't Know" and a soulful "More Today Than Yesterday," showcasing her as a formidable soul artist with rich harmonies and deep emotion, ideal for soul fans.
With this album Warwick made a significant move towards a grittier, Southern Soul sound, reminiscent of Memphis and Muscle Shoals styles, compared to some of her earlier work.
Recorded at Criteria Studios with producer Dave Crawford, featuring the studio band The Dixie Flyers and legendary backup singers, The Sweet Inspirations (who also backed Aretha Franklin), the album highlights Dee Dee's rich, emotive voice, blending gospel roots with sophisticated R&B.
Includes the R&B hit "She Didn't Know (She Kept On Talking)," "If This Was The Last Song," "I'm Glad I'm A Woman," and a standout soul cover of "More Today Than Yesterday".
Considered by some fans as her finest work, showcasing her powerful artistry and deepening her appeal in the soul scene, even if it didn't lead to further major R&B chart success.
In essence, Turning Around is a pivotal album that captured Dee Dee Warwick at her soulful best, delivering classic, heartfelt soul music with stunning vocal performances.