A Timeless Farewell of Love, Legacy and Unforgettable Duets
With the release of her deeply personal new duet album DWuets, Dionne Warwick delivers a powerful and reflective body of work that feels both timeless and strikingly current. Anchored by songs written by Diane Warren, including the poignant “Ocean in the Desert,” the project explores themes of survival, love and human connection—messages Warwick has carried throughout her extraordinary career. Featuring an eclectic and inspired lineup of collaborators such as Cynthia Erivo, John Legend and Saweetie, the album bridges generations and genres, reflecting Warwick’s enduring relevance. Calling DWuets her final recording, Warwick approaches this chapter with grace and intention, embracing both her legacy and a well-earned moment to focus on herself after more than six decades of music.
INTERVIEW >>>
Congratulations on your new album, first of all. I have some questions for you about it. And I’m excited about it for you because it’s something I think is a little different than you’ve done, especially with your single that is going to be released. What inspired “Ocean in the Desert” with Cynthia Erivo?
That was written by Diane Warren, who wrote all of the other songs. It seemed apropos that that was the song that would suit us best. As with every other song on the CD, and everybody I sang with it, it was as if each one of the songs was written with us in mind. Which made me feel very good that when we sang this song, everybody understood and wanted to sing. So, I’m thrilled. “Ocean in the Desert” is about survival. How people are there for you. It is a CD that everybody should have.
How was it working with Diane Warren?
I’ve known Diane for many years. We never referred to each other by our names, we refer to each other by our initials. Which is the reason for the title of the CD. She is one of our most religious songwriters of this era. Her track record speaks for itself. Diane, well she is Diane. She is her own person, that’s for sure.
What does this duet album mean to you personally?
It is kind of saying we have not lost touch with everybody. I have recorded with some of the most wonderful recording artists. Cynthia, of course. It goes without saying what she is capable of doing. John Legend. That will be my next single. I also recorded with Saweetie, who is a rap artist. That was a lot of fun and she lives up to her name. She is the sweetest little thing in the world. Then there’s a lot of people that will be a surprise to people once they pick up the CD and see all the artists I have recorded with.
So after so many years doing music, what still keeps you excited about recording?
Well, this is my last recording I’m going to be doing.
Somehow I don’t believe that.
Well, you can believe it. It’s coming from me. It’s not coming from somebody in the street saying “I heard”. You are hearing it from me. There may become an opportunity to do something along the way, but this is it for me.
How do you balance your legacy with staying relevant?
I have two young men that I brought up from the crib. I heard a lot of their music that they had been listening to, and I now have seven grandchildren. I had an opportunity to hear the music that they are listening to. They keep me relevant.
What message or inspiration do you hope your listeners take from this album and especially Oceans in the Desert?
Every single song written by Diane carries a message. Love and hope and joy and peace and happiness. Diane knows me very well. She knows that if I am not comfortable singing something or saying something, I’m not going to. She was very thoughtful and careful about the songs she had me look at. They suited my duet partners.
When you look for a duet partner, what is your main concern? What are you looking for?
First of all, do they want to sing with me? The joy of not only getting to sing with them but getting to know them. There were a lot of singers that I had no clue as to who they were until I met them. I did a duet with the lady called Saweetie. It was wonderful, and she was such a joy.
How is it working with your family to produce something? Are there a lot of fights or disagreements?
They are suggestions. We don’t call them fights. When it is something that I feel that I really have to say, I ask, “Do you really have to say that?” And they say, “Yes, we do because the writer wrote that, Mommy”. However, I have a lot of trust in those who take on the job of producing me. They also know that I expect nothing more from them than I am giving. And I give all of me. If my son was not capable or I felt he was not able to come up to the standards that I have, he would not have been producing the CD. But as it turns out, as everyone will hear, he came ready, willing and able.
How would you describe this particular chapter of your career right now?
I believe after 66 years on the road and pouring out my heart to all of you guys for sitting in my audiences, that it is time to think about Dionne for a minute. I feel now that I’m going to take a little time for me.
I hope once the CD comes out in August, those who are curious enough to want to see what I am doing now will take time to purchase the CD and listen to it intently. Because each one of those songs carries an incredible message of hope and love and joy and all of those good things we all want.
