It seems that the new documentary on Whitney Houston‘s cousin is so much better than her own recent disappointing biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody,  “Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over” has picked up 4 awards since premiering at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival and is now due to be broadcast by CNN on New Years Day.

Warwick got her start singing in gospel groups with family members in New Jersey, but  became a pop music sensation when she teamed with the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, beginning with the 1962 song “Don’t Make Me Over.”  

Directed by Dave Wooley and David Heilbroner, the documentary “blends archival footage with personal photographs and newsreels of Warwick’s career. It includes exclusive interviews with her sons, Damon and David Elliott,  music legends Burt Bacharach, Clive Davis, Snoop Dogg, Gloria Estefan, Barry Gibb, Berry Gordy, Elton John, Cissy Houston, Quincy Jones, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, Melissa Manchester, Olivia Newton-John, Smokey Robinson, Carlos Santana, Valerie Simpson, and Stevie Wonder.

In addition, former President Clinton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson are among those who contribute their observations on Warwick’s achievements. The film also includes the backstories behind the blockbuster hit songs: ‘That’s What Friends Are For,’ ‘Do You Know the Way to San Jose?,’ ‘Alfie,’ ‘Heartbreaker,’ ‘I Say A Little Prayer,’ and so many more..

 

“Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over” to air on CNN Jan. 1st @ 9pm 

 

 

P.S. Warwick and Houston have another famous cousin Leontyne Price the legendary soprano who was the first African American to star at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.