Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Grammy winning-music icon and HIV-AIDS humanitarian Dionne Warwick recently celebrated her 75th Birthday with a star-studded party and debut of her new foundation. The lavish event took place at Mr. Chow in New York City.
Dionne Warwick and Cissy Houston
Many of Warwick’s peers from stage, TV and film attended the private affair including legendary music executive Clive Davis, TV and Broadway star Leslie Uggams, Being Mary Jane star Margaret Avery and veterans singers Cissy Houston, Freddie Jackson, Chuck Jackson, Melba Moore and Nona Hendryx. Famed dancer choreographer George Faison was also spotted along with world-renowned band director Ray Chew and Celebrity Journalist Flo Anthony.
Melba Moore with Freddie Jackson
Warwick received a number of proclamations that night including one by U.S. Representative Charlie Rangel, two from the state of New Jersey-one of which declares December 11th Dionne Warwick Day throughout the state, another declaring Dionne Warwick Day in East Orange, New Jersey, and other presentations of honor.
Warwick receiving her proclamations
The singer also used this event as the launch pad for her new Dionne Warwick Foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting access to resources and information that empowers health and wellbeing. As a United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and a United States Ambassador of Health, she has long been a visionary in holistic health and wellness. The foundation’s launch shows her continued forward motion, culminating decades of advocacy for the world’s well-being, as well as her gift and resources as an entertainer, into an energetic graceful new beginning.
Flo Anthony, Katrina Walker and Melba Moore
Warwick’s guests each received signature goodie bags with lollipops, horn blowers, and a mug with the guest of honor’s image and quote-all reflecting the launch of her nonprofit organization.
The Warwick Family
Born into a talented clan of musicians on December 12, 1940, by 1962 she was one of the 40 biggest hit makers of the entire rock era. Her hits wooed not just America, but the world at large when she sang, “Don’t Make Me Over,” “Walk On By,” as well as her trademark tune “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?,” which was her first Grammy winner. Her class act even landed her a place in history as the first African-American woman to perform for Queen Elizabeth II in England.
Check out more pics below:
Chuck Jackson, Leslie Uggams with husband Grahame Platt
Margaret Avery
Warwick with Cissy Houston
George Faison
Nona Hendryx and Ray Chew
Photo Credits: Lisa Pacino for Under the Duvet Productions