Dionne Warwick, 81, was the special performer at a Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation event on October 11, 2022, to raise money and awareness for the cause of mental health.
The veteran entertainer can still captivate a room, as she at L'Avenue at Saks while crooning the songs "If I Want To," "What the World Needs Now Is Love" and — in a sweet sing-along — "That's What Friends Are For."
She's such a pro, she was able to perform even as some of the donors chatted in the background. One thirtysomething lady, who was pregnant, had no idea who Ms. Warwick was, so I said, "'That's What Friends Are For,' 'Do You Know the Way to San Jose?,' 'Heartbreaker,' 'What the World Needs Now Is Love'...?"
Her reply: "So ... she's a singer?"
But I think Warwick won a few new fans with her charm and positivity. Plus, for those of us who knew about her salty side — "I got your number, hussy" ring a bell? — it was nice to see her up close and personal.
Here's her finale:
