Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends Are For” was released as a charity single to benefit AIDS research and prevention amid the epidemic’s initial height in 1985 — and made a huge impact, raising over $3 million for the cause.
In a clip from CNN Films' upcoming documentaryDIONNE WARWICK: Don’t Make Me Overshared exclusively with PEOPLE, the legendary musician tells the story behind the hit song alongside amfAR HIV/AIDS research advocateKevin FrostandElton John, who sang on the track alongside Warwick,Gladys KnightandStevie Wonder.
“I became very, very vocal and very public with the AIDS issue based on the fact that we were losing many people,” says Warwick, 82, who released “That’s What Friends Are For” four years after AIDS was discovered in the United States for the first time, in the clip. “Something gotta be done.”
John then details the significance of her raising her voice about the disease at the time. “Dionne was definitely a hero of mine and a hero to a lot of people,” says the 75-year-old “Rocket Man” musician. “She was really the first person in the music business to really speak up about it.”
Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Elton John and Dionne Warwick.Larry Busacca/Getty
Looking back, Warwick says, “I did what I could do, and that’s the way I move to this very day.”
“Working onDIONNE WARWICK: Don’t Make Me Overhas been a true labor of love,” said Wooley in a press statement. “We wanted to make a film that people wouldn’t just see… We wanted viewers to feel transported. This is the story of a transformational, global icon.”
In addition to John, Frost and the titular subject, the film will feature interviews with Warwick’s sons Damon and David Elliott as well as Knight, Burt Bacharach,Clive Davis,Snoop Dogg,Gloria Estefan,Barry Gibb,Berry Gordy,Cissy Houston,Quincy Jones,Alicia Keys, Melissa Manchester,Smokey Robinson,Carlos Santana,Valerie Simpson, former PresidentBill Clinton, designerKenneth Cole,Rev. Jesse Jacksonand the lateOlivia Newton-John.
“That’s What Friends Are For” is one of many songs, including “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?,” “Alfie,” “Heartbreaker” and “I Say A Little Prayer,” among others, that will be discussed at-length in the documentary.
“Dave Wooley and David Heilbroner have created a beautiful tribute that shows the enduring impact of Dionne Warwick,” said executive vice president for talent and content development for CNN Worldwide, Amy Entelis, in a press statement. “Her trailblazing, humanitarian legacy extends beyond her exquisite songbook, and she’s had a lasting cultural influence.”
DIONNE WARWICK: Don’t Make Me Overis set to premiere on CNN at 9 p.m. ET and PT on Sunday, Jan. 1.
source: people.com
