Pioneer. That's the name awarded Dee Dee Warwick by the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, in a loving ceremony in Los Angeles, February 1999. As far as true soul music fans are concerned, it wasn't a day too soon. Dee Dee ad... more »mits the bright light of elere never far away from the Gap Band's influence, either because some new rapper was sampling "Outstanding," or because "You Dropped A Bomb On Me" was getting more airplay on today's "Retro Lunch" shows and "Jammin' Oldies" stations than it got from pop radio in 1982. Even though the group's fortunes ping-ponged throughout the years, there has never been a moment when "Yearning For Your Love" sounded any less pristine or relevant than it did two decades ago. Brothers Charlie, Ronnie and Robert Wilson gave funk both its most aggressive and energetic records and some of its most plaintive. It's hard to imagine Earth Wind & Fire recording anything as loopy as "Flash Light." It's hard to imagine anything as linear as "After The Love Is Gone" coming out of the P-Funk camp. In their ability to span those extremes, the Gappers more resemble the Ohio Players, who could have "Sweet Sticky Thing" and "Love Rollercoaster" on the same album, but the Wilsons created much more of an identifiable public persona than the Players ever managed. They were also among a mere handful of '70s influenced funk acts - Cameo, Rick James, and Zapp were their most notable company - to hold their own against the advent of hip-hop and the rise of the synthesizer in the next decade.« less
Pioneer. That's the name awarded Dee Dee Warwick by the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, in a loving ceremony in Los Angeles, February 1999. As far as true soul music fans are concerned, it wasn't a day too soon. Dee Dee admits the bright light of elere never far away from the Gap Band's influence, either because some new rapper was sampling "Outstanding," or because "You Dropped A Bomb On Me" was getting more airplay on today's "Retro Lunch" shows and "Jammin' Oldies" stations than it got from pop radio in 1982. Even though the group's fortunes ping-ponged throughout the years, there has never been a moment when "Yearning For Your Love" sounded any less pristine or relevant than it did two decades ago. Brothers Charlie, Ronnie and Robert Wilson gave funk both its most aggressive and energetic records and some of its most plaintive. It's hard to imagine Earth Wind & Fire recording anything as loopy as "Flash Light." It's hard to imagine anything as linear as "After The Love Is Gone" coming out of the P-Funk camp. In their ability to span those extremes, the Gappers more resemble the Ohio Players, who could have "Sweet Sticky Thing" and "Love Rollercoaster" on the same album, but the Wilsons created much more of an identifiable public persona than the Players ever managed. They were also among a mere handful of '70s influenced funk acts - Cameo, Rick James, and Zapp were their most notable company - to hold their own against the advent of hip-hop and the rise of the synthesizer in the next decade.
CD Reviews
A long time coming
Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 11/06/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After decades of sitting ignored in Polygram's vaults, Hip-O has gathered up the Mercury and Blue Rock recordings of Dee Dee Warwick in this 26-cut compilation CD. Although most of her chart successes came while at Mercury and are included here, there was a short period at Atco that produced a couple charted hits that were not licensed for this project. Those Atco tracks can be found on a compilation done by Ichiban records from several years ago but has been out of print for some time. In spite of the somewhat limited scope of this collection, most of the better-known and significant of Dee Dee's recordings are represented here including her highest charting and signature song, "I Want To Be With You". Although original masters were used in most instances, sound quality is somewhat uneven with noticable distortion on some tracks. The producers acknowledge that two tracks (22 and 23) were dubbed from vinyl and track 20 exhibits distortion inherent to the master tape. Nevertheless, the sound quality here is superior to anything else previously available, that being some questionably legitimate import CDs of Dee Dee's recordings. Tracks 1,2,4-6,9-12,14,16,18-21,24 and 25 are in stereo with the remainder in mono. Liner notes are a 12-page booklet with a four-page musical history of Dee Dee, track listing details and a few photos. While not a label-comprehensive collection of her musical output, this collection is a high-quality, well-produced piece that fills a long-time void in r'n'b music on CD."
This Lady Can Sing...Period!!
R. L. Jones | durham, nc United States | 06/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must first say that Dee Dee Warwick like her sister Dionne, aunt Cissy Houston and cousin Whitney...is one great singer!! This family is no joke, and Dee Dee Warwick vocals are a strong as any in her family, although very different, yet still brilliant. Frankly Dionne has always been my cup of tea, and her gensius, is second to done; Dee Dee shows a souful emotion few if any singers whole. This cd is a must have for anyone who loves "real soul music", not warmed over!! The cd is loaded with classic that some may not have know the singer but have heard the songs..."Foolish Fool", "I'm gonna make you love me", We're doing fine", all gems! Dionne has often stated that "Dee Dee is the real singer in this family" that a huge statement. Listen for yourself, if you love any of this family's music, as well as other great soul vocalist like, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Ruth Brown, you will love Dee Dee Warwick!!"
In Her Sister's Shadow
Handsome | Chicago, IL United States | 07/27/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm glad to own this piece of music history in my collection. I appreciate big Sis Dionne's instrument, but Dee Dee was more soulful in her delivery. Just listen to Dee Dee sing Alfie, (which Dee Dee recorded first before Dionne), if you don't believe me. The song I'm Gonna Make You Love Me show've went further than it did. I thought this cd was a great investment, and should've bought the Ichiban/Atco Sessions-She Didn't Know by Dee Dee when I had the chance."
"I want to be with you...classic soul"
J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 06/05/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you had your radio on or near a jukebox, chances are you heard one or more of the twenty-six songs in this collection from the mercury/blue rock sessions...in some ways Dee Dee is a much better singer than her sister Dionne. Believe the only obstacle between her and the hanging star up there, was the material given to her.Must mention the stand outs ~ "LOVER'S CHANT", "I WANT TO BE WITH YOU", "I'M GONNA MAKE YOU LOVE ME" and "FOOLISH FOOL" ~ realize with better songs available...Dee Dee might have surpassed her sister, better voice and control.Total Time: 73:21 on 26 Tracks ~ Hip-O Records 314-558-716-2 ~ (2001)"
I Think She Blew My Speakers!
K. Hodgkiss | 06/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gosh, this woman can sing. Probably the greatest of the Warwick/Houston clan but certainly the most unheralded, this CD is always on my pile. From the amazing heights of "I Want To Be With You" to the breathtaking intensity of "Foolish Fool" this CD is chockfilled with Dee Dee's years at Mercury/Blue Rock. The sound is great. The selections are inclusive and the voice is a force to be reckoned with. Catch the original of the Zombies "Gotta Get A Hold Of Myself" here and you may not look back and the definitive Carole King/Gerry Goffin chestnut "Yours Until Tomorrow" version. 'Love this CD!! "Thank God" as Dee Dee sings. Enjoy!"
Track Listings (26) - Disc #1