STORY & PHOTOS BY FELICIA LAGUERRE OWENS
The Dionne Warwick Street Renaming Ceremony on Friday, October 11th, was full of fanfare, as entertainment stars showed up to show their love and support for the songstress.
One of the day’s many highlights was when veteran journalist Don Lemon coined his own melody in the theme of Ms. Warwick’s hit, “What The World Needs Now, Is Love Sweet Love,” singing, “What the world needs now is a street named Dionne. It’s the only thing that’s there’s just too little of!” It brought laughter from the intimate crowd gathered on City Hall’s steps in East Orange.
Singer Melba Moore gave an inspired rendition of the Negro Spiritual “Wade In The Water,” showing she still had skills by holding a long note for almost a minute. And Sony Music Mogul Clive Davis, wearing a dapper royal blue suit, shared stories of his and Ms. Warwick’s musical journey together.
But the day belonged to Ms. Dionne Warwick, who was serenaded by her namesake school’s young students, the Warwick Wailers, with melodies from her famous hits. However, Ms. Warwick showed the most emotion when she was roasted by her two sons, who had come to town just for the occasion.
Fans, stars, politicians, and the media then gathered at the intersection of City Hall Plaza and North Arlington Avenue for the moment they had all been waiting for: the unveiling of the street renamed Dionne Warwick Way. Mayor Ted Green assisted Ms. Warwick as they tugged on the string to reveal the name change. It was a good time had by all.
The event lightened the burden on her heart, as her famed relative Cissy Houston passed away a few days prior. Ms. Warwick will be inducted into this year’s class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
