A nod to Bette Midler, whose 1972 album title “The Divine Miss M” provided the sweet inspiration for the title of this very special post about “The Divine Ms. D.,” as in the global icon, Dionne Warwick.
Her distinctively peerless music has impacted my life since the day I bought “Walk On By” in April 1964; followed it up with begging my Mother to give me the money to buy “Presenting Dionne Warwick” LP in late May; and began my journey into the world of R&B and soul music which - by no coincidence - is now in its 61st year!
I often mention the term ‘synchro-destiny’ these days, inspired by a great book by renowned metaphysician Deepak Chopra which I started reading during a hospital stay in March this year.
I could never ever have imagined, when I was first listening to Dionne’s music in ‘64 to help me get through my unrequited teenage crush on Marilyn W. (who paid me no mind!), how my life would unfold…
To wit, today, August 15th 2025 is a celebration of the release of the third box set issued on my SoulMusic Records label of the ground breaking music of Dionne Warwick that I have been joyously privileged to create with my colleague Joe Marchese (of The Second Disc)!
“Make It Easy On Yourself - The Scepter Recordings (1962-1971)” is the culmination of months and months of work.
With the devoted assistance of long time Warwick-ologist Jim Pierson; my good friend Tim Dillinger, for a writing a stellar essay on Dionne’s “The Magic Of Believing” album; John Sellards, who the created phenomenal artwork; Nick Robbins, who provided amazing mastering; reissue producer Joe Marchese, who masterminded the entire process start to finish; and all at Cherry Red Records (with whom I have worked for 10 years), this is the reissue project that has been a personal dream come true!
It is far more than just the tribute to the amazing partnership between Dionne, the phenomenal producers/songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and the pioneering founder of Scepter Records, Florence Greenberg (a rare female owner of an independent record company back then).
With its 280 recordings, this 12-CD sumptuous collection is the embodiment of a legacy.
In one of the many interviews we’ve conducted over the years since my deep appreciation for Dionne’s music first took root in 1964, she was my guest in April 2009 on the very first edition of a feature called “Voice Your Choice” in which I invited artists to share the favourite tracks from their own catalogues.
Here’s the very first part of that interview in which Dionne shares about four tracks from her many Scepter recordings (followed by a playlist of those songs)
On a visit to London this very week, Joe showed me this photo of Dionne holding a copy of the box set (taken in Cerritos, CA last weekend) and I was, honestly, moved to tears.
When I reflected on how much her classic recordings for Scepter Records have been a foundation for my for-real life (which you can read in the personal tribute in the exquisite booklet for the box set), I simply shook my head in wonder.
Thinking about the synchro-destiny that has led me to create three box sets that cover the entire length of Dionne’s amazing career, I am deeply grateful, beyond, beyond. In addition to the crown jewel, this 2025 release, there’s “Sure Thing – The Warner Bros. Recordings (1972-1977) (6CD)” and “Déjà Vu – The Arista Recordings (1979-1984) (12-CD)”…
Who knew?
If I hadn’t fallen in puppy love with Marilyn as a teen and “Walk On By” hadn’t provided me with solace….
My Mother Frances hadn’t given in to my heartfelt pleas to get that first LP and I hadn’t subjected the entire Nathan household to my warblings on every single track on the album….
(Yes, those are the ORIGNAL 45 and LP I bought back in ‘64 that have been in my possession ever since and everywhere I’ve been!)
If the late Gloria Marcantonio hadn’t given in to my yearning to join the Dionne Warwick & Shirelles Fan Club she ran….
To quote - as I am known to do - a song title (from Dionne’s Warner years), “Who Knows”?
Ever deeply grateful and forever thankful to a golden lady, the truly divine Ms. D. for being the setting me on a path that continues to fulfil what I’m here for…
© David Nathan/Blue Butterfly Entertainment Ltd. (UK) - All Rights Reserved.
Thanks David. Some great information and photos xx
Well- now I know where to get my Dionne fix...
A wonderful tribute to a living legend.