[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   HONORING DIONNE WARWICK ON HER 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE RECORDING 
                                INDUSTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of my good 
friend and outstanding recording artist Dionne Warwick as she proudly 
celebrates her 50th year in the recording industry.
  M. Dionne Warwick has, over an illustrious four-decade career, 
established herself as an international musical legend. Her reputation 
as a hit maker has been firmly etched into public consciousness, thanks 
to nearly 60 charted hits since ``Don't Make Me Over'' began its climb 
up the charts in December 1962. As a performer, she has charmed and 
entertained audiences on every continent, amassing a worldwide 
audience. Dionne received her first Grammy Award in 1968, and in doing 
so became the first African-American solo female artist of her 
generation to win the prestigious award for Best Contemporary Female 
Vocal Performance.
  In recent years, Dionne's pioneering efforts have focused on leading 
the music industry in the fight against AIDS. Her Grammy-winning, chart 
topping, single ``That's What Friends Are For,'' lead the way by 
raising, literally, millions of dollars for AIDS research. Throughout 
the world, Dionne has devoted countless hours to a wide range of 
humanitarian causes, serving as the U.S. Ambassador for Health 
throughout the Eighties. In 2002, she was named a global Ambassador for 
the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization. Dionne has 
spearheaded the long overdue development and production of a history 
book that will detail African and African-American history for use in 
schools, libraries, and bookstores throughout the world. She continues 
her work as a socially conscious and concerned global citizen.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my fellow colleagues join me in 
celebration for such a national icon. With such a legacy of 
accomplishments and achievements, there is no question on how she has 
lasted over 50 years in the music business. As she looks forward to 
another decade of great music, nothing seems impossible to Dionne, a 
woman who has inspired and empowered millions through her music, her 
performances, and her work as a humanitarian.

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