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40 Years Later: How Dionne Warwick's "That's What Friends Are For" Saved Millions And Defined A Generation

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Few songs in history carry the emotional weight and philanthropic legacy of "That's What Friends Are For," the timeless 1985 collaboration by Dionne Warwick and her legendary "Friends." As we move into December 2025, the song is nearing its monumental 40th anniversary, a milestone that coincides with a significant moment in Dionne Warwick’s career: her farewell tour, where the song continues to be a powerful centerpiece.

This iconic charity single, featuring the powerhouse quartet of Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder, transcended music charts to become a crucial anthem for the AIDS crisis. It was more than just a No. 1 hit; it was a beacon of hope, raising millions of dollars for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) at a time when public awareness and compassion were desperately needed.

The Definitive Profile of Marie Dionne Warwick

Marie Dionne Warrick, professionally known as Dionne Warwick, is one of the most celebrated and enduring voices in American music. Her career, spanning over six decades, is marked by a distinctive soulful sound that has earned her six Grammy Awards and a place among the legends of pop and R&B.

  • Born: Marie Dionne Warrick, December 12, 1940, in East Orange, New Jersey.
  • Career Highlights: Rose to prominence in the 1960s with a string of hits written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, including "Walk on By," "Anyone Who Had a Heart," and "I Say a Little Prayer."
  • Key Collaborations: Her long-standing professional relationship with composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager is one of the most successful in music history.
  • Activism: She became one of the first major artists to openly advocate for AIDS awareness and funding in the mid-1980s.
  • Recent News (2024/2025): Announced her "One Last Time" Farewell Tour for 2025, with dates across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, confirming her continued presence on the global stage.
  • Documentary: The recent documentary, Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over, provides an intimate look at her life and humanitarian work, prominently featuring the impact of her charity single.

The Untold Story: From Rod Stewart B-Side to AIDS Anthem

The history of "That's What Friends Are For" is a fascinating journey that began far from its final, famous incarnation. The song was originally written in 1982 by the legendary songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager.

The very first recording of the track was by rock singer Rod Stewart, who included it on the soundtrack for the 1982 comedy film Night Shift. However, this version remained largely a footnote until Dionne Warwick was approached to record it three years later.

The idea to transform the song into a charity single was largely spearheaded by Warwick herself, who was a close friend of Elizabeth Taylor, a prominent early activist in the AIDS crisis. Warwick was deeply moved by the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic and wanted to use her platform to generate both funds and public attention for the cause.

The new version was recorded in 1985 for Warwick's album Friends (later retitled Dionne & Friends). The vocal lineup was a stunning assembly of music royalty: Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Gladys Knight. This collaboration, billed simply as Dionne & Friends, was an unprecedented show of unity and star power for a humanitarian effort.

The $3 Million Impact and Enduring Legacy

The release of "That's What Friends Are For" was a cultural phenomenon. It quickly soared to the top of the charts, becoming a massive crossover hit that dominated pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary radio.

  • Chart Success: The single hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1986 and remained there for four consecutive weeks.
  • Critical Acclaim: It won the prestigious Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1987.
  • Financial Milestone: Crucially, all profits from the single were directed to the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). The song is credited with raising over $3 million for the organization, a vital injection of funds for research and prevention during a period of fear and government indifference.

Warwick’s brave and vocal advocacy at the height of the crisis cemented her role as a humanitarian icon. She used the success of the song not just for fundraising, but to challenge the stigma and silence surrounding the disease, making her one of the first mainstream artists to do so.

40th Anniversary and the "One Last Time" Tour (2025)

As the song’s 40th anniversary looms in 2025, its message of solidarity and compassion is as relevant as ever. The song is not just a relic of the 80s; it is actively part of Dionne Warwick’s current narrative.

In a powerful testament to the song's importance, Dionne Warwick has announced her "One Last Time" Farewell Tour for 2025. This global tour, with dates scheduled in key cities like New York (The Apollo Theater) and across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, is expected to feature "That's What Friends Are For" as a highlight.

The farewell tour is a chance for fans to not only celebrate her classic hits like "Heartbreaker" and "I Say a Little Prayer" but also to witness the enduring power of her philanthropic anthem. Her recent performances of the song at charity events, including a mental health fundraiser in 2022, demonstrate its versatility as a message of support and friendship for any cause.

The legacy of "That's What Friends Are For" is twofold: it is a masterwork of pop music composition by Bacharach and Sager, and it is a monumental achievement in music-driven social change. The song proved that a simple, heartfelt melody could mobilize a nation and provide millions in support for a critical cause, setting a high bar for all future charity singles.

Its continued presence in Warwick's 2025 tour schedule ensures that the message—that we can always count on each other—will resonate with a new generation of listeners.

dionne warwick that's what friends are for
dionne warwick that's what friends are for

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