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Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends Are For” transcends the realm of pop music. It’s a timeless anthem that celebrates the unwavering strength of friendship, becoming an unexpected champion for AIDS awareness and research in the 1980s.
Composed by songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, the song wasn’t originally intended for a charity cause. Warwick, a longtime collaborator with Bacharach, reconnected with him after a professional rift. “That’s What Friends Are For” marked their reconciliation, a testament to the song’s message of enduring bonds.
However, the song’s destiny took a turn when it landed in the hands of music producer and AIDS activist, Elizabeth Montgomery. Recognizing the song’s potential to resonate with themes of support and compassion, Montgomery envisioned it as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the AIDS epidemic.
Warwick, touched by Montgomery’s vision, readily agreed. She joined forces with music legends Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder to create a star-studded ensemble for the recording. “Dionne Warwick & Friends,” as they were billed, became a potent symbol of unity in the face of a devastating illness.
Released in 1985, the song became a cultural phenomenon. Its soaring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and the combined star power resonated deeply with audiences. “That’s What Friends Are For” topped the charts in the United States, becoming the number one single of 1986. It earned prestigious awards, including the Grammy for Song of the Year, solidifying its place in music history.
But the song’s impact went far beyond critical acclaim. “That’s What Friends Are For” became a rallying cry for the fight against AIDS. It raised an estimated $3 million for amfAR, a leading foundation for AIDS research, bringing much-needed attention and resources to the cause.
Even today, “That’s What Friends Are For” continues to evoke a sense of unwavering support and empathy. It’s a song that transcends generations, reminding us of the irreplaceable role friends play in our lives, through thick and thin. So, let the iconic voices of Warwick, John, Knight, and Wonder wash over you, as we celebrate the enduring power of friendship in “That’s What Friends Are For”.