An Epic Pep Talk - What Nina Simone Said To Dionne Warwick Backstage At The Apollo

Music legend Dionne Warwick makes her first visit to The Late Show for this two part interview that kicks off with a look at milestone moments in Ms. Warwick's career, like her appearances on the "Ed Sullivan Show" and the pep talk she received from Nina Simone backstage at the Apollo Theater. Stick around for part two of Dionne Warwick's conversation with Stephen, and check out her new single, "Power In The Name," right here: empire.ffm.to/powerinthename. #Colbert #PowerInTheName #DionneWarwick
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via Paramount+, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@jonathancineus6424]

I’m so tired of losing legends in death lately. It’s refreshing to know she’s still here. Live on, Dionne!

[@vigulfmusicproduct]

Good Bless Her. Hope She willl be 100.Those men/wemen today whom is 48/50+, most of us have good memories/songs from this Lady.

[@sherodparkinson4003]

Im smiling in tears looking at Dionne. She is a treasure to the world.

[@Wayzor_]

And the Psychic Friends Network.

[@telebubba5527]

Indeed, same here. And she's still looking like a gem!

[@roseb2674]

Beautiful lady, beautiful voice

[@iamwell5654]

Omg! Me too. Goosebumps! I remember listening to her sing “A house is not a home” with my mother & father when I was in grade school

[@markleon411]

I can totally relate. We need to treasure people like her while there is still the chance.

[@GS-uy4xo]

There really needs to be a movie about her career - all of it.

[@JonBlondell]

A true legend! I ran into her in a mqll in San Antonio. I'm a musician, so i struck up a conversation about her show that night! This was in the early 80s. She was so cool! Once she found I was a Jazz player, we were like 2 old friends walking arm in arm, shopping and shooting the shit! A very happy memory.

[@MrBassrazz]

Hi Jon! You are one of Austin, TX most iconic, musical geniuses. I have hear you play many times. Your wonderful interaction with Ms. Warwick proves that your kindness and warm personality were recognized by her. A warm “Howdy” from Edmonton, 🇨🇦 Canada.

[@zbagz01]

@@MrBassrazz This is why I love to read the comments! Two great stories.

[@jazzyd312]

I used to work at LAX and as you can imagine, celebrity sightings happened on a regular basis. Got to see the Lakers return after beating Boston for the NBA championship; Bill Russell, George Carlin and Ned Beatty are just a few of the celebs with whom I actually had interactions. One that stands out was Ms. Warwick. I had heard rumors that she was a 'diva', but she could not have been nicer to me. My mother was a huge fan of hers and it was so cool to be able to tell that to Ms. Warwick. My encounter with her is one that I've always cherished.

[@ted1091]

She's not only a legend, she has a delightful sense of humor and easiness about her

[@michaelwilliams7822]

Very witty.

[@BTonTV]

We gotta vote her into the Rock&Roll Hall Of Fame while she's still with us!

[@tonvidal787]

Yes

[@kevinowens7874]

She deserves a Kennedy Honor, Nancy Wilson never got one before she passed, A true tragedy if that happens to Dionne.

[@michaelwarren7962]

She's nominated this year 2022 for Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. It depends on how many folk vote to put her in the top spot.

[@TheBasher-_-]

We can vote for that?

[@Martiniization]

Heck yes!

[@icyjules]

She's a legend. One of the greatest singers of all time if you ask me.

[@markmh835]

When I discovered her music in college, I was blown away. I thought she spoke to my soul. Legend, indeed....... 😱😊👍🎶

[@thomaskline]

Al most as good as her cousin Cissy Houston

[@rayjones5684]

@@thomaskline Cissy is Dionne's Aunt....Cissy and Dionne's mother Lee are sisters.

[@michaelscot4816]

Concur.

[@ALWCure]

Top 5 for longevity in the industry...Top 10 all time. for sure!!!

[@Vagajammer]

At 81, Dionne still looks amazing!

[@brownbagz]

Amen!

[@edezagon]

A very GRAND Dame! Still active at 81. She's great, funny and so very talented!

[@BT-ch9gf]

She's got 19 more great years with us. ❤️

[@typhoon2minerva]

And imagine shes Witney Houstons Cousin whos like decade younger than her

[@guhsuckyamudda586]

@@typhoon2minerva Dionne was born 23 years before Whitney was…

[@vmwindustries]

She still knows how to work the crowd too! True professional.

[@lorij3738]

Dionne Warwick is INCOMPARABLE! She sang some of hardest, most complex songs in any songbook. She's labeled a pop singer, but far more. #Brava Ms. Warwick!

[@singingmanmd]

Yep. Ms. Dionne is way way more!!!

[@user-gn9vu7wn7t]

she imparted life to burt bacharach musical catalog!

[@nazfan01]

Back in 1982 Knoxville, Tennessee had the World's Fair going on. A friend of mine was working the night shift so he got me in for free. It was cold winter time but I roamed around checking out the Fair. At one point I went inside a Holiday Inn lobby to warm up a bit. As I sat in the lobby I could see a oyster bar type place where people had food and drinks but also could hear a lady singing live as well. I sat there as I was warming up I saw this lady approach me and asked if I like to sing with her. I just smiled and said I could not sing but she had my attention with her wonderful voice and I was enjoying her performance from the lobby. Well, once her show was over she was carrying her equptment out and I offered to help her and carried all the heavy items to her car. She thanked me and smile and gave me a small kiss on the cheek. That was that. An employee saw me come back in and asked me if I got her autograph...... Autograph? I asked, the employee said "Yes! that was Dionne Warwick" Only then I realized it was her and just didnt pay attention. Either way I would have never asked for an autograph anyway, just helping her out was good enough to me. What a wonderful personality and voice she has

[@jermaineh7894]

Young People don't realize what people like Dionne Warrick went through even though they were very talented.

[@michellelaguerre8760]

Yes that is why a movie about her life needs to be done soon

[@hutch1197]

I'm so glad we are appreciating this woman while we have her. She's royalty.

[@diden3527]

hutch - appreciate your comment, but she is far better than royalty....she earned her stripes...they weren't handed to her outta birthright.

[@JakobMusick]

@@diden3527 Exactly!! Saying someone is like 'royalty' is not a compliment lol

[@hutch1197]

@@JakobMusick Calling her royalty is simply an expression. Good lord, people will find the negative in everything. How silly to make an argument out of that comment.

[@JakobMusick]

@@hutch1197 Sorry I wasn't trying to be especially negative or rude.

[@sirtyler79]

The stories this woman could tell. Stephen doesn’t waste a second with her. Great interview!

[@johnnolan4312]

I still remember seeing her in 1980 as a 16 year old here in Canada, my mom pretty much dragged me with her , I was so glad she did! What a voice!!

[@chrislar9]

Oh my god you were so lucky 😍😍

[@migonzo24]

My wife showed me her music and wow, this woman is gold! A true legend.

[@khismet]

Lots of musical royalty in her lifetime.. truly inspiring 💜

[@Handle2point0]

If you don’t know her music do yourself a favor and listen. She’s a magnificent talent

[@thnktank1]

This is for my mom, who loved "Alphie". RIP mom. ❤

[@emandem3088]

A beautiful voice wrapped in grace and style. The rest of us can only hope to have such wit and class at her age.

[@MissyGail4eva]

Ms.Dionne is, without a doubt, so utterly charming, with a laugh so disarmingly infectious, that I fear that my chubby cheeks shall forever ache from smiling. ❤️

[@patrickpb3353]

I saw Nina Simone in 1989 at the Royal Albert Hall . A true hero of mine 🙏🏼

[@kevinriddell2105]

I'm envious. That would have been great

[@patrickpb3353]

@@kevinriddell2105 was beyond great. It was lucky. I was 22 or 23 years old and I worked for a bank in London. We had a box in the Royal Albert Hall and got free tickets. It’s a spectacular memory because I got those tickets. Like seeing Ray Charles a few years later in Athens. Right place right time 🙏🏼

[@DeeDeeWarwickMusic]

The background vocals on Nina Simone's most hit songs (second voice) 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood', 'How Can I?', 'Gimme Some' etc. were performed by her sister Dee Dee Warwick.

[@jamessmith3978]

When I hear her sing, it takes me back to my youth (I am 80 now). The tears just flow at the beauty of her voice and persona. May you live long and prosper Dionne.

[@MissyGail4eva]

🖖💜🖖💜🖖

[@MissyGail4eva]

@@paulsmith2279 🤔?? An absolute *legend* sharing a story on meeting another cherished American *legend* WASN'T interesting?

[@MissyGail4eva]

@@paulsmith2279 Why would that matter as long as *you* know? Why would one determine one's ability to be entertained by interviews with the criteria dependent on an American audience having a clue?

[@MissyGail4eva]

@@paulsmith2279 I bet you're one of those people who have a layover in a wonderful city like Paris, yet never bother to leave the adjacent hotel. Pity...

[@michaelwarren7962]

@@paulsmith2279 and how did you arrive at a theory that fifty percent of the audience didn't know why she's a legend? There are lots of promotional advertisements before the taping of the show, brief bios about the guests for audience members to read, and they play her popular songs during commercial breaks. So, uh, yah.

[@philpheburbs]

The respect Stephen has is palpable. Nice one sir

[@kimberleyphillips6671]

Dionne exudes so much positivity. Thank u so much. We need it.

[@bavery6957]

81 years and just as beautifu, talented and charming as ever...

[@rostamr4096]

Nothing less than a legend...she looks awesome

[@howards8535]

Always great. Still fresh. Dionne’s aging like the finest wine.

[@MissyGail4eva]

Nah, even great 'aged' wines can turn, rendering them worthless. Ms. Dionne is more like a Treasury Bond...a trusted and reliably steady performer, whose contributive value only grows more robust as she matures with age. 😉😁❤️

[@staceyhutchinson8486]

"Black Jack, roulette... What's your game?" "Sleep" Yes girl!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 ❤️ Dionne

[@maargenbx1454]

Keeping it honest!

[@girlcheck]

Pure elegance. She is just lovely. My favorite song as a little girl was 'what do you get when you fall in love'

[@tammystockley-loughlin7680]

It plays on the muzak at work. I enjoy the oldies, brings back memories. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during this pandemic and social crisis

[@janefreeman995]

She just keeps smiling and keeps shining! So lovely.

[@linettejenkins8600]

No plastic.

[@amandahawker]

I got the "That's What Friends Are For" reference 😉

[@poorthing]

She's delightful. So attractive & elegant. It's TRUE, when you get to your 8th decade you can do and say whatever you want.

[@Mario-xr3jo]

What a talent! What a woman! What a human being! Dionne, you will always stay in my heart!

[@jimhood1202]

What a majestic woman. I'm smiling watching this just knowing there are people like her in the world.

[@greg-op2jh]

I pray that I am doing half as well at her age as she is! This brought tears to my eyes.

[@jameymonroe954]

😍😍😘

[@singingmanmd]

Ms. Dionne is such a one of a kind classy, talented, powerful, witty, real, beautiful, humble, sophisticated, funny, iconic, legendary performer. Her live shows also brings the characteristics I mentioned here. Btw, she looks great, natural, and healthy. Keep on being who you be Queen❤

[@BubbleGumzKorner]

Dionne Warwick had the best Quarantine ever.

[@oddlilbird]

I grew up listening to Ms. Warwick, but had never seen her in an interview before-what a lovely human she is. That quote from Nina Simone made me clap out loud, too☺️

[@IAmJustR]

Evie did really well. Stephen is such a southern gentleman❣️ They don't even make that model anymore 🥺

[@tammyeverett8249]

My Mom introduce me to Dionne Warwick's music at the age 10. She was my Mom's favorite singer of all genre of music. My Mom, my younger Sister and me would get in the middle of the living room and dance and sing to so many of her songs. One of Mom's favorite song was Do You know the Way to San Jose? Mom every time I hear this song I think about you and I thank you for introducing me to a great singer and beautiful music. RIP Mom as I'm still listening and enjoying Dionne Warwick! Still one of the greatest singers of all genre of music!

[@tajbell4086]

❤❤❤. She was my late mother's favorite singer as well and do you know the way to Santa Fe was our Mama's favorite song too. My sister and I thought catching pneumonia from falling in love was absolutely hilarious when we were little. What fond memories thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@ronaldhiggins2832]

Dionne Warwick is a gem to be treasured.

[@apresnousledelugeloral4335]

I'm so happy Nina Simone is being spoken again!♡♡♡♡

[@sandyordille6132]

I worked a gig in big Hotel in Hawaii and non of my coworkers knew who Diane Warwick is- to me she was the hope of my youth . I met her in the Westin on Kauai and she signed a photo of herself to me. I’m looking in the old boxes; but I just want to thank you for being such an inspiration through all my youth. You the best .❤️🙏

[@iamwell5654]

❤️❤️

[@samuelmojica9704]

She's still absolutely beautiful

[@melektwelve6451]

"I like being me" Such a great quote from her!

[@garryfimister6878]

What an elegant sophisticated Lady.

[@donalddavis9855]

She has such a beautiful voice! No one compares, just so unique and beautiful!

[@A358M]

One of the very few legends still with us. Thank goodness.

[@DeeDeeWarwickMusic]

The background vocals on Nina Simone's most hit songs (second voice) 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood', 'How Can I?', 'Gimme Some' etc. were performed by her sister Dee Dee Warwick.

[@mbasandudane6334]

One of the greatest singers of all time. I really hope they induct her in the Rock and Roll hall of fame this year 🙏 its about dam time.

[@marmeecruz6191]

Nobody like Dionne; there will never be...EVER!

[@suemiller7772]

I've always loved her music. She's amazing .

[@zachheilman784]

I had no idea who Dionne Warwick was until the SNL bit spoofing her show. When she appeared on one of the SNL segments I knew there was something magical going on. What a lovely lady.

[@lgpsan]

So happy to see her! ❤️

[@wildshadowstar]

She seems like a hoot to be around.

[@dameinbell3097]

unreal .. just downloaded a heap of Dionne this week coz someone stole my cds .. her version of ‘something always there to remind me’ absolutely rocks .. love you Dionne ❤️👍🏾

[@marym22]

That's so messed up what they did to her cover! I love how positive she's staying ❤❤❤ She's so beautiful and poised she reminds me of my grandma!

[@geridinewhite869]

Back in the day , it was an unjust ,and deceptive practice of putting a white group or person on the cover of black artists .

[@janices6140]

Legend Nina Simone gave the future legend sound advice. When you perform leave the stage so hot 🔥 that whoever performs after you has to tiptoe. Dionne has been burning down the stage ever since. Best wishes with your Vegas residency.

[@MrLadiesman216]

She was singing at the seven sea’s food festival at Seaworld orlando today,81& still going strong! 😁🇺🇸💃🏽🎤

[@xophere]

So nice to see such a lovely interview with an older woman. Thanks Steven. Very well done.

[@HappyLife693]

I admired Dionne Warwick when I was a child, her poise and her voice were incomparable.

[@thandie67]

Legend!

[@TheVelvetLoungeLife]

Dionne is a QUEEN 👑.

[@kpitt1204]

Auntie (in my head) Dionne is a riot. I could sit and listen to her tell stories all day long. I met her and her sister, Dee Dee at a Mary Wilson concert. They were so down to earth, kind and classy!!!

[@NewMessage]

Clearly, 'sultry' never fades away...

[@JazznRealHipHop]

She’s welcome to Sunday supper anytime. Legend.

[@bt60613]

I saw her show in Chicago just a few yrs ago in a smaller theater. It was my favorite show ever. Her voice was sublime and exceeded my expections. She interacted w the audience a lot- told a couple of Trump/Apprentice stories. I teared up a bit thinking how my parents always had Bacharach on when I was a kid. The fans there were multi-generational. If she's near you, treat yourself. She may not be able to work a cash register but she can work a stage for sure.

[@tokagekobushi]

"Where did they store you people". *sharp intake of breath* "Like, were the acts downstairs?" *relieved exhale*

[@valve6642]

I know he wanted to KICK himself. 🤣😄🤣

[@theronedawson3236]

She is a musical national treasure. Please dear Lord keep her in good health. I can't take another legend leaving us .

[@1fnfigi]

Oh the grand dame of music herself. ❤️

[@DelightLovesMovies]

she's awesome

[@dashlamb9318]

Super like! Have loved her music all my life, and still do at age 71, thank you.

[@iamwell5654]

Omg!! I love this legendary singer! I’m amazed and speechless! She. Looks. AWESOME!

[@diden3527]

Dionne is the benchmark for class, elegance and longevity.

[@ronp3000]

What an absolutely amazing woman and appearance. I love it!

[@photostrips]

A NATIONAL TREASURE! we gotta protect her and Stevie wonder at all costs they are the last of a certain generation of black music!!

[@marydonohoe8200]

She never changes!!! Just beautiful. Thanks for all the great music over the years. Saw you in Detroit about 1970, and the memory is still clear. 🎶🎶❤️💥

[@gregmiller9710]

what a great person & performer... i listen to her to this day...:)

[@johnedwardjones999]

Thank you and good wishes🌞 Dione.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Always been part of my musical life...Hundreds of hour of great listening and viewing...Saying a big pray for you.🙏.You are lookin extra fine too.👍👍

[@conradknight1181]

Absolutely love this woman, a walking living legend....😙

[@judithparsons1920]

“There you go...” Love her!! Brilliant!! Keep soaring and shining amazing soul!! Love love love you!

[@barbaramedlock4337]

she tells it like it is beautiful women heart and soul love u girl

[@rezadaneshi]

Oh wow, I’m old. To remember her and that was a long time ago

[@stefanossmitty3318]

I’m loving all this love Dionne has been getting lately!

[@lottietucker3082]

Here's a tip, watch the Dionne Warwick video for "walk on by", she has two versions of the video. Watch the one where she is in the front stoop of a building, not the one on the rooftop with the men. The stoop video is much better. Classic 60's.

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

What a Goddess. 💙💙💙💙

[@willmartinez5496]

The Original Queen of Pop.

[@h3artands0uLL]

Yesss Jon! Come throughhh with that intro for D! 🎵🎹🎼

[@slickjilly]

That family was full of talent.🙏🏼❤️

[@vercoda9997]

Love her, simply.

[@soundseeker63]

Talent by the bucket load, a career spanning decades, and a razor sharp wit to go with it. How can you not like her? Despite the recognition she gets, I still think she's somewhat under rated. Vocally she's definitely up there with Aretha, Mariah, Whitney, Celine etc.

[@villanessa]

"I ain't no white woman I'm black" 🖤🖤🖤

[@MetroSanto]

She’s the kind of legend I love - living! But not only living, full of life!

[@bigcatproductions2789]

Finally a Star I know and Greatness !

[@drwhatson]

'Walk On By' set me on the road to a lifelong love of Black American music that has stayed with me all of life, through thick and thin. God bless her for that.

[@tania2897]

That is the best advice, "Be who you be".

[@markpeter4304]

I first heard her music as a baby in my crib, floating into my subconscious mind...

[@skurlandaficionado]

Have always LOVED Dionne Warwick’s voice. Her discography contains some of the finest songs in popular music. Having Bacharach & David compose many of them especially for her speaks to her incredible talent and way with a lyric and melody. Very cool to see her resurgence and discovery by the younger generation. Her sound is and was always the definition of pure class. Never needed to belt like Aretha…her sound is too smooth for that. She’s deservedly synonymous with the late 60’s/early 70’s sophisticated pop sound.

[@singingmanmd]

Oh. Yes Ms. Dionne can be soft, but at the same second she is one hellava Belter too!! She is no joke when it comes to vocal versatility. Ms. Dionne can saaaaaangg it all!!

[@heroxzq1263]

Dionne belted like crazy back then too.

[@skurlandaficionado]

@@singingmanmd Oh, I don’t doubt that she can belt if she chooses…it’s just never been her signature vocal style, as opposed to Aretha, Patti, or even Whitney (who I believe is Dionne’s…niece?). They could all keep it on the chill side too, but imo, Dionne’s always had an extra bit of unexplainable cool about her voice. Just so many pairings of the perfect singer with the perfect song…even on non-Bacharach gems like Deja Vu.

[@catherinekasiewicz8683]

She has such a lovely voice 🥰

[@canadianhappyinitalytruest6556]

“Ok Auntie Dionne!”