Dionne Warwick "I Say A Little Prayer" on The Ed Sullivan Show

Dionne Warwick "I Say A Little Prayer" was performed on The Ed Sullivan Show on January 7, 1968. Subscribe now to never miss an update: ume.lnk.to/EdS...
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The Ed Sullivan Show was a television variety program that aired on CBS from 1948-1971. For 23 years it aired every Sunday night and played host to the world's greatest talents. The Ed Sullivan Show is well known for bringing rock n' roll music to the forefront of American culture through acts like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. The entertainers each week ranged from comedians like Joan Rivers and Rodney Dangerfield, to Broadway stars Julie Andrews and Richard Burton, to pop singers such as Bobby Darin and Petula Clark. It also frequently featured stars of Motown such as The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5. The Ed Sullivan Show was one of the only places on American television where such a wide variety of popular culture was showcased and its legacy lives on to this day.
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#DionneWarwick #ISayALittlePrayer #EdSullivanShow #EdSullivan

[@llroman7823]

I ain't lying, this is breakneck speed. They are flying through this song that is very difficult to sing when done at the original recording's speed. She sings it and makes it look easy. Try to sing along with her, I dare you. lol. How she is still able to sing it this fast with such feeling is beyond me.

[@waynej2608]

That's because she's Dionne Warwick! 👍🩵

[@llroman7823]

@@waynej2608 The sweetness of Dionne's vocal also makes her a jewel.

[@SomeoneHasToSayIt2525]

This song was written in the height of the Viet Nam war addressing the thoughts of a woman who’s love was over seas at war. She’s singing her sorrow and missing her loved one and says little prayers throughout the day longing for his return. “I’m in love with you...answer my prayer...”. ie; come home safely. A timeless classic sung with seemingly effortless mastery.

[@johnnyhmash]

Never knew dat.! Prefer Aretha Franklin's but it's definitely a good version and probably the orig.Something about DWs delivery makes it her own.

[@mercedeswilkins5566]

Yes

[@johnnyhmash]

In short,Franklyn's is genius level drama whereas Warwick's is pure cabaret.

[@gilleschercuitte4255]

For this style of song Warwick’s version is far superior to Franklin’s. You don’t do the song justice when you over sing it which for Franklin there is no other way. Although Franklin and someone like Houston had great voices, they weren’t great singers but they were perfect for the American audience which aren’t fans of subtle or progressive emotional content. They either whisper or belt it out. No in between for them. Warwick however have a very melodic approach and conveys a larger range of emotions in her singing as a singer should. Glen Campbell has the same style and is a good singer even though he doesn’t have a great voice. A singer can’t sing everything, they have to sing to their strengths. The belt it out no matter the content style of singing seems to be an American favourite.

[@k.h.6288]

@@gilleschercuitte4255 I gotta disagree on “Aretha and Whitney were bad singers” but to each their own

[@muslit]

This song is not easy to sing, due to the skips in the vocal line and the changing meters. Of course, Warwick does it all effortlessly, in addition to her impeccable intonation.

[@lovebug3078]

She's knows what she's doing!! The real deal!!

[@dawnanngallagher8495]

I don’t know understand what you said but I know Dione Warwick is an amazing singer who stands the test of time. Her voice is amazing. No auto tune necessary or lip syncing. In her day you had to be able to sing. What a beautiful voice. Cheers!

[@StvRdhll]

Her octave intervals are stunning… especially at that upbeat tempo!

[@prestonburton8504]

i wish i knew more about music and chord structure - i've learned about meters but simply haven't grasped the nuances -except that i know she is one of a kind

[@chrisware6324]

Off the hook vocal performance and the very height of the Bacharach-David team’s songwriting output. Unbeatable!

[@thomasmagnum3588]

There is only one Dionne Warwick. A true national Treasure.

[@prestonburton8504]

Amen

[@alfredoe.laulopez4435]

I think so

[@reprolover11]

Her breath control is insane

[@spidaman0112]

Truely

[@lucyfernandez8304]

@@spidaman0112 God is the Lord

[@curtis2299]

There’s not one singer ever born that sounds like Dionne Warwick. A complete original. Light as a feather but full of body. She could handle anything Burt and Hal threw her way. A melody machine.

[@wa1ufo]

Certainly not a machine! A melodic SOUL!

[@ZZSmithReal]

I agree, but take a listen to Polly Brown of Pickettywitch. Especially "Baby I won't let you down"

[@curtis2299]

@@ZZSmithReal Will do!

[@greggb1416]

“lite as a feather, but full of body”. Wheeeew…, nicely put sir.

[@bantorio6525]

💙💙💙 ... beautifully said ... !!!

[@nancygiorlando4059]

I’ve always loved Dione Warwick’s voice and her easy delivery of a song. She makes it seem so effortless. ❤️

[@scottmiller6495]

The best part is it's a real live performance!!!!!

[@drollopes6412]

❤

[@michaelfisher1537]

With tons of prep

[@imar3248]

“Effortless” is the best description of Dionne’s delivery❤️

[@joeschsuster4804]

I have a greatest hits CD of her

[@RJSKYWALKER]

The musical marriage of Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach was perfect. Her voice adds a refinement and sophistication to Bacharach's compositions that is unsurpassed.

[@moemcgovern7345]

Burt Bacharach was Brilliant! Great music!

[@DrJudithLHatch]

@RJSKYWALKER . I couldn't have expressed it better. Succinct.

[@lovebug3078]

Amen!! Pure magic!!

[@DarleneKirk-dd9wc]

Don't forget Hal David wrote the wonderful lyrics!

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

@@DarleneKirk-dd9wc It's the voice, the music she could have sung the alphabet.

[@theman2017inc]

Whether you prefer this rendition or the version by the late Queen of Soul Miss Aretha Franklin, is personal preference. But there can be no argument that the man who wrote/ composed Mr Burt Bacharach was a GENIUS. on hearing the news of the passing of Mr Bacharach, (BBC News) May He Rest In Peace!

[@god-son-love]

Oh how can you not love her. Man she's gifted.

[@jlouis4407]

Total class

[@Ann-qp3vc]

Beautiful, graceful, lovely

[@dennismclaurin1487]

Love her voice and singing style

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

She also seemed to be a nice person in real life.

[@darthgrundle2349]

Beautiful song during a dark time. My best friend growing up, his older brother never came back.

[@davisworth5114]

I remember watching this with my mom one week before I left for Vietnam. Still brings back memories from that time, I play a lot of her songs on piano, Dionne, Burt, and Hal David are national treasures.

[@Hibiscus123]

Glad you made it home

[@pwatson5766]

​​​@@Hibiscus123 Me too! Especially when so many others didn't. Welcome home, Davis, 48 yrs later!

[@JTAEKOOK4EVRR]

God is good glad you survived

[@FirstLast-dy4gt]

What a bookmark in your history

[@sunnydaysatl]

Thank u for ur service.

[@georgemusic4all4seasons]

Nothing like a classy lady singing a beautiful song.

[@scottmiller6495]

This was a wonderful live performance by a very classy and beautiful lady !!!!!

[@SuperQuackduck]

Totally lip synch Ed. Where’s the microphone!

[@dangreenfield8384]

@@SuperQuackduck Above her. All the Ed Sullivan live performances used boom mics just out of camera range.

[@MrGetoDac]

@@SuperQuackduck Dionne lip synch ing? hahahahhaha nice joke

[@robertboone2691]

Subtle stylish embellishments and accents here and there, but she never butchers the melody or deviates from it like too many modern singers.

[@vladimirputindreadlockrast812]

My love for Dionne Warwick brought me here.

[@dennismclaurin1487]

I hear you

[@MichaelLGormleyMYKLMUSIC]

Yes, yes, yes. I just heard this while eating breakfast in Burger King. I rarely eat out at all. I came here after that. How lucky am I. I love this performance. I saw Dionne Warwick sing this on Ed Sullivan way back then.

[@sigfridomosso7291]

This song is so old... and still so beautiful. Dionne is by far the best diva of all time

[@lovebug3078]

I agree! Dionne is one of the best!! Burt saw that she had it!!

[@yotubemass]

How refreshing to see an American performer with real teeth.

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

Always loved her overbite...

[@bryanalstoncoxing]

These are actually veneers/caps they put on top of her real teeth that were crooked

[@sincitygiggles13]

Liquid Gold she is!!! I'm slain in the spirit listening to her!!! Sweet Jesus!❤️

[@dennismclaurin1487]

You said that right

[@weskitten]

Saw DW in Oct '99: sultry, smooth, seductive, beautifully attired.

[@bennyadler5882]

Vocal control, lovely, voluptuous, cheery image, charisma, poise, talent, gospel training under two of the finest singers ever, her mother Lee and auntie Cissy Houston with competition from Dee Dee to be the best. Never be another. I could listen to her 1000x over and never tire of this beautiful gift from God.

[@donovanrobinson1843]

I think having deedee and cissy to sing with made her such strong singer. Despite what people believe dionnes voice was very flexible and adapting. She could be breathy and fragile but also strong and powerful. And dont forget she had a range to die for velvety low notes and stratospheric high notes in her prime

[@athenahonduras1102]

You said it all!!❤

[@michaelcornett444]

It took Burt's death to make me realize just how fabulous Dionne Warwick is. All my life she's always been around, and I took her granted. Watching her do these old Bacharach/David songs makes me realize she is an incredible songstress. As others have said, she's so effortless, she makes it look easy. Lighter than air but full of meaning and skill.

[@KathrynRosa]

Hello

[@Trilla1722]

Hello

[@kingdoc3262]

She turns on the am radio in the kitchen in the morning. And we all enjoy the often familiar voice of Dionne Warwick. Mom is long gone but memories of both are fond. 1960s

[@joansouthworth8847]

No one else can match Dionne's TRUE from-the-soul expressions of Burt's brilliant uplifting contemporary compositions and arrangements. Truly THE most influential 'perfect' musical team in the recording industry...to date!

[@unreliablenarrator6649]

At an accelerated pace to fit the time slot, her phrasing is perfect. Amazing singer.

[@JonLindley]

I don’t notice the pace being adjusted… what, was the plate juggling midget next and Ed said make it quick…

[@dbass9767]

Her and Burt Bacharach pure magic,

[@chipps1066]

Without a doubt!

[@Just-Princess]

She was obviously only a little baby girl but it's SO clear that Whitney really paid attention to and spent a lot of time around Dionne as a young girl. From the way she moves her hands to her bow at the end (which became her signature pose upon ending a song/concert) Whitney really patterned herself after Dionne in many ways, which is adorable.

[@pickleman5041]

Yeah well, Whitney was definitely the looker in that family.

[@mariahyohannes]

@@pickleman5041 Dionne is beautiful as well, what's your point pickle man?

[@OCKMEER]

@@mariahyohannes DIONNE IS BEAUTIFUL...........

[@rmonson5002]

@@mariahyohannes "pickle man" 🤣🤣🤣

[@divingchicago]

Whitney's mom, Dionne's sister is a helluva singer. Whitney probably sang after her mother since she heard her sing everyday.

[@themotownboy1]

She did it with such class!

[@teddyrailroad]

good ole days

[@knoxfamily150]

What an Era

[@jlouis4407]

Impeccable timing this can’t be an easy song to sing

[@Playbyplaymedia]

Dionne Warwick sure could work those Bacharach and David compositions.

[@FromMyEyesToYours]

Every era has its icons, and you're looking at one.

[@lucierthewhiteswan]

Her version, which is the original, and Aretha Franklin's are the most beautiful!! 💖💕♥️

[@terencejackson338]

Dionne is amazing. I love how she always comes from the shadows and knows exactly where to stand while on stage. Her presence in her lovely necklace with her initials is so elegant and regal.

[@SomeoneHasToSayIt2525]

Unfortunately that signature DW diamond necklace that Dionne wore for decades and tens of thousands of dollars worth of other stunning jewelry (like the huge diamond and emerald rings she wore on the Heartbreaker album) were stolen from her home in Bahia, Brazil. As I understand it Dionne’s brother was tied to a chair during the invasion. Gold records stolen too. So sad. She loves Brazil so much.

[@wendyparsons7707]

When I watched this video I loved it! It is so sad because I think her niece Whitney Houston would have carried on her legacy.

[@VILJL]

Dionne Warwick is celebrating her 81 birthday today, December 12, 2021 She was born in Orange, New Jersey on December 12, 1940. She is an American singer, television host, and former Goodwill Ambassador for the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest US hit makers between 1955 and 1999, based on her chart history on Billboard's Hot 100 pop singles chart. She is one of the most-charted female vocalists of all time, with 56 of her singles making the Hot 100 between 1962 and 1998 (12 of them Top Ten), and 80 singles in total - either solo or collaboratively - making the Hot 100, R&B and/or adult contemporary charts

[@DavidRichardson95]

Dionne looked beautiful here. 27 years old and she was in the prime of her career. It's no wonder why Whitney got into the business. #RIPWhitney

[@rociocanelacastillo]

Agree! She does look beautiful. 🥰

[@1ddedde]

Same age Whit was when she did the Star Spangled Banner 💙💙💙

[@MGEriks858]

She's a black godess and beauty to me, I'm a native swede and this lady to me is a legend and her ancestors❤

[@buddydog1956]

Right, she was a damn good lookn' black gal ~ great singer too!

[@peterbulloch4328]

Her voice takes me to another place, I simply love watching and listening to her perform.

[@SuperQuackduck]

Totally lip synch Ed. Where’s the microphone!

[@CHPYXO]

@@SuperQuackduckyou're a mor0n, singers were taught to project their voice without a microphone.

[@bennyadler5882]

May her dear friends lyricist Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach forever rest in peace.

[@persistence_of_vision]

No lip synch here. Talent.

[@glenng7085]

This song, her special voice... WOW! I was 8-9 years old when this song was playing in the top 40 on the radio... Brought back some good memories!

[@LMDinNC]

Same, this song was beloved by everyone and is part of the backdrop of my childhood.

[@728huey]

RIP Burt Bacharach. One of the most important composers of pop music along with his writing partner Hal David.

[@princessaurelio116]

this song reminds me of my mother. we'd be dancing and singing together. she's still back home while I'm here. two oceans and 2 continents away.

[@DetroitLives313]

The greatest in my opinion! Dionne!

[@singingmanmd]

Mine too!!

[@karenmushatt3225]

I agree 💯 percent

[@charlespapineau5428]

Total class. Great voice. Iconic and timeless song. RIP Burt Bacharach.

[@dalgguitars]

Dionne or Aretha? Who did it better? What a great time in music to have such a choice of talent on the radio. I'm so glad I got to hear both.

[@brisrecords8663]

This is truly a Masterpiece by Dionne Warwick.

[@dawnanngallagher8495]

Dione Warwick is a class act! Always. Dione deserved her Kennedy Center Award. I remember this song from the 1970’s when it played in some of the bars and restaurants my mom went to and I went with her at times if no babysitter was available. I see why this song is still in many movies. Dione didn’t have auto tune, lip sync, etc, she just sang.

[@michaeljacobs2954]

Burt Bacharach's odd time signatures may originate with his love for jazz. In his younger days he got into New York jazz clubs with a fake ID to see Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie etc. It had a big impact on him.

[@tmcmurra63]

She was so beautiful.

[@sambarreto9639]

Thank God for Ed Sullivan who always stood up to any challenge to bring forth the Best of The Best.

[@johnkramer7018]

I like how Dionne Warwick. It sounded soothing and dainty. The way she sang it had a relaxing feel for it. No one can sing it like her. She had a lot of momentum in her way of singing it. She had a real soft touch to it. Aretha Franklin's version of of was to hard and rough when she sang it. Dione Warwick's version of it was very serine.

[@jlouis4407]

I prefer Dionne's as well

[@annvroom5539]

What voice - what a brilliantly beautiful talent using that god-given instrument - smooth, bright, nuanced, perfectly timed, gorgeously lyrical - ah, Dionne Warwick, the real deal and the whole package - thx for posting! :-)

[@richardlundberg1296]

I was 11. I’m 64 now and still love this song and singer. My sisters always had a bunch of 45’s they would play. That was my introduction to music.

[@Hurtcules]

Burts gone. But his and Hals music performed by Dionne is still magical.

[@djo1986]

Classy, simple, beautiful and voice pureness of clean clear soulful sound. Such a lady and still so to this day.

[@theprince_jay]

My god if Whitney was still alive and doing well she could of easily played her cousin Dionne in a movie!!! She resembles Dionnes looks and voice more then she does her own mother!! This could of been Whitney’s “Lady sings the blues” moment🥺 I miss her so much if you guys listen to Whitney sing this song in 1997 in the beginning when she says “The Moment I wake up” they sound just alike

[@sammyadda]

She is so mesmerizing to watch and hear. Perfectly elegant and timeless.

[@jimvinespresents...8463]

The great music of Burt Bacharach, the lyrics of Hal David, and the sublime performance of Dionne Warwick -- priceless. Love it!

[@dwaynewayne7368]

The way she hit that first note “the Moment I wake up” … I was all in! Such a rare talent thanks for this post !!

[@petervitti9]

Dion is still such a beautiful woman.

[@Vivrant__Thang]

The first pop star.

[@Trust_No_One_0316]

This seems extremely hard to sing and Dionne Warrick killed it!

[@roxannematthews2954]

Goddess! RIP Burt Bacharach. Legend, thank you for ALL the great songs. ❤

[@cptkangaroo]

Insane articulation…..she makes Bacharach’s complex rhythm patterns seem easy-breezy. Legend

[@tomlovejoy2141]

She’s amazing

[@Mike-yg8ig]

Gorgeous woman. So talented, her timbre just resonates with me like no other. Dionne Warwick was the soundtrack of our lives in the 60's. Can't imagine life without her.

[@KCNwokoye]

Such a unique and elegant style. Effortless singing.

[@ebony5766]

My God, she is amazing....

[@rociocanelacastillo]

This song is soulful and tender because of Dionne's beautiful voice. Things are not always good for me but hearing this song makes me remember those who love me. And then I feel so much better. My mom & aunt played this a lot on their CD and record player so in a way when I hear this it reminds me of when I was little even though I was born not so long ago.

[@kikilani]

Too smooth. 💜

[@jamessharp9790]

American Legend!!

[@lisamareeaccary5132]

She sings so effortlessly ❤❤

[@edgarmorales5363]

Exelente melodía , estilo y muy aparte de manera personal al verla cantar así con una naturalidad pura me hace recordar a nuestra morena de oro del Perú , Lucha reyes q en ritmo de música criolla , oírla interpretar en su estilo era qedar así prendado de ese sentimiento , voz , e interpretación q hasta la fecha nadie con todo respeto puede superar ...gracias Dionne , serás inolvidable como nuestra Lucha Reyes

[@iss_iam809]

There is a cleanliness and purity to her sound that I have not heard from anyone else outside of Whitney. It's very captivating.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

@iss_iam809. How about the purity of sound and superb enunciation by the late and greatly missed Karen Carpenter and Judy Garland!

[@iss_iam809]

@@michaelbarlow6610 how could I forget? I do agree.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

@@iss_iam809 Yet another female singer who comes to mind who has a purity of sound and superb enunciation is Marilyn McCoo. I absolutely love the songs she sang with The Fifth Dimension including, "Up, Up And Away", "Aquarius", "Last Night (I Didn't Get To Sleep At All)" and "One Less Bell To Answer"!

[@iss_iam809]

@@michaelbarlow6610 im not familiar with Marilyn. I'll have to check her out

[@herveletexier5775]

un charme fou et, ❤un sourire et une voix magnifique.💋

[@haimbenavraham1502]

Made in heaven, delivered to earth.

[@mga2899]

The perfect voice for a.m. radio. Flawless diction and effortless chord transition.

[@jwick1215]

I fell in love with her the first time i saw her on a album cover in my parents home and i wasn't even a teenager so when i heard her voice i was hooked. Beautiful!!!

[@imandoce4246]

La mejor cantante de los Estados Unidos, una voz melodiosa y llena de matices.

[@andydremeaux7201]

Absolutely killing it. Go Diana and RIP Burt.

[@raymondst.pierre4372]

I agree..totally.

[@michaelgc3050]

Dionne *

[@VitalityMassage]

She was a goddess.

[@GrowingGoodHair]

What a stunner!

[@amparocribas7792]

So fast, but so coordinated! Such a cool 😎 interpretation ❤

[@italoman9]

I remember my mom and me in our kitchen during the summer with old box-type portable record player in middle of table and this song and Dionne’s album playing, a memory that just sticks with me-and Dionne was one of the many artists’ music always playing in my house as a little kid in the 1960s and ‘70s. 😍

[@michellerjackson5776]

What a beautiful memory! ME TOO@ italoman 9

[@DCGuy1997]

Great performance! The orchestra makes it work w/out backup singers. And I love backup singers they often make a song.

[@SuperQuackduck]

Totally lip synch Ed. Where’s the microphone!

[@DCGuy1997]

@@SuperQuackduck Boom microphone. It's an overhead microphone not visible on camera. Google it. You can find wide shots of the Sullivan stage and see them just above the performers. But a lot of times Sullivan had artists pre-record a special track to make the performance look live. However, I feel this is actually live based on her little "ahh" after "meeee" here: 01:32

[@SuperQuackduck]

@@DCGuy1997 Thank you!

[@user-rf9yg7ps3d]

A LIVING LEGEND!!! One Love forever!!

[@DJgroupmath]

Auntie Dionne is just such a captivating presence!

[@gildaseo]

Não digam para ninguém que prefiro a DIONE cantando essa música que a ARETHA.❤

[@DCGuy1997]

So classy. It's fun to watch these Sullivan shows as most performers dressed elegantly during that time.

[@Dan-vt3nk]

Awesome!

[@ifallthingsmatter]

Classy, beautiful and talented.

[@user-kc8my9vm6y]

That’s as good as it gets !

[@ouelletski]

She's beautiful 😍

[@mv11000]

Ella, Dionne, Aretha, my all-time favorites

[@titiagudo7479]

The Beeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssst, Women ! With Beeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssst Song, for Eternity ! ❤❤

[@knoxfamily150]

Best music ever

[@kimmy1984]

I love the way she sings this song❤

[@alecdeull8487]

magical then and now, and sounds fantastic when she sings in 2023!

[@zenmasterx]

Amazing vocal ability and feeling. Great orchestra. They all caputure the spirit of the song, and so good they sound pre-recorded.