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

[@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

[@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.

[@dondamon4669]

It's called miming

[@mic1240]

They had faster tempo to get into show segment, so she had to sing it more quickly than normal/written, of course did with ease.

[@lws7394]

That's probably also because Aretha's is more well known..

[@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 ... !!!

[@reprolover11]

Her breath control is insane

[@spidaman0112]

Truely

[@lucyfernandez8304]

@@spidaman0112 God is the Lord

[@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!

[@sylviaphillips8850]

Congratulations beautiful Dionne Warwick for being inducted in rock and roll Hall of fame tonight January 2025

[@judithtanduyan9686]

That's great.

[@MarkPickering-m1e]

I HAVE SPENT MOST OF MY ADULT LIFE LISTENING TO THIS DIVINE WOMAN. TONIGHT I SEE HER LAST CONCERT IN MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA AS PART OF HER LAST-TIME TOUR...THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR BLESSED VOICE!!!

[@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

[@thomasmagnum3588]

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

[@prestonburton8504]

Amen

[@alfredoe.laulopez4435]

I think so

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

I agree. A league of her own.

[@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!

[@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

[@truelies3690]

Ahh yes, the summer fall of 1967! 5¢ big Snickers candy bars, 10¢ Hostess fruit pies, 10¢ bags of Lays potato chips and Fritos corn chips. And an ice cold in the tall glass bottle of Coke or Pepsi out of the big soda machine that you pulled it out of by the long steel framed glass door for a measley 10¢ while listening to this brand new mega hit song playing out of the speakers at my local corner liquor store. A much better different time different music different styles different values different cars different people different era different country never to return again ever. Glad I lived it like 10's of millions of Americans alive then and now.

[@kingdoc3262]

@truelies3690 I can relate to the details of beautiful fond memories ❤ however I also recall the bad ones around me or elsewhere for others...these my friend multiplied. Today's problems are from what WE ignored yesterday 🙃

[@shooshenchula692]

Love that 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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 💙💙💙

[@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!!❤

[@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!!

[@georgemusic4all4seasons]

Nothing like a classy lady singing a beautiful song.

[@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

[@dbass9767]

Her and Burt Bacharach pure magic,

[@chipps1066]

Without a doubt!

[@davidownbey533]

And Hal David.

[@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…

[@joedeech7679]

Masterful performance

[@VickySwindoll]

The one and only Dionne Warwick ❤

[@dennismclaurin1487]

What a classy, talented singer ❤❤❤

[@Dean-hy8zb]

The best thing about this is that it’s live, and sounds as good as it was done in the studio. Can’t get that same level of talent today. Sad.

[@FromMyEyesToYours]

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

[@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.

[@cherylthompson2731]

Beautiful song ❤

[@ouelletski]

She's beautiful 😍

[@robertboone2691]

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

[@themotownboy1]

She did it with such class!

[@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!

[@Playbyplaymedia]

Dionne Warwick sure could work those Bacharach and David compositions.

[@darthgrundle2349]

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

[@KCNwokoye]

Such a unique and elegant style. Effortless singing.

[@DetroitLives313]

The greatest in my opinion! Dionne!

[@singingmanmd]

Mine too!!

[@karenmushatt3225]

I agree 💯 percent

[@jlouis4407]

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

[@sambarreto9639]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@728huey]

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

[@brisrecords8663]

This is truly a Masterpiece by Dionne Warwick.

[@jimvinespresents...8463]

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

[@VitalityMassage]

She was a goddess.

[@petervitti9]

Dion is still such a beautiful woman.

[@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

[@TyMcLemore]

Her light, angelic voice and those horns set a mood where life is wonderful and achieving ANY dream is possible!!

[@haimbenavraham1502]

Made in heaven, delivered to earth.

[@bernadettepesce773]

Dionne Warwick has such a beautiful voice. I love the effortless way she sings. And she's such a class act.

[@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.

[@cptkangaroo]

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

[@MJones-hi9cr]

do I love her? way too much . . .

[@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.

[@TorToroPorco]

Even after all this time this is soooo hip and stylish. The music and vocals are timeless.

[@sammyadda]

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

[@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 !!

[@bennyadler5882]

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

[@persistence_of_vision]

No lip synch here. Talent.

[@GrowingGoodHair]

What a stunner!

[@DavidJohnson-yq4nz]

Oh the smashing girl ❤

[@ramario6195]

My god I love it 😀

[@ebony5766]

My God, she is amazing....

[@ifallthingsmatter]

Classy, beautiful and talented.

[@scottandersen420]

When I was a 14 ears old this was the most beautiful black women I had ever seen. Pure talent.

[@andydremeaux7201]

Absolutely killing it. Go Diana and RIP Burt.

[@raymondst.pierre4372]

I agree..totally.

[@michaelgc3050]

Dionne *

[@llroman7823]

Damn! The song is flying so fast (probably so they could fit in more commercials) and Dionne delivered the goods none the less. Masterful vocal performance by Dionne in her PRIME. She had to know she was really having a moment here.

[@Hurtcules]

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

[@walterbelcourt7504]

Saw her in Edmonton on 80's effortless, so professional. That beautiful voice can sing Anything, we really enjoyed the evening ❤❤❤🎉

[@cgpapineau]

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

[@MrMjp58]

She exudes cool, style and class.

[@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.

[@Sportsandentertainment-kj4cc]

i like the tone, genuiness and simplicity of this version

[@santiagorios2156]

Love That song 😊❤ 2025

[@jamessharp9790]

American Legend!!

[@ecolivec3543]

The Queen!

[@GoodMrDawes]

The One and Only

[@MotshabatlalaRamokgopa]

This sounds so elegant and expensive... I absolutely love it

[@roxannematthews2954]

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

[@annvroom5539]

Warwick + Bacharach + Davis = ultimate in chic cool!! 🙂

[@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.

[@Lessontobe]

The most underate singer of her time!

[@solargeknowles4354]

The FIRST GLOBAL POP STAR!!

[@texasstardust6010]

....Her singing is effortless, and this might not be an easy Song to sing, with the ' skips ' in the vocal line, and the Meters, and the tempo... Miss Dionne was just class, ..a beautiful voice, and she had that ' something unique ' about her. ... no surprise that the late Burt Bacharach saw that in her.

[@guyanthony5599]

The end credit music can make me teary eyed every single time

[@youfeelgreattoday]

Harmonizing with the horn solo?? I'm in love.

[@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! :-)

[@lucguenette7534]

i feel not too many performances could be more perfect than this; just saying,Luc.................thanx Dionne

[@singingmanmd]

U are right

[@djo1986]

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

[@HellcatMad]

Awesomeness

[@Fan4cal]

RIP Burt. You had a great muse in Dionne.

[@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

[@mga2899]

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

[@titiagudo7479]

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

[@randolphpatterson5061]

I stand in awe at the spectacle of her greatness.

[@judeopaolo3024]

How beautiful 😻, natural and sweet heart ❤️ are those women of this period of time….!

[@Somebody-xl1ym]

Her voice is like a sweet dream.