During her career, Warwick has won many awards, including six Grammy Awards. Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest U. She is the second-most charted female vocalist during the rock era — Dionne was named after her aunt on her mother's side. During one session, Warwick met Burt Bacharach , who hired her to record demos featuring songs written by him and lyricist Hal David. She later landed her own record deal.
Many members of Warwick's family were members of the Drinkard Singers , a family gospel group [ 11 ] and RCA recording artists who frequently performed throughout the New York metropolitan area. Marie instructed the group, and they were managed by Lee. Elvis Presley eventually expressed an interest in having them join his touring entourage. Other talented singers joined the Gospelaires from time-to-time, including Judy Clay , Cissy Houston mother of Whitney Houston , and Doris "Rikii" Troy , whose chart selection " Just One Look " when she recorded it in featured backing vocals from the Gospelaires.
After personnel changes Dionne and Doris left the group after achieving solo success , the Gospelaires became the recording group the Sweet Inspirations , and had some chart success, but were much sought-after as studio background singers.
Warwick recalled, in 's Biography , that "a man came running frantically backstage at the Apollo and said he needed background singers for a session for Sam "the Man" Taylor and old big-mouth here spoke up and said 'We'll do it! I wish I remembered the gentleman's name because he was responsible for the beginning of my professional career.
The chance encounter led to the group being asked to provide background vocals at recording sessions around New York. Soon, the group was in-demand for their harmonies among New York musicians and producers, after hearing their work with the Drifters, Ben E. Warwick's music work would continue while she pursued her studies at Hartt.
