At 82, Dionne Warwick remains busy with the musical instruments of youth

Clearwater, Fla. (AP) — With a stunning musical career already spanning decades, Dionne Warwick can’t be blamed for slowing down a bit at age 82. This cannot happen.

A soon-to-be-released duet with Grammy-winning, multi-million-selling singer Dolly Parton and a new Biographical Documentary Now streaming on HBO Max. That’s not all.

His latest project with music producer son Damon Elliott and others is an upcoming 50-city live touring show. “Hurt! Musical Instrument” With performers aged 10 to 22 years.

At a rehearsal space in Clearwater, Florida this week, it was time to hear the kids sing and dance, Warwick’s “Hits!” First chance to see. Revue in person. It will conclude in Asheville, North Carolina on February 23 and San Francisco on May 8.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Warwick said he didn’t hesitate when offered the chance to become the show’s executive producer.

“Anything related to children is an automatic yes for me,” says Warwick. “These children are amazing. They proved what music can do, bring joy, happiness, inspiration, power – just life, you know?”

Warwick said that the group was inspired by Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” to “Where’s the Love?” He had “an amazing experience” after seeing everything run through a high-energy medley. A mashup of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” by the Black-Eyed Peas.

“I’m really at a loss for words and I’m never at a loss for words,” Warwick said. “See such brilliance.”

One of the young 29-members, 15-year-old Matthew Jost, said he was thrilled to be a part of the show after playing guitarist Jack. “School of Rock” On Broadway. The show moves through key eras of music over three acts, from rock to pop to hip-hop.

“It’s just music that means so much to me. For this year, we’re all over the place,” Jost said, adding that he hopes the audience “just understands that we’re kids, we’re here and music brings people together.”

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Much credit goes to Warwick’s son Damon Elliott, who was nominated for an Academy Award this year along with songwriter Diane Warren for the song. “Applause” From the film “Tell It Like a Woman”. This pair has also teamed up in a song called “you will be” In the new “80 for Brady” movie.

“Mom and I, we don’t take anything, we don’t support much,” Elliott said in “Hit!” said in an interview about the show “But when it involves kids, as long as they’re really equal and they work hard and bring that energy, I’ll be behind it.”

Another executive producer is Thaddeus M. Bullard, a former college and professional football player known as WWE wrestling star Titus O’Neil, and CEO Bob Grice, a Tampa financier who previously owned two Florida Arena League football teams.

Warwick’s rehearsal for the show on Wednesday was one week in which he appeared Grammy AwardsPerformed at a MusiCares dinner Honoring Motown greats Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson And then flew to Nashville, Tennessee to shoot a video with Parton for their new tune.

The song “Peace Like a River” is set for release on February 24. Warwick says he’s known Parton for years but they haven’t recorded together.

“He sent me a song and decided he wanted me to sing with him,” said Warwick, who plans to record a gospel/inspirational album of his own in the coming months. “It’s so timely. This song fits perfectly into what I’m getting ready to do.”

These projects will only add to the 100 million records that Warwick has sold since his 1960s partnership with composer Burt Bacharach. who died this week at the age of 94 — and songwriter Hal David’s “Walk on By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” He gave hits like this. “Alfie,” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” He charted 56 singles.

All of this ground is covered in the new documentary, titled “Dionne Warwick: Don’t Get Me Over” which is streaming on HBO Max. It is full of musical titans discussing Warwick’s life and career. Warwick’s cousins ​​and a huge part of the family’s impressive musical heritage were a key part of Whitney Houston’s 2012 superstardom and death.

Back in Florida, “Hit!” At the end of a recent rehearsal gathered on stage to sing an a cappella version “That’s What Friends Are For” Warwick joined Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight in 1986 to promote AIDS research.

Warwick said he’s not at all ready to rest on his laurels.

“I have a good voice. I don’t take care of it, God does,” she said. “As long as the people want me to be there and they fill the seats I will continue. That’s all I can tell you.”