Legendary music icon Dionne Warwick has unequivocally stated her stance against using artificial intelligence (AI) in music, even for the purpose of dueting with late friends and fellow music legends like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. The 82-year-old singer firmly expressed her reluctance to engage with new technologies that aim to resurrect voices from the past for new musical compositions.
This statement from Dionne Warwick follows recent news of Paul McCartney’s promise to create what he termed as “the final Beatles record.” McCartney revealed that AI technology had been employed to extract John Lennon’s vocals from a 1978 demo, allowing him to complete the song. This AI-enhanced Beatles track is slated for release later this year.
When questioned about her willingness to use AI technologies to collaborate with her late friends, Dionne Warwick provided a straightforward response: “No. I wouldn’t.” Her unequivocal rejection of AI in music underscores her commitment to preserving the authenticity of her artistry and the memory of her friends.
Dionne Warwick went on to acknowledge the notable example of AI technology in music when Natalie Cole’s voice was seamlessly paired with her late father’s, Nat King Cole, for a duet. However, when asked about the upcoming computerized Beatles hit, she appeared to cast doubt on the project, remarking that nothing has surpassed the quality of the Natalie Cole collaboration.
Shifting the conversation to her ongoing professional endeavors, Dionne Warwick discussed her recently released biography titled “Don’t Make Me Over.” The biography, which was initially featured on CNN, received widespread acclaim, winning numerous awards at film festivals. Dionne expressed her contentment with the biography’s reception and hinted at the possibility of a film adaptation, while also emphasizing the importance of setting the record straight about her life and career.
Dionne Warwick also opened up about her upcoming honor at the Kennedy Center, acknowledging that it might be considered long overdue after six decades of musical contributions. She reflected on the timing of such honors, stating, “It happens when it’s supposed to.”
The conversation concluded on a personal note as Dionne Warwick shared a childhood memory: her mother recognizing her innate singing talent when she was just eight or nine years old. According to Warwick, her mother’s affirmation that she “came out singing” set the stage for her lifelong musical journey.
In an era where AI increasingly blurs the line between past and present in music, Dionne Warwick’s unwavering commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity is a testament to her enduring legacy in the industry.
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Written by
Derek Chan – Editor
