Dionne And Friends – That’s What Friends Are For: Lyrics and Music Video

"That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne and Friends—a collaboration between Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder—is an emotional ballad celebrating friendship, love, and support through life's challenges. Originally written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, the song became a massive hit and an anthem of camaraderie and care when released in 1985.

Key Details:

• Release Date: November 1985
• Album: Friends (Dionne Warwick)
• Writers: Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager
• Producer: Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach
• Genre: Pop, Soul, Adult Contemporary

Themes and Meaning:

• Friendship and Support: The song emphasizes the value of friends who stand by you in both good times and bad.

• Gratitude and Positivity: Its lyrics express appreciation for the people who make life’s journey more meaningful.

• Hope and Togetherness: Released during the height of the AIDS crisis, the song became a beacon of hope and unity.

Lyrics Overview:

The heartfelt chorus highlights the enduring strength of friendship:

• "Keep smiling, keep shining / Knowing you can always count on me, for sure / That's what friends are for."

The verses are equally moving, delivered with sincerity and warmth by the iconic vocalists.

Musical Style:

• Soulful and Elegant: The song blends pop and soul influences, with a piano-driven melody, soft percussion, and rich harmonies.

• Vocal Brilliance: Each artist brings their unique style, from Warwick’s soothing delivery to Elton John’s heartfelt warmth, Gladys Knight’s soulful power, and Stevie Wonder’s emotional harmonica.

Commercial Success:

• Chart Performance:

  • Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., where it stayed for four weeks.
  • Topped the Adult Contemporary and R&B charts.
  • Became a Top 10 hit in numerous countries worldwide.

• Awards and Accolades:

  • Won Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Song of the Year in 1987.
  • Raised millions for AIDS research and awareness.

Legacy and Reception:

• Critical Acclaim: Praised for its heartfelt message, stellar performances, and universal appeal.

• Charity Anthem: Its connection to AIDS awareness campaigns made it a cultural and philanthropic milestone.

• Timeless Appeal: It remains a go-to song for celebrating friendships and acts of kindness.

Cultural Impact:

• AIDS Awareness: Proceeds from the song went to the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), making it a significant contribution to AIDS advocacy.

• Pop Culture Presence: The song has been featured in films, TV shows, and events celebrating friendships and solidarity.

Fun Facts:

• Cover Origins: The song was originally recorded by Rod Stewart in 1982 for the film Night Shift, but Dionne and Friends’ version is the definitive rendition.

• First Collaboration: This was the first time these legendary artists collaborated on a single track.

• Harmonica Highlight: Stevie Wonder’s harmonica solo is one of the song’s most iconic elements.

In Summary:

"That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne and Friends is a timeless ballad that celebrates the power of friendship and solidarity. With its heartfelt lyrics, stunning vocal performances, and charitable legacy, the song transcends its era to remain a universal anthem of love and support. It’s not just a musical classic but a cultural symbol of hope and unity.