No ‘walking on by’ acclaimed Anderson Award winner

Dionne Warwick receives Marian Anderson Award

This year’s Marian Anderson Award was bestowed on a woman whose musical talents, name recognition and gracious attitude are not only legend but still garners her an audience of listeners that spans generations.

Dionne Warwick is the “real” thing … inside and out.

Held at the Kimmel Center, friends, admirers, colleagues and devotees of this classy lady turned out in force to fete not just her voice but her greater presence in the world of philanthropy now, which is “giving back.”

Raised in East Orange, N.J., Warwick was born into a musical family, where both of her parents were either out singing or promoting the talents of their brood. Though using her voice became her means of sustenance at a young age, it was getting to work with music gurus Burt Bacharach and Hal David that truly got her career charged.

Best known for her body of works, which began in the late 1960s, it was her first solo recording titled “Don’t Make Me Over” that catapulted her to an overwhelming success not only in the USA but ’round the world as well. Ironically, the title of the song was said to Bacharach and David in a fit of anger over how they were treating her success.

The evening seemed a fitting success in adhering to the principles that Anderson would have espoused. The noted contralto traveled far and wide over the course of 40 years not only because of her musical voice but also as a civil rights proclaimer.

Her persistence paid off. Eventually Anderson was awarded and rewarded with several medals of significance for all of her efforts. From the Grammy Lifetime Achievement to the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, the chanteuse’s voice is echoing the sounds of freedom throughout the globe.

Wynnewood denizens Ed Olney and Flavia Colgan partake in the cocktail hour before the program commences.

Sylvia and Tim Umbreit, of Chadds Ford, recollect the music of Dianne Warwick.

Headliner and award recipient Dionne Warwick, center, is joined by several members of her entourage

Patrick Plunkett and Miss Montco 2017 Shonda Goodwin, meet up with Kimmel Center President and CEO Anne Ewers and her spouse, Fred Hagen.

Charles and Susan Harper, of Villanova, spend time with event sponsor Josh Glacken, of Lancaster.

Moria and Daniel Baylson, of Penn Valley, and Irene Hannan, of Bryn Mawr, check out the “fourth” member of their tableau.

Pastry king Vincent Termini, of Philadelphia, engages with Julie and Brian Carter, of Haverford.

Mrs. Pennsylvania America Valerie Ross, of Oxford, and her spouse, Tommy, circulate at the “before” party for Dionne Warwick.

Headliner and award recipient Dionne Warwick, center, is joined by several members of her entourage

Patrick Plunkett and Miss Montco 2017 Shonda Goodwin, meet up with Kimmel Center President and CEO Anne Ewers and her spouse, Fred Hagen.

Strategic planning guru Joe Kluger, of Gladwyne, and his wife, Susan Lewis, are anxious to see headliner Dionne Warwick.

Dawn Iannozzi, of Collegeville, and husband Pete enjoy a cocktail hour before the ceremonies take place.

Steven and Cathy Gartner, of Penn Valley, arrive just in time for the curtain call.