Warm, welcoming Dionne Warwick

We’ve all heard of the legendary parties thrown by Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion and late Lakers owner Jerry Buss at Pickfair during the team’s Showtime era.

But I am most interested in soirees throw by my next guest on “Renaissance Man.” I asked iconic singer Dionne Warwick about her favorite places to let loose, expecting to hear about wild times at some over-the-top club.

“I invite my friends to party with me at my home,” she told me, adding that she never hit the club while on the road.

I immediately pictured an intimate gathering of friends, strong cocktails, witty conversation and older record equipment — like a component set — playing 45s from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

And I imagined Dionne hosting in a sequin dress she wore on a red carpet in the 1980s. After all, designer (and, ahem, Detroit native) Michael Travis made most of her gowns. He was the man responsible for Liberace’s flamboyant costumes, so we know she’s got some festive fashions in her wardrobe.

Dionne was born into a gospel singing family in East Orange, NJ. She started doing backing vocals for big acts like the Drifters and Ben E. King. That led to her own recording deal, and a career that has endured decades and throughout trends. Her secret is remaining true to herself.

“I like me. I find no reason to want to be like anybody other than me. I was told that at a very early age. You can’t be anybody but yourself. And I enjoy being myself,” she told me.

And what a life she’s led. She’s performed with all of the greats, including Elvis, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight. She’s lived through so much history and as a result is a walking book of wisdom.

She told me when she was called the “N-word,” her grandfather instructed her to use withering comebacks instead of resorting to physical fights. Going through something so demeaning can harden a person, and I appreciate that she didn’t allow that to happen. She’s as joyful as a human can be.