Dionne Warwick, one of the most iconic and successful vocalists in music history, is being celebrated like never before in a newly released, deluxe 12CD box set, Make It Easy On Yourself: The Scepter Recordings 1962-1971. This collection serves as a definitive tribute to the legendary six-time Grammy Award winner, who was recently inducted into the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For music lovers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the unparalleled voice and groundbreaking collaborations of a true music icon.
A Monumental Collection of Timeless Music
The box set is the first-ever comprehensive collection to chronicle the first decade of Warwick’s illustrious career, focusing on her collaborations with the celebrated songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Their partnership was integral to creating some of the most timeless pop and soul songs in music history, and this set highlights those era-defining tracks that made Warwick an international sensation.
Spanning 12 CDs, the collection includes an impressive 280 tracks, encompassing every original Scepter album and single release from 1962 to 1971. It also features over 60 rare bonus tracks, including 16 previously unreleased studio outtakes and live performances—totaling more than 14 hours of Dionne’s iconic vocals.
One of the standout features of the set is the exclusive bonus disc, ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE: LIVE & STUDIO GEMS FROM THE SCEPTER VAULTS, which includes a lost 1969 concert from Washington, D.C. that had never been heard before. For longtime fans and new listeners alike, this concert serves as an unforgettable window into the energy and talent that made Warwick one of the world’s most beloved entertainers.
Rediscovering Classic Hits and Unheard Gems
The box set also includes alternate takes of classic songs like “Don’t Say I Didn’t Tell You So,” “Who Gets the Guy,” “Walk the Way You Talk,” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Fans will be treated to a wealth of new material, including the official CD debut of the rare duet between Warwick and Leslie Uggams on Bacharach & David’s “Try to See It My Way,” as well as the soundtrack versions of Warwick’s songs from the film The Love Machine. These previously unreleased tracks and alternate versions provide a fresh perspective on Warwick’s artistry and vocal brilliance.
A Career That Redefined Popular Music
Dionne Warwick made history in the mid-1960s as the first Black female solo artist to break through internationally, particularly in the UK and Europe. Her elegant blend of pop and soul produced some of the most unforgettable songs of the era, including “Walk on By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Alfie,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.” Her unique vocal style and emotional depth set her apart and created a legacy that continues to resonate today.
Other key tracks featured in the box set include “Don’t Make Me Over,” which became a cornerstone of her career, as well as “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” which won her a Grammy. The set also includes “You’ll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart),” “Message To Michael,” “Promises, Promises,” and many more hits that solidified her as one of the most important voices in music history.
A Richly Detailed and Beautifully Presented Set
Make It Easy On Yourself is not only a musical treasure trove but also a beautifully designed package. The 64-page booklet that accompanies the set is a work of art in itself, offering an in-depth 12,000-word essay by Joe Marchese. Drawing on unpublished interviews with Dionne Warwick and the late Burt Bacharach, the essay delves into the heart of Warwick’s career and the lasting impact of her collaborations with Bacharach and David. The booklet also features a personal reflection from David Nathan, the British Ambassador of Soul, as well as an appreciation of Dionne’s groundbreaking gospel album The Magic of Believing by Tim Dillinger of God’s Music Is My Life.
The set’s production team, including executive producer David Nathan, producers Joe Marchese and Jim Pierson, designer John Sellards, and mastering engineer Nick Robbins, have worked meticulously to ensure the set is a high-quality presentation of Warwick’s music. With detailed discographical annotations for each track, the set offers fans a deeper understanding of her legacy.
The Ultimate Tribute to a Global Icon
As the 225th reissue from SoulMusic Records, Make It Easy On Yourself: The Scepter Recordings 1962-1971 completes the trilogy of box sets celebrating Dionne Warwick’s incredible recording career, alongside Sure Thing: The Warner Bros. Recordings 1972-1977 and Déjà Vu: The Arista Recordings 1979-1994.
This box set is the ultimate tribute to an artist whose influence on pop, soul, and popular music cannot be overstated. With full cooperation from Warwick herself, this collection captures the essence of her extraordinary career and serves as a fitting tribute to her legacy as a global music icon.
“I am so very thrilled about this wonderful collection of my recordings! It is truly something that I myself would buy,” said Dionne Warwick upon the release of the box set, further solidifying her deep connection to her remarkable body of work.
For collectors and music lovers, Make It Easy On Yourself: The Scepter Recordings 1962-1971 is a must-have, a fitting tribute to the legendary Dionne Warwick and her extraordinary contributions to the world of music.
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