A Song Born from Empathy and Pain
Some songs are not made for charts—they’re made to heal. “That’s What Friends Are For” is one of them. In 1985, Dionne Warwick gathered three close friends—Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight—to re-record the song as a charity single for AIDS research. What began as a soft pop ballad turned into an anthem of hope and humanity.
From a Forgotten Movie Tune to a Global Anthem
Few know that “That’s What Friends Are For” was originally written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager in 1982 and first performed by Rod Stewart for the film Night Shift. Though pleasant, it went largely unnoticed—until Dionne, Bacharach’s longtime collaborator, decided to revive it with her friends.
A Recording Full of Heart
Recorded in just two days in Hollywood, the session was simple but heartfelt. Elton John played piano, Stevie Wonder added his harmonica magic, and Gladys Knight harmonized with Dionne’s warm voice. The moment Dionne sang the opening line—“And I never thought I’d feel this way…”—the room fell silent. They knew it was something special.
Music That Moved the World
Released in late 1985, the song soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, winning two Grammy Awards (Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group). All proceeds went to the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), making it one of the most successful charity singles in history.
Dionne later said:
“I wanted people to understand that with friends, there is hope.”
What made the song timeless was not its melody, but its heart. It reminded the world that friendship is not only about joy—but about standing beside one another when the world turns dark.
A Legacy of Kindness and Unity
Nearly 40 years later, “That’s What Friends Are For” continues to play at charity events, memorials, and concerts. It remains more than a song—it’s a reminder that compassion can be the greatest chorus of all.
🎵 Listen:
📜 Lyrics: