Introduction
**Dionne Warwick is known worldwide as a six-time Grammy Award-winning singer, but her life offstage has been equally rich. Her greatest achievements are her roles as a devoted mother and a collaborative partner in music with her two sons, David and Damon.
At a Glance
- Dionne Warwick: six-time Grammy winner and mother of two.
- David (born Jan. 18, 1969) and Damon (born March 21, 1973) followed her into music.
- Both sons have earned Grammy nominations and an Academy Award nod.
- 2023 saw Damon win a Grammy and receive an Oscar nomination.
- Why it matters: Their family story showcases how legacy and talent can intertwine.
The Early Years of Family and Music
In 1969, after divorcing her first husband, Dionne married William Elliott, a fellow musician. Together they welcomed their first child, David Elliott, on Jan. 18, 1969 in Orange, N.J. Four years later, on March 21, 1973, they added Damon Elliott to their family.
Dionne balanced touring, studio sessions, and motherhood by making time for her sons’ childhoods. Damon recalls that his mother never missed a softball or tennis game, always present when he and his brother needed her.
> “Growing up, Mom never missed a softball game, never missed a tennis game… She was always there,” Damon said on the Jesus Calling podcast.
She also taught them to view her music as a living family. In 2018, she told The Sunday Post:
> “My songs are like my children and grandchildren… I love singing them at every concert… It is like seeing them pleased to see my family.”
David Elliott’s Quiet Rise Behind the Scenes
David’s entry into the music world began with his mother’s tours. He played drums in her band and opened for her with his solo act. Though he stayed largely out of the spotlight, his songwriting skills earned recognition.
- Co-writer of Luther Vandross’ 1989 hit “Here and Now” with Terry Steele.
- Earned a Grammy nomination for best rhythm and blues song.
Outside music, David is a family man. He has two daughters, one of whom, Cheyenne, is also a soul singer.
Damon Elliott: From Producer to Award-Winning Collaborator
Damon’s career mirrors his parents’ musical path but with a modern twist. He founded the Damon Elliott Music Group, Confidential Records, and Kind Music Group, working with high-profile artists such as Beyoncé and Pink.
His most recent accolades include:
- A Grammy win in 2023 for his contribution to White Sun’s “Mystic Mirror.”
- An Academy Award nomination the same year for the song “Applause,” featured in Tell It Like a Woman.
Damon also values family collaboration. Together with his mother, he produced the musical Hits: The Musical in 2023, a show that brought 29 performers-ages 10 to 22-to sing iconic pop songs, including several of Dionne’s own.
> “This show is crazy. I get to hear songs from entertainers who would be in my home… These songs are familiar to pop culture and have, for decades, resonated with millions of people,” Damon told The Tennessean.
When not working on music, Damon practices sound healing and shares inspirational messages on Instagram. He frequently praises his mother’s achievements, calling her a Kennedy Center honoree in 2023.
The Legacy They Share
Both sons have carved out distinct paths in music while maintaining a close bond with their mother. Their shared projects-whether touring together, co-producing shows, or simply celebrating each other’s milestones-highlight a family dynamic rooted in mutual respect and artistic passion.
Key Takeaways
- Dionne Warwick remains the central figure in a family where music and motherhood intersect.
- David’s songwriting and behind-the-scenes work earned a Grammy nod.
- Damon’s production and songwriting led to a Grammy win and an Oscar nomination in 2023.
- Their joint ventures, especially Hits: The Musical, demonstrate the power of collaboration across generations.
- The family’s story underscores how personal relationships can fuel professional success in the music industry.
Conclusion
Dionne Warwick’s life illustrates that a star’s greatest triumphs can be measured not only in awards but in the legacy she builds with her children. Their combined achievements-spanning songwriting, production, and live performance-continue to enrich the music world while honoring the family bond that started in the late 1960s.
