"That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick & Friends
"That's What Friends Are For" is a pop song composed by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. While originally recorded by The Stylistics in 1975 and later by Rod Stewart for the 1982 film Night Shift , the song is best known for the 1985 version performed by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder-collectively billed as "Dionne Warwick & Friends"
Purpose and Impact
- The 1985 recording was released as a charity single to raise funds for AIDS research and prevention.
- It became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks and ending as the top single of 1986 in the United States
- The single raised over $3 million for its cause and won Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Song of the Year
Lyrics (Excerpt)
Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
The song’s lyrics emphasize unwavering support, gratitude, and the enduring nature of true friendship, resonating with listeners as both a pop anthem and a message of hope and solidarity during the AIDS crisis
Chart Performance
Chart| Peak Position
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Billboard Hot 100 (US)| 1
Billboard Adult Contemporary| 1
Billboard Hot Black Singles| 1
Australia (Kent Music Report)| 1
Canada Top Singles (RPM)| 1
UK Singles Chart| 16
Legacy
"That's What Friends Are For" remains a defining collaboration in pop music history, celebrated for its heartfelt message and its significant charitable impact
