Singer Dionne Warwick was honored Tuesday night with an award named for a pioneering opera singer.
The Marian Anderson Award is given in Philadelphia to "critically acclaimed artists who have impacted society in a positive way." Anderson was the first black singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.
Warwick, a five-time Grammy winner, received the award at a star-studded ceremony and concert featuring Jerry Blavat, Darlene Love, Billy Davis, Jr. and others at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Center City.
Warwick, an East Orange, New Jersey, native, has had 18 consecutive top 100 singles, and 20 best-selling albums featuring her blend of pop, gospel and R & B.
She has supported many philanthropic campaigns through the years, including those battling AIDS and world hunger. She's also a champion of music education.
Previous winners of the Marian Anderson Award include singer Patti LaBelle, music producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and jazz great Wynton Marsalis.
