Music Awards

“That’s What Friends Are For” – Grammy Covers

randydafoe17 Comments

“That’s What Friends Are For” by Rod Stewart, released in 1982 on the album Night Shift

“That’s What Friends Are For” would win the Song of the Year Grammy in 1987. Written by the powerhouse couple of Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. The two had worked on “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” by Christopher Cross, “Heartlight” by Neil Diamond and later “On My Own” by Patti La Belle and Michael McDonald, among several other songs.

“That’s What Friends Are For” was first covered by Carle Wooley and The Groove Masters, meanwhile the songwriters had been working with Dionne Warwick to record it. It went from a solo effort to a duet with Stevie to adding Gladys Knight and finally Elton John. All four parts were recorded separately.

The suggestion to have it used as a charity fundraiser for AIDS was made by Elizabeth Taylor, a well-known advocate for the cause. The generous gesture by Dionne, Carole and Burt saw the record raise some 3 million dollars. As a single it was #1 on the R&B, Adult Contemporary and the Hot 100 in the US. It was also #1 in Australia and Canada and numerous high chart placements worldwide.

“That’s What Friends Are For” by Dione Warwick & Friends, those being Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder (1985).

17 thoughts on ““That’s What Friends Are For” – Grammy Covers”

  2. I never knew the version by Warwick & Co. was a cover, nor did I know it was first recorded by Rod Stewart. It’s a pretty, albeit sappy, song, and my favorite vocal out of the four famous singers is the one by Gladys Knight.

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  3. Wow, I only knew Dionne Warwick’s rendition of “That’s What Friends Are For.”

    I’ve always liked Rod Stewart’s singing voice. I can’t say the same about all of his songs.

    The one song from the “Body Wishes” album I recall getting a decent of amount of radio play is “Baby Jane”. Had you told me that song won a Grammy, I would have believed it right away.

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  5. I never knew Rod Stewart had done this song, I figured it was written specifically for Dionne and crew. I think I do like Rod’s a bit better, but it still is one of those ‘Ebony & Ivory’ songs to me – shouldn’t knock it, because the sentiment is excellent but just doesn’t wow me to listen to the song. ‘Baby Jane’ off that Stewart album I did like though, one you almost never hear anymore.

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  6. Both of these are great versions, Randy, though I think the Dionne et al version has more depth and variety, edging out Rod’s. I feel that the maturity of Rod’s ebullient performance style and and matured voice of about 20 years later would put him equal or ahead.

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  7. I think it would be easier to make a list on what songs Rod Stewart hasn’t covered…he has covered many!
    I remembered this song by Warwick as soon as I heard it. I didn’t know it won a grammy though.

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    • I think its a nice song but the win was largely sentimental given the circumstances. You are so right, Rod certainly has covered a lot of songs, l haven’t looked him up in awhile but it’s well over 250, but that probably doesn’t put him into the top 50. However this time he was the original artist.

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      • I would have never guessed that Randy…I did not know he was the original artist… I saw him around that time.
        Yea…I guess people like Elvis would be way ahead of him because Rod did write some of his own…but I guess it’s because he covered songs you wouldn’t have thought about him covering….Like What Made Milwaukee Famous and he actually covered “It’s A Heartache” years after everyone thought it was him on the original.

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