that's what friends are for

Dionne Warwick and Friends got the chance to make over three million dollars for the American Foundation for A.I.D.S. Research. The song was written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager and originally recorded by Rod Stewart. This one time collaboration between Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John was the last chart topper for all but Elton. He very nearly missed the session. Daryl Hall was on standby.

Warwick says "It was kind of given to the problem itself to raise funds and awareness. Those who felt they didn't want to be involved with it-to be seen giving money or being heard talking about the crisis-that song was an avenue to reach out without any stigma."

This version also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, as well as 'Grammy Award for Song of the Year' for its writers.

"You have to be granite not to want to help people with AIDS, because the devastation that it causes is so painful to see. I was so hurt to see my friend die with such agony," Warwick remembers. "I am tired of hurting and it does hurt."

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you

And if I should ever go away
Well, then close your eyes and try to feel
The way we do today
And then if you can remember

Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sureThat's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever moreThat's what friends are for

Well, you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you

Whoa, and then for the times when we're apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are comin' from my heart
And then if you can remember, oh

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sureThat's what friends are for
In good times, in bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
Oh, that's what friends are for

Whoa... oh... oh... keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sureThat's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever moreThat's what friends are for

Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, oh, for sure
'Cause I tell you that's what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I'll be on your side forever moreThat's what friends are for (That's what friends are for)

On me, for sureThat's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'