The world of soul music was shaped by two powerful women: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, and Dionne Warwick, the smooth and sophisticated pop legend. Both women carved their places in musical history, but their careers were marred by a long-standing, dramatic feud that would go on to define their relationship. What began as mutual admiration between the two soon transformed into bitter rivalry—one that would simmer for decades and finally explode at Whitney Houston’s funeral in 2012.
Aretha Franklin’s legendary voice commanded respect across the globe, and her presence in the music world was nothing short of iconic. However, even legends like her face conflict, and the ongoing tension between Aretha and Dionne Warwick became one of the most talked-about rifts in the entertainment industry. What caused this deep divide? Was it all over a misunderstood moment at a funeral? Or was it rooted in something much deeper?
The Beginning of the Rivalry
Aretha and Dionne’s careers were intertwined from the very start. Both women were breaking new ground in the music industry in the 1960s, carving out their respective niches as dominant forces in R&B and pop. Aretha’s soulful, gospel-infused voice captured hearts and made her a trailblazer, while Dionne’s elegance and polished pop sound helped define the era. At one point, their mutual respect seemed unshakable. Dionne spoke highly of Aretha, admiring her ability to “squall” as she reached for the highest notes—something unique to gospel music and a skill that Aretha mastered.
However, as their careers progressed, so did the subtle tensions between them. It’s said that Aretha, never one to shy away from competition, began to assert her dominance in the music world. One of the most notable moments was when Aretha decided to cover Dionne’s 1967 hit “I Say a Little Prayer.” Aretha’s version became a chart-topping success, eclipsing Dionne’s original and causing some ripples of competition. To make matters worse, songwriter Burt Bacharach—who had worked with Dionne for years—publicly declared Aretha’s version to be the superior one. That was a hard blow to Dionne, and it set the stage for the rivalry that would persist for decades.
The Whitney Houston Funeral Fallout
Fast forward to February 18, 2012, when Whitney Houston’s funeral became the unexpected flashpoint for the feud between Aretha and Dionne. As the world mourned Whitney, Dionne stepped up to deliver her remarks at the service. With a tone of reverence, she began, “Please Miss Aretha Franklin,” only to follow up with the shocking words, “Aretha’s not here.” The crowd, overwhelmed with emotion, missed the sting of those words, but those who understood the dynamics between the two saw it for what it was—a sharp jab at Aretha’s absence.
What made this moment even more painful for Aretha was that Dionne had publicly declared Aretha as Whitney’s godmother—a claim that Aretha would vehemently deny in the years to come. Aretha, who had known Whitney since childhood, had no desire to claim godmotherhood. While she respected Whitney, she wasn’t about to let that lie stand. But in the midst of a funeral, Aretha chose not to address the falsehood. It would be years before she would confront Dionne over this.
The Petty Climax at the Tribeca Film Festival
Aretha’s patience had a limit, and it came to a head in 2017. At the Tribeca Film Festival, Aretha found herself in the same space as Dionne once again. Dionne, perhaps trying to make peace or just add fuel to the fire, approached Aretha backstage with a smile and asked for a hug. Aretha’s response was swift and cutting: “Oh hell no, you can’t be serious.”
Later, Aretha openly admitted that the issue was no longer about an apology—it was about lying. She explained that Dionne’s actions at the funeral, along with the claim about godmotherhood, had been a calculated attack. “I don’t care about her apology at this point,” Aretha said, making it clear that the feud was far from over.
The Fax Heard Around the World
What followed was truly the most Aretha move ever. Instead of a social media post or a casual interview mention, Aretha sent a fax—yes, a fax—to the Associated Press, setting the record straight once and for all. In this fax, she denied being Whitney’s godmother, accused Dionne of lying, and made it clear that she wasn’t interested in any reconciliation. “It’s about lying,” Aretha declared, making sure that the message was received loud and clear.
Legacy and Reflections
As the years went on, both Aretha and Dionne continued their careers, though the dynamics between them remained tense. The story of their rivalry became a fascinating chapter in the annals of music history. Aretha’s brash, unapologetic persona clashed with Dionne’s cool, collected elegance. Yet both women left behind legacies that are impossible to ignore.
Aretha’s voice became an anthem for women and for the Civil Rights Movement, while Dionne’s soothing voice and sophisticated pop hits made her a musical icon in her own right. Despite their differing approaches, both artists shaped the landscape of American music.
Their rivalry wasn’t just about one moment or one comment—it was a clash of personalities, of two women who knew their worth and weren’t afraid to fight for it. Whether you think Dionne was throwing shade or Aretha overreacting, one thing is for sure: their feud was unforgettable and only added to the larger-than-life legacies they both left behind.
