Icons vs. Legends: There's A Critical Difference, Beloved

Teyana Taylor announced her plans to star as Dionne Warwick in a biopic and the reactions are telling.

Teyana Taylor is officially making her transition to an actress. The performer is on a full press tour promoting “A Thousand and One”, an independent film Taylor stars in, now in theaters, where she plays a woman in Harlem who fosters an abandoned young boy. During Taylor’s stop on the “The Tamron Hall Show”, she announced she’s officially agreed to star as Dionne Warwick in a biopic. Dionne Warwick herself should be pleased. Last year, when “That’s What Friends Are For” singer was asked who should play her in a biopic, she proudly dropped Taylor’s name and the culture gleefully agreed with the potential casting.

We’re all relieved at least Warwick, unalike our beloved Aretha Franklin, thought of a realistic and spot on choice. Remember when Auntie Re told Wendy Williams she wanted Halle Berry to play her? This is of course before the Queen of Soul landed on Jennifer Hudson, the more suitable choice who nailed the role in “Respect”.

But while there’s a resounding alignment on Taylor’s potential to perfectly capture the groundbreaking story and cheekbone supremacy of Warwick, some fans are saying, “Who asked for a Dionne Warwick movie?” or simply a “Pass”. Oh the disrespect.

Admittedly I spotted these statements in the comment section on one of our go to Instagram gossip blogs or the bowels of the culture as I unaffectionately call the comment sections of The Shade Room or Neighborhood Talk. But indeed, these comments are microcosmic of a larger sentiment around Warwick.

While reactions like this are enormously sad, it’s indicative of the poor guardianship over Warwick’s legacy and the unsung pioneering commercial success this literal living legend earned across nearly seven decades. Yes, seven decades, y’all. There are few living performers who can say this. And yet most everyday folk born from the 80s and on can’t grasp Warwick’s colossal impact. But why?

If you need to be informed or reminded of exactly how dominant Warwick was in her heyday from the 1950s through the 1970s, see my Instagram Stories before they expire in about 15 hours or see my Highlights on my profile titled “Culture Dives” where I produce discographic takes on music icons. Of course I have one on Michael Jackson—specifically the anniversary of “Off the Wall” and on Patti LaBelle’s journey from the Blue Belles to the celebrated cultural icon she remains today.

But back to Warwick. Why are folks in a coma-induced slumber on her importance?

Race is unquestionably an obvious factor. Few would question a Barbara Streisand biopic—some may say it’s too premature. But Streisand is the only living white counterpart who could come close to Warwick. Warwick, who will be 83 this year, had a five year head start on Streisand’s career, who enters her 80s on April 24. But at every turn, Streisand is celebrated. There are regular commemorating honors on her triple-threat impact from the Grammys to the Academy Awards. But while racial bias and the ceaseless preferential treatment white artists receive is a strong consideration point, the lackluster response to a Warwick biopic isn’t because she’s not awarded enough.