Dionne Warwick

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALYS STEPHENS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA – Dionne Warwick will be honored 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.

Mayor Jim Kenney announced last Thursday that the five-time Grammy winner will receive the award at a Nov. 14 ceremony.

Warwick 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, including those battling AIDs and world hunger. she’s also a champion of music education.

Previous winners include singer Patti LaBelle, music producers Kenny Gamble and Leon huff and jazz great Wynton Marsalis.