By Ryan Leeds
Like the Phantom of the Opera, Diane Warren is “there inside your mind.” Her name might not resonate with casual listeners of pop music, but since 1983, when she entered the music industry with Laura Branigan’s “Solitaire,” the prolific singer-songwriter’s work has been heard in shopping malls, on the radio, and in movie theaters. (Over 100 films have featured her songs, earning her 16 Academy Award nominations.).
The 78-piece New York Pops—the largest independent orchestra in the U.S.—honored Warren earlier this week at Carnegie Hall as part of its 42nd Birthday Gala. Taking to the stage, Warren didn’t mince words: “This is f*ckin’ amazing!” she told the sold-out crowd, which rose to give her a well-deserved standing ovation.
There was more than enough material and talent to envelop the night in fanfare. Even last-minute performers, filling in for artists who fell ill, had people jumping to their feet with praise. They included Charlyn Willis, who sang the reflective ballad, “I Was Here,” made popular by Beyoncé. Warren wrote it for the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Three-time Grammy nominee Ryan Shaw delivered a knockout rendition of her recent hit, “The Journey,” and Mykal Kilgore came to the rescue, bringing his multi-octave range to the Aerosmith chart-topper, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.”
Discussing the number of emergency calls he had to make, Pops conductor and musical director Steven Reineke quipped, “You have no idea what my last 48 hours have been like.”
LeAnn Rimes, Taylor Dayne, Ariana DeBose, and Shoshana Bean were among the other starry artists of the night.
Warren’s 40-plus-year career has stood the test of time. Great music evokes emotions that mere words can’t, and Warren’s gift has seen us through love, loss, and everything in between.
Diane Warren Takeaway
My guest for the evening suggested that a musical be created based on Warren’s music. Turns out, one is already in the works. Currently titled Obsessed, it features a book by Joe DiPietro and direction by three-time Tony winner Kathleen Marshall.
