A Timeless Duet That Defines an Era: Johnny Mathis & Dionne Warwick’s Friends in Love
The Song That Brought Two Legends Together
In 1982, two iconic voices of an earlier musical generation — Johnny Mathis and Dionne Warwick — joined forces for the enchanting duet, “Friends in Love.” Featured both on Mathis’s album Friends in Love and Warwick’s album of the same name, the song became a beloved hit and still resonates with a warming nostalgia today.
Chart Success & Legacy
Upon its release, “Friends in Love” soared to Number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. It also claimed a spot on the R&B chart, peaking at Number 22, and climbed to Number 5 on the Adult Contemporary chart — showcasing its broad appeal across generations
From Studio Magic to Silver Screen Sounds
Johnny Mathis released his album Friends in Love on April 5, 1982 — notable for being his first to include a CD release. The title track, the duet with Warwick, remained a standout among the album’s six originals and two additional duets.
Meanwhile, Dionne Warwick’s Friends in Love album dropped on April 14, 1982, under Arista Records. Though it peaked at a modest Number 87 on the Billboard 200, the strength of the title track further cemented her artistic relevance during the era.
Behind the Music: Crafting a Classic
Producer Jay Graydon played a pivotal role in the creation of Warwick’s album, working closely with her to bring out emotional richness while maintaining a breezy, effortless sound in the studio. Warwick fondly remembers the sessions as enjoyable, even calling them “a breeze.”
The pair struck a musical chemistry in the studio — both arrived well-prepared, surrounded by a talented band and background vocalists, making the duet sessions feel both effortless and deeply heartfelt.
Why It Still Matters
Decades later, the song endures as a nostalgic touchstone — a beautifully simple, emotionally resonant duet that reminds us of music’s ability to connect friends and lovers alike. A blend of sincerity, vocal elegance, and timeless artistry, “Friends in Love” remains an enduring gem in both Mathis’s and Warwick’s illustrious careers.
