Warwick was raised in East Orange, New Jersey, and was a Girl Scout for a time. She began singing gospel as a child at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. After finishing East Orange High School in 1959, Warwick pursued her passion at the Hartt College of Music in West Hartford, Connecticut. She landed some work with her group singing backing vocals for recording sessions in New York City. During one session, Warwick met Burt Bacharach, who hired her to record demos featuring songs written by him and lyricist Hal David. She later landed her own record deal.
warwick was raised in east orange new jersey and was a girl scout for a time she began singing gospel as a child at the new hope baptist church in newark new jersey after finishing east orange high school in 1959 warwick pursued her passion at the hartt college of music in west hartford connecticut she landed some work with her group singing backing vocals for recording sessions in new york city during one session warwick met burt bacharach who hired her to record demos featuring songs written by him and lyricist hal david she later landed her own record deal