One of Gospel music’s pioneer voices, Cissy Houston was honored at the Essence Musical festival for her outstanding contribution to the genre.A Gospel star-studded show in tribute to Houston’s illustrious career, included performances by CeCe Winans, Kelly Price, Chante Moore, Jekalyn Carr and many more.
The 83 year old celebrated songstress of Gospel music, was so deeply touched with the tribute, she couldn’t help but receive the honor with a song.
Emily Cissy Houston, is a two-time Grammy award winning artist – who began her career in the year 1938, and has been singing religious and secular tunes for almost 7 decades now. She is the mother of one of Pop music’s greatest icons, Whitney Houston and aunt of Pop/Soul singer Dionne Warwick. Cissy performed as one of the lead vocalists of RnB groups The Drinkard Singers during the start of her career and later created the Sweet Inspirations in the year 1963.
Besides her contribution to gospel music, Houston has also been vastly known for backing up for some of the biggest artists of 60’s and 70’s – which includes names like Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. Cissy also famously sang the soaring soprano in Franklin’s 1968 Carolyn Franklin-penned classic, “Ain’t No Way.”
Essence recognized Cissy for her “influence on Soul, R&B and Gospel music.”
A much-deserved honor to Ms. Houston!