Cissy Houston

It was with sadness that I heard this morning of the passing of the legendary artist Cissy Houston.

Ms Houston, the mother of the late Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner performed alongside superstar musicians such as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.

She was 91.

Houston became an in-demand session singer and recorded more than 600 songs in multiple genres throughout her career. Her vocals can be heard on tracks alongside a wide range of artists including Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Hendrix, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack and her daughter.

In 1971, Houston’s signature vocals were featured on Burt Bacharach’s solo album, which included Mexican Divorce, All Kinds of People and One Less Bell to Answer. She performed various standards including Barbra Streisand’s hit song Evergreen.

Houston won Grammys for her albums Face to Face and He Leadeth Me, in the best traditional soul gospel album category.

My thoughts at this time are with her family and friends and I send them my deepest condolences.