Cissy Houston--Make It Easy on Yourself, I Like It in the Morning, Tomorrow

Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston and aunt of Dionne Warwick, performs "Make It Easy On Yourself," "I Like It in the Morning" and "Tomorrow" from "Annie" in this rare cabaret TV performance from 1977.

[@Ela-eh3hm]

Cissy taught Whitney to sing meaningful lyrics , to listen to the words , to know and FEEL what she sings ... This is why Whitney touched so many ... Beyond get God-given gift.

[@charlita25]

Yes 🙌🏽 💯

[@eben8999]

Wow ! You can hear Whitney and can hear the influence she had on her. Cissy isn’t talked about enough.

[@albertlee5272]

Tall, gorgeous, & regal looking. Cissy is slaying this song & giving me Goosebumps, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@xhemistrythesalon2192]

It is apparent where Whitney got her style, grace and poise from. Not to mention her Voice!!! Awesome performance!

[@RayEmureMusic]

I'm obsessed, what a vocal powerhouse when she was here. I need to find more music of hers during this time immediately.

[@0002rojama]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4S9f3-wpJ6Am9k kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHK9lIeJrLSHm5I kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4XckKyXopibetk

[@jaysoulxselah8260]

She's still here

[@RayEmureMusic]

@@jaysoulxselah8260 lol I was talking about that time. I know she is still here 🙏😅

[@jaysoulxselah8260]

@@RayEmureMusic 😂😂😂

[@starbrighthigh8187]

Wow you can really hear Whitney's influence from her mother,her head voice and that growl and riffs,at one point they sounded exactly the same! Whitney did always say her mother was her greatest inspiration✌

[@ginaduncan5074]

Yesssss I hear Whitney too, Lordy sang Auntie

[@jameskirk1638]

You think? Although Cissy's voice is unparalleled, I don't see or hear anything resemblance to Whitney. I've never seen a mother and daughter be so different.

[@mikedaw7435]

@@jameskirk1638 JK, Cissy taught Whitney everything she knew. I moved to NYC in the late 70's and would go to clubs to hear Cissy. Whitney was 14 at the time. She would sing backup for her mom. I see and hear a lot of Cissy in her. When Cissy sang at Radio city , she was a powerhouse and years later I could easily see how Whitney became one the of greatest singers of all time.

[@mariahyohannes]

@@jameskirk1638 Whitney sounded just like her in the beginning of her career, Whitney just had a more sonically pleasing tone

[@UncleDuTheWatchman]

@@jameskirk1638 Her phrasing and style come directly from her mother. The way she uses her head tones, the timing of her belts, her growls...all of that is present here in Cissy's presentation. Whitney was a smoother version of it vocally but this is still the blueprint for Whitney's style.

[@user-th5hx7kl1l]

Merci beaucoup pour l'histoire de Cissy Houston ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊❤❤❤❤ Millions of blessings, Esther St Juste

[@dasonyoung9711]

CISSY had no idea then ..that her life would never be the same ..and the daughter that was waiting on her to come home from this gig would sing to MILLIONS AND BECOME A SUPA⭐️⭐️⭐️ then The voice of a GENERATION WHITNEY HOUSTON

[@KingOfAllAnthonys]

Dason Young you said that!!!!!!

[@jason3561]

This comment just gave me chills. Whew.

[@ladylovesherlord]

I see why she was also great for background singing, very versatile voice.

[@angelainyt]

Luther was so right about Cissy's voice, she can sometimes sound operatic.

[@sasjaspeksnijder7237]

Very inspiring and very good ,i adore this beautiful voice !🤩💞

[@kennethmaye]

I always thought the same thing about Whitney

[@angelainyt]

@@kennethmaye Ok, interesting

[@Vonvon_]

They were opera singers … just not professional opera singers … trust Cissy studied opera. There’s an interview when cece winans brings up Whitney knowing opera ….

[@reginaldcoleman6897]

Cissy Houston is 1st cousins to Leontyne Price!

[@timdufelmeier1350]

I have loved her since the 60s. One of the most exciting storytellers ever to sing a song.

[@Ela-eh3hm]

Yessss

[@whitneyhoustonstan2472]

Whitney’s style of singing was a cleaner form of gospel, while her mother was pure gospel. Both, however, have similar phrasing, which the mother taught Whitney everything she knew. We have to give credit to the mom. She was the only one who could ever touch Whitney.

[@taddyd1]

Whitney never had the ringing powerful high notes, sense of timing, nor intense focus on storytelling.

[@timontherocks7521]

Whitney also got the wonderful voice material of her mum. Voice is still connected to the biological and physical possibilities of a person and is also inherited. Not to mention her amazing figure.

[@mariahwhitneycelinejanetmadona]

@@taddyd1 lies!

[@kimberlyjade4094]

@taddyd1 Whitney had many high powerful notes and a sense of timing but I agree about the intense focus on storytelling tho

[@mariahyohannes]

@@kimberlyjade4094 lmaooo no sense of story telling!? Go listen to didn't we almost have it all live 1987! Whitney was specifically known for her ability to be emotive and paint a clear picture of what she singing

[@baz1000]

Her Vibrato is just simply Devine ❤

[@scheckdj]

I always loved Cissy Houston's voice and when her daughter (Whitney) became an International Sensation it was no surprise! Like David Foster (Producer of the Bodyguard soundtrack) said that Whitney was a thoroughbred born to sing!!

[@TheNYHITTINGACADEMY]

you guys keep saying Whitney, Cissy Houston has been a star in the gospel field for 65 years,and has sung on over 200 number 1 records and was one of the most sought after session singers in the history of recorded music,as a matter of fact Cissy Houston has been a legend wayyyyyy before Whitney ever recorded. with the Drinkard singers All those Atlantic Records has a Cissy Houston voice on them

[@kklustra]

FACTS!

[@nellocan]

And was a backup singer for the great EP. She sure aged well.

[@eclecticsunrise]

Nice. I’m not a fan of her voice.

[@ralex3697]

HARLEM BASEBALL HITTING ACADEMY Yes indeed, but Whitney’s tone was better

[@eclecticsunrise]

Drunkard singers would make more sense because that what she sounds like...like she’s drunk.

[@anjelheaven]

Ms. Cissy is slaying in this outfit!

[@Zianzio123]

Yes, I like Cissy's gown too.

[@Wgirl99]

The fro, the earrings, the eyebrow highlight 😍

[@skip031890]

She knew how to wear a gown.

[@icecol22]

I love Cissy's voice.Her vibrato is beautiful!!!❤️❤️❤️💛

[@pearlcabral966]

Wish I could get a hold of more of Cissy's live performances. She sounds phenomenal and its particularly interesting to listen to her given her influences on Whitney

[@0002rojama]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4S9f3-wpJ6Am9k

[@azmiyunusyunus435]

Cissy is a master of her own vocals!

[@iluvmyboba]

Mama Cissy was so young... She is looking like Sarah Vaughn here. Caramel and gorgeous. Sing, Lady.

[@katlegohlahla9969]

She was actually 44

[@camprich6768]

@@katlegohlahla9969 how do you know she was 44 here? You guys grew up together? Family member perhaps? Or you tow knew each other personally?

[@mariahyohannes]

@@camprich6768 1977 -1933 --------------- 44 Idiot.

[@vaughnjohnson6969]

And sounding like her

[@Powerfulchange712]

@@mariahyohannes 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sweetpeepauline]

This lady sings her heart out.

[@Ela-eh3hm]

Whitney has her same bow and gestures...and talent !!

[@anthonykyei-barffour9203]

I see Whitney in everything she does....damn

[@rebeccajones9760]

anthony kyei-barffour yelp

[@singingmanmd]

Dee Dee Warwick sound similar to Ms. Cissy and Whitney sound similar to Ms. Dionne. Family genes. Then some sort they all have similarity of each other. Very talented family!!!!

[@georgeking4730]

Before our beloved Whitney, there was her beloved mother, Ms. Cissy Houston....the singing family

[@A-DUB-YA]

Legendary and Beautiful Ms. Cissy!!!! You are a precious jewel. I can see where Whitney got her range, power, clarity, conviction and her performing mannerisms. Love this :)

[@kjlphotographyAD2011]

ok

[@taraerskine3954]

all that gospel singing!!! I feel robbed I was,am Roman Catholic & what a difference. I found church sad Catholic church was very quiet! oh my god! Icr going to church with my dad & I brought a friend with me. We were about 12? but we all went up for communion & my friend gets outside & pulls the holy ghost out of her pocket! I thought my dad was going to have a heart attack well after that she could never go with me!!! I said some not nice things about Cissy & she's old school like my dad!!! I do apologize Mrs Houston bc my dad was born in 1942 & his beliefs were the same you stay with your own ppl & homosexuality was considered a sin back then!

[@charlita25]

It's like I am watching the pre cursor of Whitney. Same mannerisms and phrasing. Ms. Cissy set a great example for her daughter artistically.

[@nateministriestruechildofg3835]

Cissy strategically trained Whitney. Whitney stole all her mom runs. She talks about it in her book. You can clearly hear where she got her phrasing and breath support from. Cissy trained her daughter in voice. I mean listen to their OPERATIC like head voices. Cissy was a smart teacher.

[@taddyd1]

Cissy had operatic head tones, not Whitney.

[@rebeccajones9760]

Nate Thomas , yes she did really well with her daughter. I never knew Cissy sang Tomorrow, I’ve gotta find her album

[@whitneyhoustonstan2472]

I don’t think “stole” is an appropriate word... her mom taught her everything she knows. It’s not like Whitney stole her mother’s style and ran away from her. Whitney have credit to her mom all the time.

[@taddyd1]

@@rebeccajones9760 it's available on Amazon with YOUR SONG by Elton John,.

[@ralex3697]

taddyd1 Whitney had a better tone and nicer diction

[@lonesomewillyhandful8897]

One of the best. Whitney was lucky to have experienced such a gift. God Bless you Whitney

[@skip031890]

I see where Whitney got her phrasing from now.

[@whitneyhoustonstan2472]

Whitney’s phrasing was VERY similar to her mother’s in the start of her career. However, as Whitney’s voice progressed, she started sounding less like her mother, and developing her own style of phrasing, which grew from her mom’s.

[@ChaplainBettyBradley-Frazier]

@Mary Lane I Thought I Was The Only One Who Noticed How Much Yelling She Did. It Does Work For Her In New Hope Baptist Church Though. Whenever I Heard Her In Person At Church, She Makes The Choir Sing Their Excellent Best.

[@godschild9197]

@Mary Lane and @CHAPLAIN BETTY BRADLEY...😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣...thought it was just me....she is however, wearing that heck out of that dress!!

[@ralex3697]

Mary Lane It is Cissy, yes Whitney had a better tone

[@jaajaarogers9101]

Marco Murillo Witney didn’t sound like her mum at all Witney has unique voice ever lived also her beauty is beautiful looked like her daddy

[@mariasuzi9490]

cissy knows about like struggles , challenges, ups and downs , great written words with effectionate, love , touching words ,

[@marioplater3218]

If you want to know who created the magnificent, legendary, The Voice we all know as Whitney Houston it was her mother. She taught Whitney everything she knew

[@Vonvon_]

Taught her how to command her voice … yes they know the true technique

[@ragdoll6012]

Easy to see where Whitney's influence and teachings came from. They are both amazing!

[@UncleDuTheWatchman]

Cissy throwin' them high "1"s out there in"Tomorrow" like they ain't nothing...hits the "3" above so casually like she wasn't even trying (she didn't have to try...she knew it was there). Cissy Houston is a BEAST singer. Gotta give it to her. She revolutionized Background Singing and had a helluva stage act of her own!

[@CHELESCHELES]

I see, hear and feel so much Whitney there, and viceversa. Wow, Whitney was lucky, what a great teacher , and right at home.. That is soul , singing from the heart...

[@Anysia]

💯💜🌌

[@thomasgilliam7764]

Yes we all know how great Ms Cissy Houston is, but can we talk about the the brother in the straw Hat 🤠. And the voice he has on him!!! Just magnificent. 😍💯

[@keyshawn590]

RighhhhT

[@swicheroo1]

A beautiful song, matched by the amazing vintage dress and curtain--the whole setting down to the jewelry.

[@gracekealoha4525]

Such a stunning presence and that effortless voice, whether it is gospel etc. Cissy alway makes it look like she loves what she does and thats performing and singing

[@victoremmanuell_ptbr1902]

Cissy Houston is one of the best singers in US music history and surely deserve a better place on the Pantheon of the great stars. Nowadays, there is so much shit in America that some people call them "singers"...... no names......... Nicky Minaj, Cardi B, Shawn Mendes Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Drake...... I mean, All Grammy nominees are shit for me........

[@mariahyohannes]

No one has ever called Nicki Minaj or Cardi B a singer💀

[@reachfothesky]

Wonderful Voice! You taught your daughter Well💯

[@ralex3697]

I found Whitney’s voice more reminiscent to Dionne’s but Whitney was more of a belter, Dionne’s voice is very smooth. Great tone also

[@vaughnjohnson6969]

Do strong. Train and control Dionne. I believe that came from Dionne educational background with her bachelors and Masters in music

[@DaveTonymusic]

Dionne could belt her whole entire face off !!

[@henrylockett2020]

@@DaveTonymusic She sure could! Yes indeed.

[@singingmanmd]

The whole situation here is that Ms. Dionne could to it all including effortless belting. Like somebody said in the comments. She could belt her face off!! Facts all day long!!!

[@baz1000]

Don’t let Dionnes elevator songs blind you into believing she couldn’t sing growl belt back in the day she could BLOW 😂

[@EyeGlue]

MIEOY re-nailed! And I was raised on the Walker Bros version....this fantastic melody is indestructible and unspoilable....and sung here to its highest potential! Thank you Ms. Houston

[@drummerc1795]

To me, the album these songs were from was the best album she ever recordedI think her version may have been the first recording of the song "tomorrow" and I remember that it got a lot of air play but don't remember it being a huge hit for her. The whole album is a masterpiece and a must to have if you love good music and the voice of the great Cissy Houston.

[@ymajma]

I agree. Although al of Cissy's recorded output is extraordinary, that eponymous 1976 album, produced by MIchael Zager, was definitely her absolute best, no contest. I was fortunate enough to see her act at the time when this clip was taped and it was beyond memorable. What a voice, what a talent, what a woman.

[@drummerc1795]

+nutloaf I was lucky to see her with Whitney at Sweetwaters in Manhattan many years ago and before Whitney was a huge success. One of the perks of being old. Saw wonderful acts like Patti Labelle and the bluebelles, the Shirelles, Chuck Jackson and the list goes on. You used to be able to see 8 or 10 acts in one show in the day. Was so great!

[@merkjanoosterhoff1590]

But also her first solo album on Janus!

[@drummerc1795]

@@merkjanoosterhoff1590 agree

[@Ela-eh3hm]

Cissy sure did have her fun times!!! Gone Cissy. I'm glad you had your share of better times 😪

[@mmocpi]

Still with us! (2024)

[@donaldperrotta8514]

A voice from the heavens !!!😮

[@verahoward9422]

Dang! I am speechless.

[@tynicole88]

Whitney had the greatest teacher, her own mama!

[@crpeoplemover]

Yesssss!!!! Thank you for uploading! And yes, Cissy definitely sang background in both the Dionne and Jerry Butler versions of "Make it Easy on Yourself"

[@62chucky]

THANKS for this rare footage!!! Emily Drinkard-Garland-Houston..aka CISSY HOUSTON!

[@crmbaker]

One of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!!!!!! I have the LP and I still listen to it on my stereo component I've had since 1987. The album sounds so must better. Love, love, love the Houston Ladies!!!!

[@aprillovejoy4567]

Cissy is one of the best.

[@88pynogrl]

The deep bow at the beginning. Classy👏👏👏👏👏

[@bskeete]

That's what you call sangin'.........I love Cissy Houston!!!!

[@MerqSeker]

Cissy did a good job at training Whitney all those years. She used her experience singing to shower on her daughter.

[@CelestialGatez]

Thank you for uploading this vintage footage of Cissy! Love it!

[@alberthedwardneuehaus1197]

Wonderful Mother and very Professional. Love you your strong soul.

[@shebamooncat9162]

What a class act!

[@Powerfulchange712]

This is sooooo goooodd!!!

[@jeanjubert5096]

Eu acredito que a Ciccy seja una mesosoprano! Voz belíssima! Grande cantora!❤❤❤

[@averyfisher9967]

Beautiful voice...all falsettos 🎤

[@agostinoieraci8986]

Great great CISSY soo beautiful voice.Whitney and Elvis was proud of yuo.

[@longbranch11207]

thanks for posting never seen this before

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Thanks for posting this. Why Cissy wasn't a bigger star is a mystery

[@anthonykyei-barffour9203]

Moutton Noir God had packaged all that in her daughter. what could be more than that. she brought home everything there was to bring.

[@marylawrence4418]

Heard Cissy had offers she turned down. Wise lady!

[@tynicole88]

Everything happens for a reason. She groomed her daughter and look where it took Whitney, Cissy was the greatest teacher Whitney could ever have. Thank you Cissy!!

[@50781975]

I think you pay a high price in a wicked industry to climb to the tippy top. Look at whitney Houston in the 80's vs.the 90's. You could see her spirit was saddened.

[@mikedaw7435]

Cissy didn't want to leave her family and tour.

[@JAMESP0WER]

This is phenomenal! Thanks for uploading!

[@rebeccajones9760]

JAMESP0WER yes it is about to share it with my mom

[@Price70]

Cissy was also part of Elvis' backup group the Sweet Inspirations. No doubt Whitney inherited her talent. Still, I think Whitney was blessed with even better tone.

[@reddfyareddfya]

Price Pittsburgh NO !! Whitney was great but listen to The Queen of Soul song aint no way and the high soprano is Cissy now that's what you call awesome !!

[@Price70]

@@reddfyareddfya I meant tone in general as a lead vocal.

[@reddfyareddfya]

Price Pittsburgh Ok !! I understand

[@duwainewalker5270]

@@Price70 your correct, Whitney's tone was flawless, mom is a little abrasive.

[@jaajaarogers9101]

Price Pittsburgh Witney had a way better tone no singer has Witney voice

[@tiarrahopkins8998]

Cissy looks beautiful

[@lvteachme973]

Beautiful!

[@aaronrowles6596]

She's amazing.

[@shawnbaldwin1896]

sing it Cissy Houston

[@anaalban8836]

Extraordinaria voz.

[@udiggit13]

Now I see where Whitney got it from.

[@mariahenderson3300]

Elvis certainly rated Cissy as the greatest soprano he had ever heard. Thats why he had her sing back up for him ❤❤❤

[@akbarravi11]

If you listen to the song aint no way ,by Aretha Franklin ,the beautiful voice backing vocals are Cissy Houston.

[@godmadesam]

Her singing and a lot of her adlib and inflections remind me of Tremaine Hawkins.

[@sophiahutcherson5177]

AMAZING!

[@iss_iam809]

Mother of the voice. A Blueprint.

[@paulnovello1393]

Wow! Such a gorgeous singing voice! Now we know where Whitney got it from!

[@sophiezibi2930]

I love so much her Voice. We felt un love she is superclass.

[@thenitenitecaraloo7101]

Whitney's singing voice sounds just like this but a bit more clearer.

[@stonedmermaid679]

Wow I feel and hear where Whitney got it from. Whitney is just the icing on the cake Cissy is the cake and the oven okay

[@Seabasstien]

Best version of Make it Easy on Yourself! Miss Cissy Houston.

[@coz95160]

Tomorrow.... Best version....

[@January.]

Beautiful dress

[@tijan8948]

Beautiful woman, beautiful voice

[@heroxzq1263]

Mama can SANG!!!

[@booginas]

I wish that guy behind Cissy would play me like he's playing them guitar strings.

[@rebeccajones9760]

booginas Ha, now I have to pull up Toni Braxton “Play me like a violin “

[@Powerfulchange712]

Omgness yeeeesssssss 🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@deionhouston9303]

Am I the only one who can’t listen to Cissy for that long? Lol

[@cherrylgentles6847]

Yep Whitney couldn’t have sung any less - see her incomparable singing genes here !!

[@phillipmarion1174]

I thought this was Greatest Love Of All at first for a minute 😂

[@jonrichdoe84]

So much of whitney in her mom 👑💜💜

[@Zianzio123]

Thank you, Alan for sharing this beautiful video with us. There's a song I like by Cissy called "I Just Wanna Be with You." Cissy sings it so beautifully. The song is very touching.

[@ninosimone]

you betta you betta sing mama Cissy youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[@Mongo76]

This is the best i have ever heard her sound.

[@88pynogrl]

The voice is magnificent, but the PASSION is off the chart.

[@jamesnorris9637]

amazing!!!

[@sashacharnin]

My Daddy's song. Yes Ms Cissy.

[@jnshot97]

In my heart right now!

[@nellocan]

Mrs Houston sure grew more beautiful as she aged.

[@davidmuller9938]

her voices like whitneys voice approx 83-85 from 86 whitney turned to mezzosoprano and started singing with more powerful vocal technique

[@valeriethebeautifulsoultv4179]

Beautiful!🎼🎶🎤

[@daughterofzion5303]

Dane i forgot singers use to bow when they start and finish . Wow

[@jlusk999]

The first song is called Make It Easy on Yourself. It was recorded and made a hit by her niece Dionne as well as Jerry Butler. Cissy probably sang backup on Dionne's version.

[@GiuseppePascuale928]

I love the live version issued as a Dionne single in 1970: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6OYmaV-asqMgpI