Cissy Houston on Letterman, February 20, 1986

Cissy Houston performs "Always on My Mind" and then chats briefly with Dave.

[@BecomingtheBestMe]

She deserves more credit than she has received.

[@edglebennett6312]

Sho Nuff!!!!

[@nadzl118wilson9]

She taught Whitney well because you can hear the riffs that Whitney would do the high notes

[@rebeccajones9760]

Nadzl118 Wilson yes, this was the beginning of Whitney Houston, we have to give honor to where it is do... Miss. Cissy Houston !!! Missing your daughter Whitney

[@legendarysingerfan5199]

@@rebeccajones9760 when she was younger she was just as good as whitney!

[@macdavidson9449]

I’ve. Never noticed before now. Whit is my favorite vocalist of all Time. Never cared for cissys voice. But I hear the influence here

[@deborahfinney-greene4968]

That's exactly what I was thinking. I can hear Whitney in her voice.

[@reckontonottobemoved]

@@rebeccajones9760 honour is GOD,BUT SHE DIDN'T GOVE GOD HER LIFE

[@linedanzer4302]

She has a beautiful voice. She is humble enough to hang tight with background singer but could have had a soloist career of her own. Her high note in Aretha Franklin's *Ain't No Way* is legend!

[@maxipazz8214]

I will have to listen now! I am in Australia and we love her here

[@septemberjanuary4636]

Humble? Background singing takes skill and expertise; maybe more skill than lead considering how a background singer has to embody the vocals of the lead they support. There really ain't nothing humble about it.

[@KeizerHedorah]

She literally left her group to try to become a solo artist, but nobody bought her album and that was that, until her daughter became what she did, then Cissy started getting noticed.

[@mariahenderson9425]

She actually left her group to go back to her family who were having troubles at the time . She couldve stayed with Elvis but knew where her loyalties lay

[@BUBBASHAWN]

The apple never falls far from the tree. Whitney Houston definitely took excellent notes, from her mother. Powerful Ms.Cissy...

[@46foryounger]

Her mom has incredible vocal technique and there is no doubt she learned that from her mom

[@susanpfeiffer6783]

Sounds like Whitney and dionne❤

[@elainenelson658]

Over sang or not, she's amazing! Whitney came from her mother, voice and all! Cissy Houston is a legendary singer, background singer, and teacher of music!

[@music2soothmysoul]

elaine Nelson Amen💜 Respect for a women who tried to do her best for her children. Women get slammed all to often for doing what we gotta do to put food & shelter in our family lives.💜

[@janeclarke7893]

Wat can u expect she sang with tge king mr elvis presley

[@music2soothmysoul]

Jane Clarke She was already amazing before Elvis. Elvis recruited the best of the best.💞

[@janeclarke7893]

@@music2soothmysoul to right she was amazing xx

[@ChosenRellll1111]

elaine Nelson it wasn’t even over sang at all she barely was even people fail to realize when you have a gift from god you barely have to try it’s just there prime example Whitney and her mom stop playing games people y’all are clearly overthinking and oblivious to true talent 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@swicheroo1]

When she hits those operatic high notes, it makes me recall Sarah Vaughn.

[@kennywesley]

i have always thought the same thing!!!!! hahaha

[@shviewjames126]

Yep, and Sarah’s from Newark too. Speaking of operatic she is related to Opera Diva Leontyne Price! The Voice is strong in that family.

[@JeremyJKing]

Sarah and Dionne were good friends. They called her Aunt Sass

[@Handle2point0]

I think Cissy and Sarah went to school together.

[@AndySaenz]

Cissy is a legend in her own right! She’s got an amazing voice!

[@LeonardHuffman]

She sings beautifully. She has a powerful voice.

[@scottscott3154]

Houston family has the most talented singers in the world. There is no way you can deny that

[@theflyer1]

One of the purest best voices ever!! if i am alive, i will come back after 40 years to this same comment and this same spot and enjoy this classic. Hope you all meet me here at that time. ❤❤😊

[@Another534]

Only 39 years to go! yay!

[@theflyer1]

@@Another534 and lets live them to the fullest and as best as we can! ❤😊🙏🏽🤲🏽

[@jonathansegura6003]

Please, what is the name of the song?

[@maximilian2974]

Always on my mind written by Willie Nelson​@@jonathansegura6003

[@maximilian2974]

​@@jonathansegura6003always on my mind

[@michellemckinney6894]

I remember watching this the night it aired. And nearly FELL off my chair. Cissy was and STILL is no joke.

[@Emanuel9991000]

Awesome soprano voice : Mrs. Cissy Houston!

[@MauriceRivers415]

This song is a love song from Cissy to her kids if you listen to the lyrics. She was always on the road as a young mother in the 60's and 70's, leaving them behind to stay with extended family.

[@charlesjeffery1155]

This song is actually from the place she was doing at the time, on Broadway, called off Broadway, if I'm not mistaking (meaning the name, of the play that she was doing, not about this being about her kids I know it wasn't, however she did write in her memoir, that she remembered doing this song, and it will make her cry, thinking about her ex-husband, John Houston leaving her, over am afair that she actually had), however she did, take one of the songs, that she took, from dreamgirls on Broadway, and changed the lyrics around, to match what she wanted to say, and that was called "When I First Saw You, I Said Oh My(That's My Dream)", which was dedicated to her kids, and the reason why she recorded it, on her "Think It Over" album, or her "Your Song" album, is definitely on one of the two but I know it wasn't on her "Be My Baby" album (which was a absolutely just beautiful album, and my favorite, Cissy Houston album), & I know it wasn't on her very successful, "Tomorrow" Album, which is when she took Whitney and Gary, and put them in her act, as background singers, with Luther Vandross

[@mariahenderson9425]

She only worked with Elvis for 2 years before she opted to return to her family . If , for example , she was called in to do back up.she usually took Whitney with her . Whitney and Lisa Marie became good friends . But when her vocals were completed Cissy headed off back home

[@kieshacotton7421]

I've never seen Ms. Cissy sing on her own before now. I can totally hear where Whitney got her style. All the little runs and inflections that Cissy must have passed down to her directly or indirectly. Kinda like how we pass down recipes. This warmed my heart today. :)

[@albertlee5272]

Cissy may have been a back up singers for others but she could hold her own with any of the singers with class, grace & realness anydaywith any of the singers, especially her daughter. Amazing singer❤️

[@themightquinn3080]

I love this song and this is one of the best versions I’ve ever heard.

[@jonathansegura6003]

Heló Please, what is the name of the son?

[@IllumiNatetheOracle]

The way she hit the middle of the song with that gospel rock-soul break down, she made that band work!! Many of her remakes do this(Yesturday, Tomorrrow), and it's so effective, and just lets her fly into those vocal slayings.

[@tdrtx]

I saw this when it originally aired, and have searched KZbin for it since. Finally! One of the coolest musical events in TV history. Thank you so much for posting.

[@dongiller]

Thanks!

[@tinawalker5335]

Now that’s super cool

[@Melaninky92]

The whole family can sang, Dionne & Dee Dee, Whitney, Cissy & her siblings. You can hear the influence she has had on Whitney, voices sounds so similar 🥰

[@kklustra]

I never tire of watching this one. SO beautiful, powerful and heartfelt.

[@lakefield2112]

Thank you so much for posting this. I remember watching this that night and being completely blown away. Can't believe this was 30+ years ago!

[@dongiller]

I have the same feeling of awe, not only of her performance but that the videotapes have survived for over three decades.

[@snjones99]

lakefield2112 I remember this well it was outstanding then and still is

[@beautifulaltogether2224]

After listenig to her audiobook I feel like she is singing this one to her daughter. Now Whitney is always on her mind. So heartbreaking.

[@travonbeauford1869]

Yes, I totally agree. Her audiobook was excellent.

[@numiagro1]

What a great voice and woman. Thank you for sharing this beautiful version of this song.

[@icecol22]

Nuno Rodrigues Exactly!!! She has a beautiful,God given voice.I love Cissy Houston.

[@ezerlenewatkins9644]

The lady can blow. That is where whitney got it from. You can hear it. She taught whitney well!

[@chrissangit]

I hear whitney all in this good god almighty

[@thorinmewsalvatore5854]

If there's only one Whitney, Cissy is also one of a kind that has no duplicate. If Whitney is "The Voice" and considered as one of the GREATEST SINGERS OF ALL TIME, Cissy also has her unique pipes that no one can defeat. For me, Cissy is one of the GREATEST GOSPEL SINGER OF ALL TIME. Though, I'm also thinkin' that she's underrated.

[@diorrboyyyy]

WHITNEY IS THE GREATEST VOCALIST OF ALL TIMEE

[@TheGamersGuide819]

She’s a vocal technician

[@melodysanger103]

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY EMILY "CISSY" HOUSTON (SEPTEMBER 30, 2023)

[@JonJonHilton]

That keyboardist tho...he almost loses his glasses jamin at 2:41. Amazing

[@averyfisher9967]

Cissy Houston is one heckuva vocalist…

[@another.9]

I cannot express my gratitude. You guys in The States have so many talented people . May Jehovah bless that nation. All your singers make me feel so good inside . I have no English words to describe my feelings . By the way I don't speak English at all. So I don't know whether you understand me or not.

[@Ela-eh3hm]

She is stunning , a woman of true soul who taught Whitney all she knew and how to be a gracious lady. Hats off to Cissy , her voice is powerful!

[@felixiruizgonzalez2619]

What a great singer...! 😍❤️ Love that amazing voice...!

[@JOAOAUGUSTODIASABREU]

Thank you for posting this amazing C.Houston moment! Really made my day!

[@MattPicsET]

There are certain inflections in her voice that remind me of Dionne Warwick. It really does run in the family.

[@Bushwick2678]

Beautiful Woman & Amazing Singer 💖💖💖💖

[@sal.divittorio]

wow this rendition...

[@JoEna0517]

Thank you for posting this video~! I watched this program when it was originally aired on the Letterman show and was thrilled and never forgot it.. I was excited that Letterman invited her back. He was clearly overwhelmed by Cissy's performance. Paul Shaffer is just a maestro. He just knows!

[@geralddyng]

Cissy Houston, one of my ultimate muses. One of the greatest sounds ever as a vocalist. Luther Vandross, one of my favorite peps, provided the greatest background singers in music history. Ms. Houston was one of the sirens👍👍👍👍💕💕🎶🎶❤❤❤❤👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@luzmarball5392]

no wonder the marvelous Whitney Houston we had and still love

[@ogwapitprincesswinnie23]

Mother like a daughter, wow same creative. Amazing

[@noahreilly5014]

This song was recorded by first by Elvis Presley and I think this is a really awesome 😎 rendtioy I can't begin to get realize how incredibly talented Cissy is especially with arrangements. I adore her and my heart goes out to her...Cissy we love you 💕

[@dongiller]

Brenda Lee, actually. Before Elvis. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Always_on_My_Mind

[@mariahenderson9425]

Actually Brenda Lee was first to record it as a single in 1972 . Elvis then recorded it in 1974. Brenda Lees version is on KZbin . Fabulous

[@sierralima82]

look how much that guitarist is enjoying the song 3:18 i laughed everytime i watched it

[@MarciaSantos-ox1fk]

What an amazing Voice ❤️

[@martinsantos9874]

wow!! A voice

[@alexsamuel5084]

Thank you for putting this up, I'm currently 51 years old and I grew up with the Late Night World crew, man Paul was killing those keys. I couldn't believe this was in 1986, Late Night tv is not the same, man; it just seems that from the 70's to the late 80's, NBA,Rap, Boxing, Pop, Soul and even country, hell, everything was just better quality.

[@yvetterenee8256]

ALEX SAMUEL, Yes, he was feeling that song. 😀

[@rjsamuel4530]

Paul Was the man!!!

[@marlonmottley9895]

i will keep saying this, if Aretha Franklin was not the queen of soul, this lady Cissy Houston would be it! She can SANGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

[@DaydreamCarey1234]

She is a queen of soul in another kingdom.

[@verahoward9422]

Beautiful voice!

[@quantumz5934]

This gave me the chills.... damn

[@noahreilly5014]

Pure Ecstasy, joy and XO love

[@corgeousgeorge]

OMG!!! YOU DO THA THAAAANG MISS CISSY!!! YAAAAS LAWRDT!!!!!

[@georgiagonzales3769]

My God... what a powerhouse ❣️💯🎶

[@Only60GamesPlayed]

A FLAWLESS voice!

[@maxipazz8214]

2 words only: Sweet Inspiration

[@maxineneild7352]

The talent that run though this family is incredible sister nice daughter an cissy amazing

[@jonrichdoe84]

Lord jesus, u can here Whitney all in this 😉, Cissy created the footprint 👣 and Whitney came and cemented it.💐👏🏾💜♥️ Cissy is more soul Whitney pop

[@rubydebruyn2656]

She makes me cry hear this song, remembering my mom now in heaven... Blessed you Cissy

[@simonepeters9070]

Wow you can see where Whitney got her soul for singing from, so amazingly evident.

[@jocelynjones8324]

Whitney’s mother is. sooo beautiful

[@jonathanlule2755]

This is amazing

[@iss_iam809]

The world thanks you Ms. Cissy. Thank you for the voice

[@PavJedrusiak]

Fantastic!

[@JaydenCrome]

Auntie did so amazing, that's where Whitney got all of her talent from.

[@martinsantos3644]

Powerful beautiful voice

[@yvetterenee8256]

1:36 is so sweet. She has a unique and beautiful voice. Paul and his band complemented her well.

[@deloresgillard3942]

Miss sissy was a great gospel singer prob still is. Made beautiful gospel songs I love her

[@bskeete]

Classic Cissy!!!

[@may5588]

Cissy sounds like Dee Dee so much. The way she twists the song around and moves it around slowing it down here and there and stretches out the notes and phrasing is the way she taught Whitney so very well.

[@samuelbennie7690]

I played a song from Dee Dee from the 60s and she sounded so muchhhh like Cissy as Cissy got older but it was so full and clear and powerful.

[@buffalodoctors6281]

Go Cissy !!!

[@djjackson2987]

Whitney Definitely Gets Her Head Voice From Cissy Is You Don't Think So Listen To Aretha's Ain't No Way That's Cissy's Head Voice And Whitney And Cissy On The Merv Griffin Show

[@annemariekoelewijn4600]

Terrific indeed!

[@carltonsmith5494]

Nice find.

[@jupiterlanding4737]

amazing

[@johnalexander1213]

Powerful!

[@pearlcabral966]

Respect!!!

[@melv5566]

I need this damn shadow mama is rockin such a beauty

[@simplycarlton5582]

Ain't she I believe her eyeshadow is a color called Amythst

[@darricklong7731]

Amazing....

[@veronicabeckford-tongs409]

Master class

[@granprix49]

If you aren't from the 50 or 60 era then you wont know how to appreciate the music ,

[@franknitty9954]

Not true I'm from the 90s I appreciate it greatly so soulful

[@goldblue976]

That's not true at all. Just because you are older doesn't mean you know what you're talking about. Cissy was well before my time and many others and we still enjoy this performance. You wouldn't like if we said you probably need a hearing aid just to hear this performance and glasses thicker than a brick to see it.

[@akuapiatas]

I am 88 years young, your era was considered the new in my day dear.

[@sojourningteddybear6838]

I was born in ‘84, so you’re wrong about that! 💯

[@floricaromanas26]

Magnific!!!!!!

[@leahlee118]

So dope

[@docemel4029]

Que voz potente linda maravilhosa ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@faleciawilliams6989]

Yesss

[@alexistate5969]

God on you Miss Cissy!!

[@leongardner710]

funny the creators...yes she's JUST THAT...one of the creators, n taught her daughter. the imitators get all kinds of praise, but remember someone has to show them HOW it done. ms.c h is the REAL McCoy....lot's of ppl wish they COULD SING half as good as this lady, n other sit n JUDGE, bc they jealous

[@swicheroo1]

It's called Tradition.

[@krismacavinta4236]

Even the mannerism and the choice of runs... whitney did acquire 😊 and im some parts they sound the same too...

[@annemariekoelewijn4600]

Power!

[@granprix49]

Class Act,

[@bennyadler5882]

Dave is fascinated with Cissy as one can tell. This was bit late in her stellar career looking a bit sexier than she normally dressed but sounding stellar nonetheless. Jesus, nobody comes close when she hits climax of a song, Shaeffer feeing it on the keyboards as everyone in the studio realized this was a one of a kind vocalist in front of them. Damn. nothing topped that.

[@dongiller]

Shaffer; Paul Shaffer.

[@bennyadler5882]

Damn keyboard not on my mind.

[@phresevardone293]

No wonder why she’s being sought by the likes of Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Luther Vandross, and Bette Midler to sing on their records, Ms Cissy Houston has the vocal chops to sing any genre.

[@akuapiatas]

She was 53 here

[@TheBeethovenrox1770]

This right here... IMHO, puts Patti LaBelle under foot... and with such control!

[@joanaferoh2900]

Thank your mother, whittney❤

[@tmoore7049]

Sing Cissy!

[@barrybridges8064]

53 years old here. Imagine that voice at 25 years old. I say mama is better.

[@ChosenRellll1111]

Cissy was so charming her speaking voice was very charming and warm and sexy wow ! Just like Whitney’s 🔥🎤but here was darker then nippys due to being older and out of her prime

[@in2jc]

Whitney Houston's First Teacher.!!

[@carlamonsalve8773]

DIVINA DIVA!!!!

[@michaelchavez841]

You better talk to them cissy !!

[@user-vt9sd8bi6m]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jadellemusic]

So many great singers would’ve made it so much farther had they had a few vocal lessons to help control their big beautiful voices. (Hell, myself included) Cissy was great, she had an amazingly operatic voice.