The highest note by Cissy Houston in Aretha Franklins 'Aint no way' is NOT a C6

[@clarequilty4962]

Someone described Cissy Houston's soprano in this song as "the ghost of a broken heart." It's a beautiful contribution to one of Aretha's finest songs.

[@harmon0173]

That's actually an awesome way to describe that vocal...meanwhile I wish I could teach my kids the alphabet song without scaring them.

[@gretchencomegys4235]

Soprano ghost chant…beautiful

[@kellacanb]

That's actually beautiful.

[@corneliuswhite5139]

I was a child when this song came out, and already in love with Aretha, but I remember being entranced by that beautiful Soprano sound.

[@westonkillian3601]

A lot of sopranos don't sing like that anymore they should try to learn from this song.

[@blahblahblahaha]

That note made the song for me

[@helentubbs4511]

Exactly!

[@SadeWithTheReceipts]

I swear 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🥰🔥

[@Tallwater67]

Absolutely

[@jaythethinker3994]

Yup that note just hit you in the gut. You doing all right in the song til that note hit you, then the tears start coming. Best production/vocal arrangement ever

[@annoir]

Chills. Every time I hear it.

[@JungleYT]

So, Whitney's gift was indeed in her DNA...

[@onemillionpercent]

JungleYT yes but she was indeed better than Cissy.

[@ChosenRellll1111]

aye sorry not at all both equally talented different tones go back to when Cissy was in her early 20s you’ll hear it lol 😂

[@ChosenRellll1111]

aye I was waiting for this dumb ass statement

[@moniquecater4371]

That whole family is full of singers

[@nesq4104]

Whitney was perfect balance of Dionne and cissy

[@bskeete]

The most haunting back ground vocal EVER!!!!!!!

[@lucioj20]

Have you heard laughing boy by Mary wells ??? There’s a haunting vocals there as well

[@Bleuxman]

No it’s not 😒

[@forensicaccountant259]

I'll go with New Birth and the (edit: last) minute or so of "It's Been a Long Time."

[@lucioj20]

@@forensicaccountant259 thank you for leading me to that masterpiece

[@terrencerandall3127]

I think that was a popular singing sound back then. U don't here it too much now days

[@akutagin3519]

Thats high note is legendary !

[@andersonhilliard1940]

So true

[@DjBRedd]

Most can’t duplicate it

[@waltontyson3996]

Wow it just occurred to me that this sound may have inspired the opening of Mariah's 'it's a wrap' m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJa0qWOVqstngpo

[@nerdygirl2316]

Listen to Gimme Shelter- Rolling Stones

[@westonkillian3601]

Now that's a true soprano

[@markhills2310]

Cissy hit dat note with Grace

[@bleu1306]

Yeah. We see where Whitney got it from. #thevoice

[@whitneyhoustonstan2472]

It’s so funny listening to other background singers try cissy’s part when Jennifer or Patti sing this song 😂 nobody gets Cissy’s part down because she’s that good.

[@Colourednexotic]

Marco Murillo mama cece did not take a break she was smooth !

[@whitneyhoustonstan2472]

@@vocaleditz9483 depends if you’re a soprano or mezzo. Regardless, it’s either mid range or high in head voice. Not considered a low note. It’s difficult because Cissy sustains it for so long. Most can touch a Bb5 but sustaining it to a classical quality is really difficult. Opera singers should have no trouble with this, but most non-classic singers cannot do what Cissy did in that song.

[@klion3924]

@@whitneyhoustonstan2472 Yes because Cissy and Whitney both kin to Leontyne Price and both were classically trained singers.

[@cocolocs99]

Both women are legendary in their own right…but that Cissy soprano is just chilling!!!! Love them both!💕

[@cynthiajordan4990]

Simply Awesome!!! And a Rare and Beautiful Gift Indeed!!!

[@AJ-iu7wc]

Wow, the background note brings so much passion in this song. I love this song.

[@alenalarie1181]

That is Cissy Houston Whitney Houston's mama😍😍

[@Colourednexotic]

ALENA LARIE I’m crying just too good

[@Ardell57]

Aretha and Cissy created the Perfect Storm for this epic creation with Aretha leading and Cissy creating a halo of voice for the background. Purely original.

[@AnandajiRev.AllenReed1111]

Perfect storm like fleetwood Mac

[@scorpioninblue]

Cissy voice is like an eagle soaring over the snow capped mountains..........absolutely incredible!

[@deldee]

Wow, didn’t realize that was Cissy. Incredible

[@teliciasmith3552]

Me either

[@forwardpress3146]

Me either

[@Chicanaloca]

These folks must be young!

[@bigeman25]

@@Chicanaloca very young.

[@williamaustin8999]

I always thought that it was Carolyn Franklin hitting those high notes! Wow!

[@ledhicks]

Can someone make a loop of just Cissy's immaculate background wail. It's pure heaven I'd say.

[@missg1727]

That Cissy smh, that note was everything that song needed. No surprise to me, this is the lady that birthed The Voice🤩💓

[@catsmeow9025]

👸🏽👸🏽👸🏽

[@averyfisher9967]

Cissy Houston never gets the credit that she rightfully deserves! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@johnnycarson6170]

U are so right

[@violetsrayreikishop2]

Cause Aretha was a petty ass shit starter she got mad that when she had Cissy doing background on stage in the later or mid 2000s Cissy was basically out of it and forgot to sing her backing vocals she was just looking around lost and miss petty Aretha lied saying Cissy did it on purpose to sabotage her performance when she didn't even think for a second that cissy is very old and older than Aretha I think Cissy was having some memory or concentration issues so she refused to have someone act as Cissy in the movie doing that background for ain't no way instead she put someone as her sister for that part and now a lot of ignorant folks think Cissy didn't sing the original backing vocal here.

[@rodneydrakeford9661]

That signature voice just etched itself into recording history 🙌🏾

[@africansapphire]

Cissy's voice was the perfect compliment to this song.

[@dee12yearsago88]

0% autotune. If only the music stayed like this, we would've had a lot of REAL talented artists by now

[@docb.87]

Ain’t That the truth you just told!

[@alexanderv.6028]

Amen to that!

[@linedanzer4302]

Instead we have a bunch of *acts* that call themselves celebrities as soon as they come out.

[@ask4theupgrade359]

Well we can thank “music videos” first, as many talented artist lost opportunities, because it became about your looks, weight, image, ability to dance. - Milli Vanill didn’t do their own singing. - Martha Wash did the singing, while others lip-synch to her voice and finally auto tones. It’s about image vs being a great “live” singer.

[@ihascupcakke8616]

A lot of vocalist are still talented. Autotune sounds unnatural which is why only rappers use it

[@AndySaenz]

Cissy’s voice is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. She has the voice of an Angel! It’s easy to hear where Whitney got her amazing pipes.

[@leelee-ht4vi]

Whatever note it is, it's beautiful!

[@blessed_jess_4eva]

Cissy, Whitney, Aretha, & Dionne voices blows my mind! They sure know how to make you feel their songs/ music. Sends chills down my spine. So breathtaking.

[@USNAVDC]

If you watch Cissy when she sings this....it's so effortless for her....just unbelievable....and it just made this song. So beautiful....

[@klmitchell5486]

The song itself is gorgeous it's beautiful it's magnificent is out of this world but that high note from Cissy Houston was the backbone of the song Because without it it would just be a plain song that high note gives it a whole different texture

[@PhilemonXIV]

Excellent comment and analysis 👍

[@thegodblogger3812]

There is no plain Aretha song, least of all "Ain't No Way." Yes, Cissy's contribution was wonderful, but the backbone of the song was pure Aretha Louise Franklin. You tried it though. Lol.

[@deshaunx776]

@@thegodblogger3812 Nope. Aretha had a ton of hits, but she also had a lot of songs that went nowhere. Cissy’s high note- not just the pitch, but the way she resonated with an operatic quality- elevated the class and dignity of the song and helped to make it one of Aretha’s greatest tracks. Give credit where it’s due.

[@thegodblogger3812]

@@deshaunx776 Aretha is the bedrock. She gave Cissy something to work with. Cissy was great as a background vocalist. Notice she's backup. A great backup on many, many of Aretha's cuts. That's Cissy's credit. That's her due.

[@GalaxyNexus1]

nonsense. Cissy's note is fantastic just as the other background vocals, arrangement and instrumentation are. No Cissy is not the only backbone of the song, there were lots of people who contributed to supporting The Queen of Soul and this great recording.

[@USNAVDC]

Cissy Houston is totally AMAZING!

[@MsTeedyboo]

It's funny how you NEVER hear anyone cover that note 😂 Cissy Houston=ICONIC

[@krissysprayers2537]

1:18-1:21 is actually a prior take of Aretha singing "for me to love you". You can even hear her singing the last of the phrase "me to love you" from 1:20-1:21. Singers do multiple takes in the studio....apparently, what we mistaken as Cissy hitting an Eb6 note is actually Aretha belting an Eb5 on the word "for" from a prior take/recording. Not only did she belt the word "for", but she did a vocal run. It was obviously not supposed to remain in the recording....but it did. The final version that we hear is her singing "for me to love you"...with the word "for" being a G4 note without melisma. However, whoever edited this song didn't fully remove her prior take of the phrase "for me to love you"....it is still heard FAINTLY in the background between 1:18 and 1:21. People erroneously assume that it is Cissy singing an Eb6...what they are hearing is an "overtone" of Aretha's belted Eb5 on the word "for".

[@codywalsh2075]

Mariah Carey did kinda sample that note for a song of hers "It's a wrap" she does this exact note at the start of the song but in whistle register I think

[@deoneken]

Jennifer does everytime she sings it

[@violetsrayreikishop2]

@@codywalsh2075 no tf she didn't lmao nobody can recreate cissy haunting angelic note not even Whitney could do that note so you definitely tripping saying mariah could lmao

[@violetsrayreikishop2]

@@deoneken she doesn't stop the capping Cissy was also trained in opera not even Whitney could mimic that note if Whitney can't of course Jennifer nor mariah could yall smoking crack in these comments trying to take away from Cissy with singers Cissy would've sung under the table in her prime.

[@sexylexie]

Cissy did the same thing in Bridge over trouble waters, her high notes made that live version the BOMB…

[@loveinspired7]

NO LIES TOLD, He Created us with Rhythm and Soul NATURALLY weaved throughout the entire double helix of our DNA...❤

[@deanadiedrich9304]

Wow! I thought that was The Queen of Soul Aretha franklin singing that background... Cissy is Awesome!!! Carolyn Franklin great song writer .

[@johnnycuff4647]

both Aretha and Cissy had beautiful voices. Aretha a sultry mezzo while cissy soared in the rafters. Elvis was so impressed with cissy that she later sung background on a few of his songs. The Eb6 was faint and hard to hear but judging by how strongly she attacked the soprano high C( c6) I dont think it's surprising she could go higher. She was a first soprano so the live in their head voices.

[@whitneyhoustonstan2472]

Johnny Cuff Aretha is not a Mezzo! lol

[@Calvin375]

If Aretha wasn't a mezzo soprano, than what was she to your ears?

[@torog4727]

Aretha was a Mezzo Soprano with a range up to High D. I can't speak for what you may hear.

[@ramongerman6440]

Aretha is not mezzo she was soprano falcon that was truly voice of her.

[@ForEighteen]

Aretha clearly wasn't a mezzo. She had such ease and volume way within the soprano tessitura, especially on and above F#5, and she didn't show much depth or power in mezzo territory. In non-operatic singing, Mahalia Jackson fits the mezzo description better.

[@mezzomae_1]

I didn't know Cissy was the one singing opera in the background!

[@vivecawhite4097]

It's about time someone spoke up about Miss Cissy Houston! For years, I've been telling folk about her. Her daughter is, "The Voice!" but her mother, Cissy! Oh she can make the hair on your body stand & quiver, even in places you have no hair! Never underestimate a background sing! Most lead sings prefer to singing background. It's a hold different world when you're a background singer!

[@rachelr375]

Don't know what else to say but Cissy Houston has an angelic otherworldly voice on this song, Goosebumps!🐦🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@ritas.4476]

Who on earth can hit those notes? No way... God-given voices.

[@whitneyhoustonstan2472]

A lot of soprano opera singers can, but then again, Cissy is not classically trained, so this is extremely impressive!

[@Gapeaches77able]

Marco Murillo I think Mrs. Cissy Houston did sing some opera.

[@direfranchement]

Many black gospel sopranos of that era (which is what Cissy was as that was where she learned to sing and got her start) had these head notes and used them in solo, group and choir recordings and live performances. Listen around.

[@CradleEpiscopalian56]

Cynthia Erivo can. She hit Phillips Bailey's "Reasons" notes during a tribute to EWF. She's awesome too 💖

[@mystapaul]

Notes like this was hit all day in black churches

[@YvonneJ10]

Lawd…after all these years, I NEVER knew it was Cissy’s voice. New found respect, y’all. Wow!!

[@andersonhilliard1940]

Love cissy in the background, makes that song her best

[@HummerLove]

The dog barks, the neighbors bang on the wall and I have a sore throat after attempts to imitate Ms. Cissy Houston.

[@Nick-ol7sm]

Really tho???!!?!?!? You didn't even try to do whitney you just done went for the final boss 😂😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣

[@DGodwithaplan2]

😂😂😂

[@rebeccariley9916]

Perfection personified

[@Gapeaches77able]

I see in the comments that people will always try to get “technical” and “scientific” to dispute someone’s talent. “It’s head voice” “that’s not an EB6”....who gives a damn? This woman is super talented and the beauty of voices is they come in different ranges, sounds and tones. Cissy Houston is a SOUL singer, not an opera singer and her voice moves people in ways opera never would. People will always find a way to try and make themselves feel “special” so they can look down their noses at someone else whose doing the same thing they are.

[@dewaynesmith6924]

Preach!

[@debdessaso]

@@dewaynesmith6924 Er, excuse me whoever "Glory be to God" is and Dwayne, but I consider your suggestion that Cissy shouldn't also be an opera to be the worse kind snobbery. Did someone pass a law saying that Black people should sing only one style of music?? Did either of you complain when Wynton Marsalis received Grammys for both jazz and classical music?? Did you cluck your tongues when Aretha stood in for Placido Domingo and sang Nessum Dorma? Give me a break! Few people in the world can cross lines like Black people, be it in music, sports, or any other field. And the last thing we need is a bunch of racially limiting folks like yourself!

[@direfranchement]

So sassy!

[@krissysprayers2537]

It's actually Aretha's voice...singing "for me to love you". What we hear is the "for"...a belted Eb5. It's not even Cissy at all. It was obviously a prior take....and Aretha did another take, but they didn't edit the old one out correctly. You can still hear it faintly....it's actually an error.

[@karmakeeper2335]

We all have DIFFERENT gifts. People would do WELL/WEATHY to find their OWN special God given gift.

[@MKD825]

Educate me. Did someone dispute her "highest" note, and furthermore, would that matter? She's glorious.

[@IH8COMERCIALRNB]

Noone disputed it, I just happened to hear it.

[@justin7sanchez]

@@IH8COMERCIALRNB but the title of the video implies that someone said it WAS a C6... like the original poster, i'm curious what your title means. thanks

[@jishwarules3361]

@@justin7sanchez ppl always say it’s a C6

[@michellejohnson1298]

Amen. Miss Cissy is absolutely glorious.

[@dominiquejones3805]

Still my favorite Queen Soul Aretha song

[@crystalsmith4187]

Beautiful, Cissy , sounds like an Angel in Heaven, Cold blooded, high notes. Love, them both.

[@laurenceadams119]

"that note" is just as legendary as the song. Its so legendary, that you can make a fair assessment that its as important to this song..as Merry Clayton's vocal on "Gimme Shelter". Because without either of their vocals on those songs, the song is has a completely different effect on the listener. I cant imagine these two sings without Cissy and Merry, contributing.

[@janetownley]

Not even the slightest bit comparable

[@Hitaleit7778]

Thats why she and her group the Sweet Inspirations were backing vocalists for Elvis Presley for his Las Vegas concerts. He had the best musicians and singers behind him.

[@sherrysingleton5265]

The only song that I’ve heard , where the background is as phenomenal as the lead vocal! My goodness; how can that be? 😱

[@terrellstaley4001]

god bless you Mrs Houston! you sound like a angel! my God your voice is wonderful!

[@crystalsmith4187]

I said the same thing, she can take you to Heaven, with that voice. Whitney can take you to heaven with A Quiet Place, listen to it, Whitney was with God, even tho, she was their with choir and Cissy.

[@MarkReillyRoyalJones]

now that's a vocal obligato. Cissy is an angel here on earth with that inimitable voice. The sweetener! 👏🏼🙏🏿🕺🏾🕺🏼🕺🏿💙

[@ZestoHrd-db7hv]

her high notes was phenomenal ...no one holds a candle against cissy ..trust me she is legendary..

[@kelvinmutisya6487]

Whitney's mother

[@teammmx]

Hearing it makes you wanna cry. It’s the sound of a truly broken heart. My goodness.

[@georgeking4730]

Yes Aretha & Cissy the song birds...love that song and the note Cissy hit is priceless...Aretha's back ground had some phenomenal singing ladies...Sweet Inspirations... Rip Aretha & Whitney. Cissy stay strong, God bless you all...Amen

[@robertburcham4122]

First time I heard it.....it gave me a chill up my back and brought a tear to my eyes. The whole song touched my heart.

[@user-ux3zj3di4l]

Aw man I was just saying yesterday that I don't know who is hitting that note but it sounds so beautiful and here is my answer. Thank you!!!

[@MsWALKERWEAR]

One of a kind..❤️

[@karenheyward9590]

Outstanding!!!!!!!. Simply Outstanding!!!!!!!!.

[@indiamckenzie4357]

That's how whitney lean them hi notes..I didn't know mama Houston could do that..

[@klion3924]

I think she goes to a G6 or higher 1:20 but its hard to her. She definitely goes from superhead Eb6 into whistle register. Cissy is a coloratura soprano!

[@storimora8557]

Love Aretha, Cissy, and Whitney. Classic voices of forever 🖤

[@markhills2310]

& the best note pure perfection.

[@vandwelling5894]

The corroboration of these two amazing women's voices will NEVER be duplicated. You feel these music down to your soul. In the words of Al Green " simply beautiful"

[@tmoore7049]

Sang Cissy!

[@markdrinkwater1508]

The greatest voice in recording history - backed by the greatest background singer Cissy Houston.

[@papadop]

Cissy's rendition of Be My Baby is incredible too.

[@ramongerman6440]

Yes In this she sing like it’s were opera amazing

[@bertojr2130]

One song i wished Whitney Houston sang

[@billieaustin7842]

Two Beautiful Queen's with anointed voices 🙏🙏 So happy I've had the pleasure of experiencing them both ❤😍❤

[@catsmeow9025]

Hauntingly beautiful; spiritual realm🙏🏽🦁🙏🏽

[@elisageorge1798]

I didn't know that's Cissy! Man Cissy could blow that Soprano!! Beautiful! Right on time with Aretha's beautiful voice.

[@jaybrown3341]

I was today yrs old when I found out that was Cissy's voice in the background...I was last week yrs old when I found out that Aretha's sister wrote the song🤕🤕💛💛

[@chelcierhodes3536]

Lawd how mercy Mrs. Sissy Houston woo the most beautiful scary sound I have ever heard

[@perfectdon2550]

Whitney look jus like Cissy on dis picture.

[@dominiquejones3805]

Facts

[@beasaroseco5840]

Yes! Mama of THE VOICE! 🌺🌺🌺🌺

[@alldat06]

Absolutely glass shattering!!

[@redzoom7857]

The ending runs she does in the background are even more fantastic

[@donperfect9106]

Best note ever to sang

[@robertcanada5106]

That note! My GOD!

[@Swypaworld77]

Lawd have mercy....😔🙌🏾

[@cnmrb151]

I wish they showed this up on Aretha's biopic Respect. When they portrayed recording this songs, it was Aretha's sister singing this iconic background vocal by Cissy.

[@AndySaenz]

Wow, what a beautiful voice! 😍❤️🎤🎼🎶🎵

[@sophiahutcherson5177]

Whoo Whoo Whoo in my Martin voice. Cissy didn't not come to play. You hear me!

[@bleu1306]

Yes ma'am! Cissy said I'm coming for everyone's wig, even ppl in the back. Lol.

[@lashaunmcpherson4276]

Cissy had an ear for music that’s out of this world. I bet she came up with that Adlib on the whim! Damn they need a movie about Cissy and the cousins lol

[@centerfold8]

That high note gives me life

[@Armygirl-xb6ev]

Just beautiful and powerful. Fruit doesn’t all far from the tree. RIP Whitney…

[@marquishalsell]

Very angelic Whitney Houston had the best experiences of music with those great legends

[@taundeleyawaiters-hughesii5755]

It’s a woman yelling from her soul The pain in her voice sends chills

[@carlamonsalve8773]

DIVINA CISSY!!!!!

[@christiewilliams1704]

Wow, no WONDER WHITNEY HOUSTON was an amazing songstress. Cissy Houston was no joke....amazing background vocals and range. Sista was killing it.

[@RUBYMUNRO]

I had an LP by Cissy, released late 60s early 70s and treasured it for years, some amazing tracks on it, she should have been so much bigger xx

[@2b88player4]

In my opinion, there are several songs she leads and in the background her voice delivers so strongly! The Sweet Inspirations and her own recordings leaves me wondering why she was as much of a hit maker like her peers. Such a beautiful voice with a notable legacy that she has done. Sing Cissy, sing!

[@belindabrown7844]

I never knew this until now! Just beautiful! One of my favorites of Aretha!

[@trying0580]

Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston, and Bobby Kristina💞

[@mikalblack8798]

Those notes ARE PRETTY!!! ☺☺☺

[@jamecomalone9768]

Beautiful

[@kikilani]

I always wondered who's voice was behind that! Thank you.

[@ricowilliams9872]

This it cissy made it work priceless

[@sharonwilliams897]

Wow.. what a stunner. At least we know where the beauty comes from. I thought that was Whitney. You sing Miss Cissy. Love ❤️ you and Whitney, forever.🙏🏽

[@theodavis9778]

The most beautiful backing vocalists in the business …..

[@NatureBoyMickFlair]

How TF did she do that!! ❤

[@recesspub9917]

I wish I could hear Whitney singing this and the back up singer was mariah Carey's whistle on cissy Houston part.

[@moniquecater4371]

Yeah that would have awesome. If Whitney was still here I could see them coming together for another duet once her voice recovered fully. Baby girl wasn't ready for that 2009 come back

[@debdessaso]

@@moniquecater4371 Mariah Carey??? Why not go for the gold standard and wish that person singing that high whistle was Ms. Whistle herself, Minnie Riperton!

[@kitpaul3929]

@@debdessaso Whitney and Mariah are held in the same regard when it comes to the gold singing standard. Mariah is the greatest whistler in pop music. Plus she is overall a greater singer Minnie ever was. So stop the Mariah slander immediately.

[@virgostan8898]

Mariah is not regarded as a gold standard of singing by the black community, and she is an ok live singer at best. Rachelle Ferrell, Oleta Adams, Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, and so many others will devour Mariah--LIVE!

[@mariahyohannes]

Whitney does sing this with her mother though and it's beautiful

[@ombudlady]

I always wondered who that was. She was FAB♥️♥️♥️

[@valerieakinmoju1772]

Angelic and Totally Supernatural🎤🎵🎶

[@michele2855]

Beautiful obligato, descant! Cissy is an incredible technical singer!

[@diannehill492]

Love this song

[@fernan322]

AMAZING BEAUTIFUL !!!!