Emily "Cissy" Houston (née Drinkard; born September 30, 1933) is a Grammy A… Read Full Bio ↴Emily "Cissy" Houston (née Drinkard; born September 30, 1933) is a Grammy Award–winning American soul and gospel singer. She led a successful career as a backup singer for such artists as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, and is now primarily a solo artist. She is mother to the late singer and actress Whitney Houston, aunt of Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick and a cousin of Leontyne Price.

BE MY BABY
Cissy Houston Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The night we met
I knew I, I needed you so
And if I had the chance
I would never, never let you go

So please won't you say you love me
Somehow I'll make you so proud of me
We'll make them turn their heads

Yes, we will, every place we go

So be my baby
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my baby
(My one and only baby)
Say you'll be my darling
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now

Oh, oh, oh, someday
I'll make you happy, baby
You just wait and see
And for every kiss you give me
I'm gonna give you three

Since the first day I saw you
I have been waiting for you
I'll always adore you
And I'll love you
Right through eternity

So please be my baby
(Be my, be my baby)
I gotat have you for my baby
(My one and only baby)
Say you'll be my darling
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now

Don't wait
I need you to be my baby
(Be my, be my baby)
Won't you be my baby please
(My one and only baby)
Oh, oh, oh, be my darling
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now

All right now
I need you, I need you
I need you to be my baby
(Be my, be my baby)
I need you to be my baby
Yes, I do
(My one and only baby)
(Be my, be my baby)
I wanna have you for my darling
It's got to be right now
Right now, right now

I need you, yes, I do

(Be my, be my baby)
I'm telling you, I need you
(My one and only baby)
Don't you know I need you
For my baby, yes, I do
(Be my, be my baby now)
Oh, oh, right now

All I can say is I want you

I got to have you
(Be my, be my baby)...

Overall Meaning

The song Be My Baby, performed by Cissy Houston, tells the story of a woman who falls in love at first sight and will do anything to keep her love. From the very first line, the singer asserts her love for her partner, claiming that she needed them as soon as they met, and she will never let them go if given the chance. She then pleads with her love interest to say they love her back, reassuring them that she will make them proud and that they will turn heads wherever they go. The singer also promises to make her love happy and give them three kisses for every one she receives.

Overall, the song is a declaration of love and commitment, with the singer willing to do whatever it takes to keep her partner by her side. She believes that they are meant to be together, and that their love will last for eternity.

Line by Line Meaning

The night we met
From the moment I met you

I knew I, I needed you so
I knew I needed you in my life

And if I had the chance
If I ever had the opportunity

I would never, never let you go
I would never let you leave me

So please won't you say you love me
Please tell me you love me

Somehow I'll make you so proud of me
I'll make you proud of me one day

We'll make them turn their heads
People will be amazed by us

Yes, we will, every place we go
This will happen wherever we go

So be my baby
Be my love

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

Be my baby
My love

(My one and only baby)
My only true love

Say you'll be my darling
Promise that you'll be my sweetheart

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

Be my baby now
My love, be with me now

Oh, oh, oh, someday
One day

I'll make you happy, baby
I'll make you happy, my love

You just wait and see
You'll see it eventually

And for every kiss you give me
For every kiss you give me

I'm gonna give you three
I'll give you three kisses

Since the first day I saw you
Since the day I met you

I have been waiting for you
I've been waiting for you all this time

I'll always adore you
I'll always love and cherish you

And I'll love you
I will always love you

Right through eternity
Forever and beyond

So please be my baby
Be my love, please

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

I gotat have you for my baby
I must have you as my love

(My one and only baby)
My one and only love

Say you'll be my darling
Promise me that you'll be my sweetheart

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

Be my baby now
My love, be with me now

Don't wait
Don't hesitate

I need you to be my baby
I need you to be my love

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

Won't you be my baby please
Please be my love

(My one and only baby)
My one and only love

Oh, oh, oh, be my darling
Be my sweetheart

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

Be my baby now
My love, be with me now

All right now
Okay now

I need you, I need you
I need you, I really do

I need you to be my baby
I need you to be my love

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

I need you to be my baby
I need you to be my love

Yes, I do
Indeed I do

(My one and only baby)
My only true love

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

I wanna have you for my darling
I want to have you as my love

It's got to be right now
It has to happen now

Right now, right now
This moment

I need you, yes, I do
I need you very much

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

I'm telling you, I need you
I'm telling you, I need you

(My one and only baby)
My only true love

Don't you know I need you
Don't you understand that I need you?

For my baby, yes, I do
For my love, I need you very much

(Be my, be my baby now)
Be mine, my love, be with me now

Oh, oh, right now
Right now, immediately

All I can say is I want you
All I can say is I want you

I got to have you
I must have you

(Be my, be my baby)
Be mine

Contributed by Sydney R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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01I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself

02Didn't We3:35

03I'll Be There2:45

04Any Guy3:35

05When Something Is Wrong With My Baby3:20

06Be My Baby3:28

PT3M28S

Cissy Houston

07This Empty Place2:38

08The Long and Winding Road3:45

09Medley He - I Believe3:10

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Comments from YouTube:

@sgtBilko75

3y↑345

It’s almost criminal that the world doesn’t know Cissy Houston as the major solo star she deserved to be. What a voice and presence….

@blurdreamer

2y↑17

she is one of the highest demand back up singer back in the day. and is about song she got, Aretha didn't famous until she found the song RESPECT.
Singer need to find their identity song to break it through not just yell the hell out of it.

@yvonnecortez765

2y↑16

i agree shes one of the greatest of all time

@leighclaude

2y↑4

Amen

@asmrlilvezzy6601

1y↑7

Love her I believe she has won 2 Grammys

@sciocezze68

💯🎶

27 More Replies...

@SLC801aviator

1y↑61

My mom in the yellow dress! Such an honor to watch you sing. Love u much! Your proud son.

@nishadurant6266

23w↑2

🎶👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

@dion744

18w↑1

That's awesome

@angusvansatriani784

18w↑1

Wow! She is lovely. So regal and beautiful voice! You must be so proud.

@Pathfinder2992

17w↑2

That's so sweet of you to say as her son. And she's very beautiful too 👏🏽😊

@deicorley3304

1y↑36

I am honored to have been mentored as a teenager by Cissy Houston. The background performers you see in this video starting from left to right are: Deirdre Tuck-Corley [that's me] VonEva Simms, and Rennelle Stafford-Martin. When I was 18 years old Cissy asked me to perform with the Sweet Inspirstions while Myrna was on maternity leave. Cissy has taught me so much. I am blessed that she's my mentor and friend.

@vivstone4596

1y↑2

Is she really that great?

@paulasuniverse5029

19w↑3

How lovely. Thx 4 naming the background vocalists. What a nice mentorship. 🎶

@whitneydemystified4889

18w

What do you know about Whitney. Is Cissy her real mother in your opinion?

@deicorley3304

18w

Whitney is Cissy and John Houston's daughter by birth. So yes!!!!@@whitneydemystified4889

@davehedgehog9795

17w↑1

@@whitneydemystified4889 you're weird

3 More Replies...

@JoseliJunior

5y↑133

You can tell Whitney learned a lot from her mother, as a Whitney fan I noticed a lot of the things she used to do vocally, especially in her early years. I always wondered how on earth could anyone like that and I see it now, she was born with an amazing gift and had her mother to help her perfect it.

@adrianamaringrez9461

30w↑4

Cissy actually taught Whitney when she told her mother she wanted to be a singer. Together with her cousins Dione Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick. It wasn't just talent, it also was hard work to perfect the talent.

@88pynogrl

2y↑90

When Cissy opens up those high notes-the whole universe is vibrating!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️👏👏👏👏👏👏🎶🎶🎶🎶

@rahshidakayaba3774

1y↑1

@leanypoo

1y↑4

Amen to that...

@monicabella7894

51w↑1

💯

@Lucidleo-li8yu

2y↑61

Cissy Houston was a woman before her time and an absolutely AMAZING vocalist! Not hard to see how she gave birth to Whitney, who is considered to be the greatest female vocalist of a generation.

@tsmith3522

47w

Whitney got her talent from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@jredwards606

35w

Well, that's a revelation. Was that information in Houston's obituary? What is the source of your information? I would have to assume that Graves was a singer.@@tsmith3522

@blackwellross6321

28w↑2

@@tsmith3522 i didn´t know that, i though cissy was his birth mother

@whitneydemystified4889

26w↑1

There are theories that Theresa Graves is Whitney's real mother. But also that Dionne may be her mother also
I've also believe Theresa may be Whitney's real mother, there's alot that points that way. But I just watched old Duonne videos ..........especially singing gospel. Another under rated really under rated singer. Whitney looked alot like young Dionne also.. Many do not know Whitney had that same overbite as Dionne, but had alot of dental work to correct it.. She had a fall early in her singing career and broke her front teeth.. That may be why she was hiding it on an Arsenal Hall show.. And has alott of Dionnes style the runs etc. I think that's why Cissy let her run the funeral
Anyway, lots and lots of family secrets that ultimately broke Whitney's heart. Very sad. I loved loved loooooved Whitney Houston . There's so much to say about that beautiful woman. I'll be digging into it deeper, respectfully in the next few weeks. Just want to help expose what was breaking her hear, without disrespecting her family.❤. Come on over to my page.❤

@jredwards606

26w

You started by naming Graves, but you haven't identified her. Then, you speculated that Warwick may be Whitney's mother because of teeth structure and her participation in the funeral. Then, you returned to Graves; and although you said there is a lot of information that points to her, you didn't provide even one piece of evidence. I guess there is a theory about why Cissy Houston would claim another woman's child. What the many secrets that are no longer secrets because you know about them? @@whitneydemystified4889

2 More Replies...

@paetthasikhorvj2723

8y↑383

this proves the "like mother like daughter" phrase. amazing vocals!

@tsmith3522

47w↑2

Whitney got her talent to sing from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@common_sense_supreme

40w↑2

I like her mom's singing better. Such a soulful voice...cuts through your soul. They don't make 'em like that anymore. Whitney's songs lack in emotion, they're more technical.

@richardchorley9759

36w↑1

@@common_sense_supreme Cissy was a far superior singer.

@saadiqtua7461

23w

Teresa ain't her birth mother@@tsmith3522

@marbelariza7907

23w

@@common_sense_supremenojoda

@dapperman30

7y↑337

I have been trying to tell people that Whitney's voice didn't come from nowhere. Imagine Cissy at Whitney's age when she hit. If she was sounding like this in her 40s...I would LOVE to hear her prior to and before her Sweet Inspiration days. Remember they were the group backing Aretha during her hit run. Cissy was so good, she earned that solo soprano note in Aint No Way. Not many people know that. Listen to how clear and easy it was for Cissy to hit that note for damn near 30 seconds each time. I think if we heard her in her younger days, we might be saying she was one of the best singers in the world. Whitney was an extension of her...shit Whitney was so powerful that she took her to studio sessions at 12. The apple does not fall far from the tree! RIP WHITNEY #THEGREATEST #THEVOICE

@kimothystorey136

7y↑11

Well said, drop the mike

@DJDavidSerrano

7y↑18

If you want to hear her younger, look up Cissy Drinkard or the Drinkard Singers. That was her gospel group with her and her brother and sisters including Dionne Warwick's mom and Cissy's sister Lee.

@DJDavidSerrano

7y↑11

You can also check out Cecily Blair that was her OTHER stage name.

@dapperman30

Thanks David...I forgot about the Drinkards. I knew her born name is Emily Drinkard and that it was her and her family but never thought to look it up. I will now!

@malcolmnichols3510

4y↑3

@Siren Thelxiope Exactly, In the beginning she was MADD rough and only hit the high notes when she needed to. I mean she was still a soprano but only really smoothed out her roughness around her Sweet Inspirations and solo career.

19 More Replies...

@sandybryan3906

1y↑45

WHAT A WONDERFUL VOICE!!! AND THE BACKGROUND SINGERS AFROS ARE EVERYTHING!!💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

@phindiwedlamini3781

3y↑59

Cissy Houston sings like an Angel. Those high notes - I've heard them in Brook Benton's songs. The back-up singers are also soooo talented

@benjaminadler6149

2y↑30

That laugh as she finishes another master performance was just another of Ms Cissy’s one of a kind trademarks. We love you Ms Cissy. No one was ever a more perfect performer than you.

@ogkush1916

2y↑3

Funny whintey laughed alot on her songs when she was killing it

@bennyadler5882

2y↑4

@ogkush1916 Stole that "giggle" from Moms.

@reginaldtaylor9702

48w↑12

Great voice super soul singer❤

@roderickclayton5101

10y↑52

I, Roderick Clayton have been in the music as a participant most of my life as a drummer and song writer. I have had the privilege of witnessing some of the worlds greatest singers. Cissy and Whitney are goose bump,tear jerking,chill bringing vocalist of the all-time top ten kind. thank God for loaning them both to our world.

@USNAVDC

6y↑152

This whole family was sooooo talented. They're all stars to me....

@taraerskine3954

4y↑1

And crack addicts!!! Unbelievable she should be home with her damn kids- maybe they wouldn't have because druggies!

@USNAVDC

4y↑5

@Tara Erskine Such a heartbreak.

@RoyalBarbzMaraji

Whole family wasn’t talented..
They drove Whitney to her death especially her mother !

@USNAVDC

3y↑22

@iBeezy-Minaj BARBZ Since 05 Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick, Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston....That's enough to establish my comment. No matter what else you say about them, they're really talented.

@RoyalBarbzMaraji

3y↑1

@Tom E Muncey those the only ones, you said the whole family. Whitney siblings doesn’t have talent only leeching. Cissy, Dee, & Dionne are okay singers to me. Those people are shady. Never was a fan. I’m only a fan of Whit now she’s the best singer who had a beautiful soul.. ❤️❤️❤️💯💯🙏🏽🙏🏽

4 More Replies...

@shviewjames126

10y↑163

And them background girls are killing it! They are on point! So, so tight! Harmonies. My, my, my. Oh how I wish for this kind of singing today. Bring back the church in the music.

@sheilapalmer224

7y↑5

shview james ifeel you

@davidshields948

3y↑4

Background girls are no less than the sweet inspirations,. also backed Elvis and Jimi Hendrix. The Tops.

@rickstone5547

3y↑1

Word.

@childofgodyehovah187

3y↑1

Amen

@jesincere8589

3y↑2

@David Shields I don't recognize any of them. They are not Sylvia, Myrna or Estelle.

5 More Replies...

@barryb2008

40w↑8

The audience doesn't realize how great of a singer they just witnessed!

@HandwhistlerBen

9y↑52

WOW!!! I love Cissy's rendition! I never heard anyone sing this but Ronnie! After listening to many of Cissy's recordings and hearing most of the notes of her three octave range, I know that I am listening to greatness. Whitney had a very good start from her MOM and took her singing to an even higher level!!

@jessefett2986

3y↑45

She is thus far the only person who made this song her own. Every other version imitates the original Ronettes' version down to the instruments. She did it a different tempo and mood and made this song feel so much more intimate than the original. (The Ronettes version is still my favorite but damn this comes close. It's one you could slow dance to.)

@88pynogrl

2y↑4

Totally AGREE! The musical acts back then showed so much class, and musicality. So nuanced and colorful.

@ezerlenewatkins9644

Lord have mercy. This woman can sing!!!

@worldclasstraveler3530

1y↑1

Cissy did a good job with this song too

@bennyadler5882

52w

@World class Traveler Her version solidifies Ronnie's reasons for pushing "sexy" look on Ronette's, ("We had singing competition from Shirelles, Dionne, all those great singers so we had to look different").

@1RAHRAH

8y↑149

Where the hell did you find this jewel of a performance? Where was this? Absolutely beautiful! Made me feel good in my soul. Thank you very much.

@ethellima0512

Oh my God

@DuaneDorsey-wp5dm

25w↑2

It don't get much better than this. Very underrated singer but those in the business know exactly who she is. I am a fan. Didn't know of her until whitney came out. Look no further where whitney got her VOICE.

@MrDLOC11

6y↑29

Stunning reworking by a brilliant artist! Cissy really deserves to be recognized as one of the great vocal wonders of the world!!

@rdo1231

12y↑10

Lord, she is absolutely majestic – I can hear God Almighty in her voice – she moves me, people! Thank you for posting this

@datle5503

2y↑4

Her musicality is awesome! Every melody she sings connects so smoothly with each other. The way she builds the dynamic of the song is like butter

@ReddzVoice

12y↑13

There are moments in this performance where I can clearly hear her influence on WHITNEY'S vocals: 1:01, 1:24-1:30, 1:52, 2:30-2:33, 3:00! Awesome performance! Peace and love...

@sl1393

6y↑15

I simply love this song! Sang Ms. Cissy! And Whitney's voice came from her mama. The way she phrases her words, sliding into the high notes, the grit and riffs, yes! And that's what children do, we mimic our parents.

@tsmith3522

47w↑1

Whitney got her talent from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@papadop

4y↑9

Tears in my eyes
Chills with hair standing up
There never will be a better performance of this song than this.
Wow.
Bless you Ms. Houston and RIP to your daughter.

@2singitlive

11y↑22

Wow, them powerful high notes. Flawless! Beautiful!

@michalmiko894

16w

❤❤❤❤ can’t even express how this version is so incridible, love it

@hazelb8137

2y↑9

Wow. I didn't even know she sang music other than gospel!! This song is beautiful!

@keilla178

5y↑10

Gente que Diva, que voz, ela Cissy juntamente com a filha Whitney e Aretha Franklin podem ser chamadas de Divas das Divas👏👏👏❤o vocal é impressionante

@resivaldejesusjesus1033

Realmente elas cantam muito e mais um pouco.

@ezerlenewatkins9644

Lord a mercy, that woman can sing!

@shawnbaldwin1896

8y↑22

Cissy Houston to me had and has one of best voices ever !Loved this version of this song sing Cissy!

@Seabasstien

3y↑9

Definitely love Cissy Houston! What a powerhouse

@terrancetyson7535

4y↑27

The older I get the more gifted Cissy's vocals sound. Doctor Houston knew how to milk and work a song to completion.

@MultiMarty25

2y↑5

Such an amazing voice!!easy to see how whitney had such stunning vocals and presence.We miss you Whitney💝💝💝

@tsmith3522

47w

Whitney got her talent from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@TrelleStar

10y↑38

I respect everything about Phil Spector's Wall of Sound but Cissy's voice and this arrangement are absolutely wonderful san Wall of Sound. Now that's How you transcend pop into Solid Soul!! Yes gawd! 🙌

@eros-alatus3692

28w↑2

Happy 90th Birthday Cissy Houston! You are a legend! 🎉❤️🎶

@yvonnecortez765

2y↑5

Ive watched this probably 1000 times. Im just in awe of cissy. I think she is probably one of the greatest singers of all time . really powerful soulful and beautiful .what a lovely classy elegant lady !

@RadicalforGod

1y↑2

There would be no Whitney without Cissy ❤️ i see where the talent comes from.

@keginemylife

3y↑43

Allot of the notes/ tones Whitney used I hear right here in this song. Musically
Sissy trained her very well 💕

@helenamatos5804

14w

Q show, vozes maravilhosas, como ainda não tinha conhecido essa cantora?

@gloriareginadecarvalholima1692

2y↑3

Umas vozes e interpretação mais lindas de todos os tempos! Minha geração foi muito privilegiada em ouvir e dançar com Cissy, Aretha, Carly Simon e tantas outras vozes inesquecíveis!

@gumtree7177

41w↑6

She’s amazing see where Whitney gets it from. Beautiful and wow a star. Mother and daughter stars and Auntie Diana Warwick all amazing artists 🖼️ painting vocal art for our minds our ears our senses. ❤❤❤

@ahermannblue

35w

She's also a cousin to Leontyne Price, the famous opera singer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7crcoAkVg0

@jillemburey3214

32w

Dionne

@rhonda-malcom

2y↑5

i love how she worked her way to the high note - love it. alot of artist use that technique

@allisonlongmore8810

7y↑10

cissy Houston is in her 40s here, try listening to her earlier renditions and you'll be absolutely stunned by her vocal versatility

@africansapphire

2y↑2

Her voice is simply beautiful!

@AmunDonniRa

2y↑7

Cissy singing the hell out of that song, till it's heavenly!!!

@legendarymcdinis3391

2y↑5

Had Ms Cissy been born a few years later, she'd have been right up there in R&B/Pop with Aretha, Gladys, Tina or Patti. Just take a look at what Whitney became. Gospel lost a star, pop gained one with Ms Cissy, finest, purest vocalist in music, period. "Right up there" as the Greatest, no doubt.

@phil4977

32w↑2

Can see how Cissy taught Whitney how to go from chest to head voice back and forth effortlessly

@quieterrps

12y↑2

Bless Cissy for being so real and true to her beliefs. I'd have to think that she could've been a much huger star with increased promotional efforts and it were her desire. Her gifts are numerous from her looks to her poise and on through the depth and range of that voice. Thanks.

@MarlonDGandy

9y↑38

Wow she sounds amazing!

@mckinziechapman1622

1y↑5

Well we know where Whitney gets her incredible vocal range from.

@oscarsoto9551

17w↑1

Impecable ❤

@marylane8905

6y↑21

I am addicted to Cissy singing this song. It brings great memories

@eldafernandesgalvao6598

5y↑6

A voz mais perfeita e angelical❤❤

@IlsonNapoleao

Concordo com você. Ouça a versão One Bell to Answer dela como corrista do Burt Bacharach.

@BKDAYZ

1y↑1

Cissy hits those high notes like none otter. it’s the sweetest part of her voice! Just wow.

@resivaldejesusjesus1033

3y↑1

Que vozeirão... Agora sei o porquê do timbre de voz da saudosa Whitney Houston...Tal a mãe Cissy, tal a filha....😳👏🏾👏🏾

@kroakie4

8y↑6

What a woman! She bestowed her legacy upon her daughter, only to lose her. And she's achieved so much in her career. It's got to hurt for her to sing and think about how Whitney used to be happy singing too. She gave birth to one of the most beautiful singers this world will ever know. And she has the same warm, captivating, and passionate voice her daughter did. Bless her heart.

@tsmith3522

47w

Whitney got her talent from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@kroakie4

47w

I’ve never heard of anyone other than Cissy being Whitney’s biological mother. Sources, please.

@santoswander28wasantonio86

6y↑1

Cisse e Whitney simplesmente fabulosas amo de paixão

@evelynpreis4866

29w↑3

Hammer,tolle Sängerin.🎉Ich liebe diese Musik.🌹❤

@traexielicious

9y↑14

brilliant just brilliant ! Bravo Ms. Cissy Houston!

@leemannis9565

4y↑8

This is strictly Masterclass! It was like she whipped that song with her voice and made it come alive. Just my opinion - she was every bit as good a singer as Whitney - maybe even better, But Whitney had a much smoother, pettier voice with across the board universal appeal. Still, Cissy is spectacular!

@tsmith3522

47w

Whitney got her talent from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@beatriz76395

9y↑1

Adoro essa música,e ela tem uma voz maravilhosa

@juismac

7y↑9

Just simply amazing. Goosebumps and tears.

@mirellalastar

1y↑2

The ending of the song is so exciting. The "Right now", "right now". Her voice is amazing. So controlled and yet so passionate.

@jmar1973

12y↑2

Thumbs up if you're getting chills because you hear the obvious influence this amazing voice had on Whitney....

@CelestialGatez

2y↑7

I adore Cissy's voice. She helped to usher in a gift for the world to love.
Side note: Those background singers have halos...

@tsmith3522

47w

Whitney got her talent from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@CyrizJewelz

11y↑30

she tore this up!

@kamaleoah

8y↑7

Oh my God, what a voice!

@TheGamersGuide819

4y↑1

Wow this era was her best vocal . Clear and soulful

@njp0513

12y↑3

EPIC....!!!!!!! Why is she not like, epic famous? I mean, I always loved Cissy, but seriously, she should be up there with Aretha and Tina... I could listen to this over and over and over! LOVE you Cissy...

@Drew21171

12y↑4

MY GOD!!! HER VOICE!

@fabiogozzi2709

47w

Simplesmente, canta muito!

@paetthasikhorvj2723

15w

Whitney's mom, who sings backup to Aretha's Aint No Way... That high note WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! AMAZING!!!! ❤

@sandyrichter1947

11y↑13

WOW OMG WHAT A VOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!powerful. blow me away. I never knew she could sing like that. now i know why Elvis picked her to sing backup for him.The Lady can sing!!!!!!!!!

@MrCamp

3y↑6

That upward run on the “be my baby now” is as Whitney as it gets. Mom brought her up right.

@rdo1231

12y↑3

Such a shame that others in her generation received more adulation and fame. “Cissy Houston” should be a household name, not least of which because of her talented daughter, Whitney, but because of her own remarkable and stellar talent as a singer and interpreter of music. This lovely woman can sing better than any of her contemporaries. No question. We mourn her daughter and hope for only the best for Cissy and her family. God bless them all.

@tsmith3522

47w

Whitney got her talent from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@celsoantoniomartins9012

É uma das mais belas interpretações de uma cantora que já ouvi!!

@OdionADavid

50w

Absolutely resemblance with Whitney 💓🥰🥰 amazing high notes so Angelic

@IvadyLevente

So if somebody wants to understand what is the difference between radio music and soul music, then listen The Ronettes: Be my baby, and after this Cissy Houston-version again. Unbelievibly deep and emotionally! Cissy was genius! 😍

@CammyVilela

2y↑1

Coisa mais linda!!! Perfeita.

@steadmondsmith5779

9y↑4

OMG! What a rendition! Ronnie and her girls should walk out of the auditorium ashamed! Ms. Houston is amazing and should be inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame! A 60 year career that included gospel, soul, pop, and she set the standard for background singers! She taught Whitney everything she knew...listen to Whitney's live version of "Why Does It Hurt So Bad?"

@nomsantuli6023

5y↑2

She can sing and will run rings around these singers 😀 #Facts

@joekool1907

1y↑1

WOW! Cissy Houston tore this up and put it back together!

@pierangelomenci

1y↑1

The way she closes the Orchestra at the very end of the song 💕

@wandersantos6703

Meu Deus, que voz, que garganta, verdadeira mulher maravilha, descanse em paz

@katiavaleria708

8y↑1

+ Wander Santos Cissy Houston está viva meu caro!!! Viva e com muita saúde apesar das muitas lutas!!!

@iss_iam809

3y↑2

Whitney had such astronomical success that Cisssy became known as "The Mother of.. "
Respectfully she is Iconic In her own right. I love listening to her. She is credited for influencing Luther Vandross as well.

@Baduhennae

9y↑302

This makers clear why Whithney sang 'I learned from the best!'

@yvetterenee8256

6y↑26

That song was about learning from a cheater. But, she always said her Mother taught her everything. 😊

@ysadoraeseucanal7507

4y↑1

Oiç[oooo pip

@sandraatkins2539

3y↑5

What a beautiful voice. I see exactly what Whitney meant. Ms. Cissy can saaaang📣📣❤🙏

@tonyabrown1366

3y↑5

Oh yea she definitely got it from her MOTHER!! WOW COMING RIGHT FROM HER SOUL!!! LOVED IT!!

@c.calliecoleman1531

3y↑6

This is my first time hearing Cissy sing, and I am blown away. I thought Whitney had meant from Dionne, but Cissy was up there, too.✌🏽

2 More Replies...

@SuperJohnnyuk

3y↑1

Such would and power in the higher notes, that’s incredible

@inesmenezesoficial1047

7y↑4

Maravilhosa! !!

@melodicallyme856

1y↑2

Her voice is like a beautiful mix of her daughter Whitney’s voice and Mariah Carey. Just beautiful! 🥰

@tsmith3522

47w↑1

Whitney got her talent from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@randakelley511

38w

@@tsmith3522 Go outside and touch grass. I swear you people don't live in the real world.

@chrystalwilliams5841

I remember the Ronettes doing this song.. A great 60's popsong.
This version is more soulful ❤

@macielbrito4665

Muito linda gente! Parabéns Cyssi Houston pela sua brilhante carreira.

@lakeemamoore5290

Pure unadulterated talent 🔥🔥🔥

@silcosta7695

Voz incrível! Whitney tinha a quem puxar.

@AngellaRuffo

Isso explica de onde vem talento Whitney Houston,Sua mãe Cissy é uma cantora extraordinária! Lendas👑♥️ parte 3:20 a 3:29 escândalo de voz simplesmente maravilhosa...From:🇧🇷

@tsmith3522

47w

Whitney got her talent from her birth mother Teresa Graves and the structure it needed from Cissy who raised her.

@meggiesantos5130

30w↑1

Witney tinha no sangue...sua mãe Cissi era espetacular !!!!!

@canalcapiturando4346

Simplesmente fabulosas.

@yahsharelscrown7647

2y↑1

I'm honestly blown awayat mama cissy🥺🥺🥺ALLLLL HER NOTES & When she hit that wooooh‼️At 3:03 & 3:28 GEESH!!!! YES WHITNEY DEFINITELY GOT IT FROM HER MOMM😫😫😫😫😫😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩Y'all don't understand I'm listening to this repeatedly, God definitely said I'm gonna make sure your baby girl gets all the recognition for you both❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️