We lost the great Cissy Houston this week at the age of 91.

I was reminded of her long career in music and especially the Sweet Inspirations whom she formed with Doris Troy and Dee Dee Warwick in 1963.

They provided backing vocals for a stellar list of artists in the 60’s including Otis Redding,Wilson Pickett, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, Elvis - and of course Jimi Hendrix in 1967 on the track "Burning of the Midnight Lamp’ from the Electric Ladyland LP.

Its a melancholy song with Hendrix reflecting on the loneliness of incessant performing and life on the road.

Harpsichord starts the tune (played by Hendrix) - as well as wah wah guitar and backwards tape effects-which was groundbreaking for the time.

Finally we have the angelic voices of the Sweet Inspirations.

Houston was able to navigate a diverse range of artists handling different genres -from soul, psychedelic rock to disco- that is what stands out to me.

She possessed a wide vocal range - I'm thinking of her high backing vocals on the Aretha classic “Ain't No Way” in 1968.

She also worked with Paul Simon in “Mother and Child Reunion” from 1972.

Consequently she was in high demand as a session vocalist.

(Cissy Houston on the right - with the Sweet Inspirations)

So let us reflect on the amazing musical contribution, originality and flexibility of this great soul and gospel singer - who appeared on landmark recordings and live shows.

Let us not forget also the exemplary musical heritage of her family too - the mother of Whitney Houston and aunt of Dionne Warwick.

Go check out the life and career of the late great Cissy Houston.

More info here:

https://www.discogs.com/artist/293219-The-Sweet-Inspirations

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/cissy-houston-dead-obituary-1235128068/