How Sweet the Sound

Wow! What a book. I must admit that this was a different book than I expected but then, I should have read the title very careful because it is about God, the Gospel and music. It is obvious that those 3 things are the premise for her living and surviving . She still cares the love and scars from her family love that has kept her embraced in their grace. She never has abandoned the roots and it is the reason for her success and demise. She learned early in life that it is her praise and singing which kept the family together and raised their comforts in surviving. From the many talented people in the family if you listen closely you can hear elements of their voices in each other. From the gospel rearing of the Drinkard singers to famous siblings, Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick to the most talented Whitney Houston, (feel and hear their profound sounds). Cissy has always been the quiet one who only opened up to a few because she has always believed that her job was to complete her mission and be on her way. While it is rare that not many session singers or musician only performed and never socialized or entertained beyond their mission, she completed her project and left. She never felt that she had much in common with her peers and thus she treated each session as a job to complete and move on. You have to be in awe of the many sessions that she has dominated and sang on from gospel greats to Pop and Soul stars and even sang with her daughter, Whitney. She is and is gifted in many ways but her fear of being lost in the crowd deterred her success in becoming the superstar. She has accepted this because her gift has allowed her to pay the bills and live comfortable. This is a good read along with much unknown historical knowledge and insights on the music world.

I had ordered two gospel cd's by Mrs Cissy Houston and they were soooo anointed. As I was listening to them, I said, this lady has really been through something to have such anointed songs. So, when I saw her book on the internet, I ordered it, and I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. The book was so touching. She went through alots but, her faith in God brought her through. She is such a strong woman. Whitney Houston is blessed to have a mother like this. I would recommend this book to everyone who is going through trials. She lets you know, that through prayer and faith in God you can come through any situation victorious.

I have always been fascinated throughout the years by Ms. Houston's voice, but somehow, she was surpassed and her daughter has attatined all the success. I was delighted when I saw the book on the shelf and could not put the book down. I think the book was well written and she tackled her subjects with taste and dignity. Despite her lack of success, I respect how she humbled herself to shower praises on other artists, including Aretha Franklin, who she accompanied on numerous of her classic recordings. This book also shows the struggles that she endured as a struggling performer raising a family. I admire the fact that she did not neglect her parental duties and molded her children to exhibit class and respect (which Whitney is now losing I must add), which I can respect and appreciate. I wish her all continued success. I recommend the purchase.

When first heard Cissy Houston sing on one of her 70's solo albums I wondered why this woman is not a household name and espeacially after I found out about her being lead singer of the Sweet Inspirations,this is a book about a woman who never received her just do for someone with such a captivating voice!whether behind the scenes are in front CISSY HOUSTON IS A SWEET INSPIRATION!

Cissy takes us on an upclose and personal journey into her life. This woman has accomplished so much and has often been overlooked by the music industry. She has definitely contributed to the standard of R & B that exists today. Cissy could have easily been one of the hottest singers of her time. In fact she had a promising career as a solo artist but felt that spending time with her three children was more important. Cissy had a vision and she knew that one day her dreams would become reality. She acknowledges that many of her accomplishments came late in her life and she wouldn't change any of that. Her career today is soaring. She recently one a grammy for her album entitled "Face to Face." Cissy is truly a living legend.