Fresh Air Remembering Gospel Singer Cissy Houston / MLB Legend Pete Rose
Oct 11, 2024
Cissy Houston, a legendary gospel singer known for her collaborations with icons like Aretha Franklin and as the mother of Whitney Houston, reminisces about her rich musical journey and the personal losses she's endured. Pete Rose, the baseball legend, reflects on his remarkable career and the controversies surrounding his gambling, delving into themes of personal growth and accountability. Additionally, TV critic David Bianculli reviews a film about the early days of Saturday Night Live, celebrating its impact on comedy.
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Early Singing Days
- Sissy Houston started singing in a family group at five years old, standing on a stool.
- While she loved music, she admits she wanted to play like other children.
Backup Singer Origins
- Sissy Houston is Dionne Warwick’s aunt.
- She got her start backing up Dionne Warwick after Dionne had a scheduling conflict.
Working with Aretha
- Sissy Houston worked with Aretha Franklin, arranging background vocals for many songs, including "Natural Woman".
- She aimed to enhance the lead vocals and create audience engagement.
