Dionne Warwick, politicians and others pay tribute to Cissy Houston at church where she worked for many years

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Dionne Warwick, Bebe Winans, Darlene Love and a large choir helped celebrate America’s life. Gospel icon Cissy Houston A music-filled memorial service was held Thursday in the Gospel Duchess’ hometown of Newark.

The ceremony at New Hope Baptist Church, where Ms. Huston served as a congregation and choir leader for decades, featured a framed photo of Huston and her casket in front of the pulpit. It was written. It was also held at the church whitney houston’s daughter A funeral ten years ago.

“She gave me so much. She gave me the right to be me,” said the 83-year-old niece of Houston, 91, and a frequent supporter of Warwick. Warwick said.

“Sissy, I’m going to miss you,” she added, asking her aunt to greet her deceased relative. “They’re all waiting for you. You’ve given us your heart and soul.”

Houston is a two-time Grammy Award-winning soul and gospel artist. aretha franklin and Elvis Presley, In her honor, eldest son Gary sang “Freedom” and Love sang “It is Well with My Soul.” She said her goddaughters will continue her tradition of proudly wearing purple eyeshadow.

The speaker painted a portrait of a woman of great faith and deep love, but who had been treated badly by fools. “No one else could cut you down in the name of Jesus,” Winans joked as mourners roared. “You didn’t need to say a word. She could tear you apart with her eyes.”

He also told stories of her compassion. When Whitney Houston died, Mr. Winans received a call from Cissy. “I was just calling to check on you,” she told him. “In that moment, her power became my power. It was just who she was.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Read the proclamation created in her honor, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy He called Houston a “musical legend” who “embodies the very soul of New Jersey.”

“We are all born with a voice, but only a select few are powerful enough to reach the hearts of millions of listeners around the world, powerful enough to soothe the hearts of millions of listeners around the world. You can feel the pain of heartbreak and the euphoria of falling in love,” Murphy said.

A church performer from an early age, Houston was a member of her family’s music industry before breaking into popular music in the 1960s as a member of the famous backing group The Sweet Inspirations with Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warwick. He was part of a gospel act. The group backed a variety of soul singers, including Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, and the Drifters. They also sang backup for Warwick.

Houston’s many credits include Franklin’s “Think” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.” Included. The Sweet Inspirations also sang on stage with Presley.

Sweet Inspirations had its own Top 20 single, “Sweet Inspiration,” a soul-rock song made in the Memphis studio where the likes of Franklin and Springfield recorded hits. They released four albums in the late ’60s alone.

Houston became a popular session singer, recording more than 600 songs in a variety of genres throughout his career. Her vocals can be heard on songs by a wide range of artists including Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Jimi Hendrix, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack, and her own daughter.

“What she expressed was so powerful that it continues to resonate to this day,” said pastor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. “She believed in the patchwork and quiltwork of diversity, so she worked with our Irish, African-American, Italian, Latino, Jewish brothers and sisters. All of us. Unlike other people who try to deny the beauty and worth that unites us.”

Also in the audience were singers Valerie Simpson and Monifah Carter, and producer Debra Martin Chase.

“She was my pastor,” laughed New Hope pastor Joe A. Carter, who will kiss Houston’s coffin after leading the congregation for more than 30 years. Six pallbearers then carried Houston’s casket as a choir sang “He Shall Lead His Flock.”