Aretha Franklin, Cissy Houston, Dee Dee Warwick and Estelle Brown in 1964.

Did you know that the soaring high notes in Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way” were performed by Cissy Houston? 

“Ain’t No Way” was written by Aretha’s sister Carolyn, who also sang background on the track with another Franklin sister, Erma. Yet, the only facets of the song that were more memorable than the Queen of Soul’s powerful delivery were Cissy’s high notes that repeatedly vaulted above soprano high C.

Released in 1968 from Aretha’s critically acclaimed Lady Soul album, “Ain’t No Way” peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been covered by Patti LaBelle, Mary J. Blige and Cissy’s famous daughter, Whitney. Listen to the song below to hear Cissy soar through the octaves:

Thoughts?