Gilbert Vandine "Cisco" Houston was an American folk singer and songwriter, who is best known for his close association with Woody Guthrie and his interpretation of traditional American folk songs. Born on August 18, 1918, in Wilmington, Delaware, Cisco Houston developed a love for music at an early age. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he traveled widely around the United States, absorbing the musical traditions of each region and refining his skills as a guitarist and singer.

With a warm, baritone voice and a gift for storytelling, Houston became an important figure in the American folk music revival, infusing life into songs that reflected the nation's landscape, working people, and struggles for social justice. Although his career was cut short by his untimely death from stomach cancer at the age of 42 on April 29, 1961, Cisco Houston left a lasting impact on the folk community.

Cisco's discography includes a wealth of albums that showcase his distinctive approach to folk music. "I Ride An Old Paint," "The Folkways Years, 1944-1961," and "Cisco Houston Sings American Folk Songs" are just a few recordings that capture the essence of his artistry. His ability to connect with audiences and fellow musicians allowed him to deliver heartfelt renditions of various folk themes, from the life of railroad workers in "900 Miles and other R.R. Songs" to the life of cowboys in "Cowboy Ballads." Houston's work remains an essential piece of America's musical heritage, embodying the spirit of a nation and the timeless qualities of its folk traditions.

Genres

American Folk Revival

Appalachian Folk

Traditional Folk

Latest Release

I Ride An Old Paint

Cisco Houston

Album - 29 Tracks - Released January 9, 2014