Cisco Houston

Gilbert Vandine "Cisco" Houston (August 18, 1918 – April 29, 1961) was an American folk singer and songwriter, who is closely associated with Woody Guthrie due to their extensive history of traveling and recording together.

Houston was a regular recording artist for Moses Asch's Folkways recording studio. He performed with folk/blues musicians Lead Belly, Sonny Terry, the Almanac Singers, Cynthia Gooding and others.

Biography Early life Gilbert Vandine Houston was born in Wilmington, Delaware, United States, on August 18, 1918, that Houston was regarded as highly intelligent during his time at school, despite the nystagmus that afflicted his eyesight, leaving him to rely heavily on peripheral vision. He learned primarily by memorizing what he heard in the classroom. Despite his difficulties, Houston came to be regarded as a well-read individual.

The Great Depression When the Great Depression struck, Houston began working to help support his family. In 1932, his unemployed father left home and a few years later Gil went on the road, accompanied initially by his brother Slim. He spent years traveling and working odd jobs throughout the western United States, always with a guitar at his side. He passed through many places, including the town of Cisco, California, the place from which he took his name.

Houston's death was mourned by a growing folk music community that included young songwriters including Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, and Phil Ochs,