KVITKA (KACEY) CISYK
(April 4, 1953 – March 29, 1998)

"... Have you driven a Ford, lately?"
 

Kvitka Cisyk (Kveet-ka Chee-sik) was an American, classically trained coloratura soprano of Ukrainian ethnicity. Using the first name Kacey, a name born of her initials "KC",  she successfully pursued a career in four different musical genres: popular music, classical opera, Ukrainian folk music and commercial jingles for radio and TV advertisements.

A personal note: Kacey Cisyk in my view was a multi-talented vocalist whose life's career created hundreds of television and radio spots. Her volumes of work in popular, Ukrainian, commercial tv/radio and movie music are internationally known. She was the voice of the 1978 movie "You Light Up My Life" singing the film's 5 tunes. The main theme song, "You Light Up My Life" received an Academy Award but there was no mention of Kacey in the music credits.  She later receive some monetary compensation, however many still think that Debbie Boone performed the hit song in the movie. In fact, the single record which was later released for sale utilized the film's actual orchestral tracks with Debbie Boone's voice replacing Kacey's.  Despite this missed opportunity, Kacey rose to become the most desired and admired commercial artist of the 1970s and 80s. Her Ukrainian albums remain the most outstanding in history.  In recognition of these works, a street has been named after her and an annual festival is held in her honor.  Steadfast devotees, both in Ukraine and the U.S. celebrated her 65th birthday in 2019.  Vocal artists, both aspiring and professional routinely cover her Ukrainian folk songs on social media.  She was the real deal, a powerhouse and she continues to captivate her fans fully twenty-two years after her passing!

A plaque was recently unveiled in Lviv on the house where Kvitka Cisyk's family lived, (Kvitka Cisyk Street)

The plaque honoring Kvitka states that the house was the 1944 residence of the Cisyk family and documents the birth of Kvitka Cisyk, a well-known American Singer of Ukrainian decent in 1953.

To quote from the more extensive biography below...

"... In addition to Ford Motor Company, (her commercial heard by over 1 billion persons,) Cisyk sang for automakers General Motors and Toyota. She recorded spots for the three national television networks in the 1980s (ABC, NBC and CBS), four major airlines (American, Delta, Eastern and TWA), two national retailers Sears and JC Penney and the two most popular soft drinks: Coca-Cola and Pepsi.  She is know for "You deserve a break today... at McDonalds" and Burger King commercials."

"According to her New York Times obituary, "a typical day, she later recalled, would begin with a 9 am session for Trans World Airlines, followed by Coca-Cola at 11, Hartz Mountain at 1 pm, Eastern Airlines at 2, Datsun at 3, L'Eggs at 5, McDonald's at 6, and, after all that, a recording session from 8:30 pm to 3 am". Cisyk's list of commercial credits also include Mr. Pibb, Safeway grocery stores and Starburst candies."

I believe that Kvitka Cisyk is a role model, for working, women everywhere.  I hope that this tribute will bring to the attention of the reader, the accomplishments of this reliable and multi-talented artist who despite the inequities that she was  to face, went on to make an indelible mark in the industry that she superbly and eloquently graced.     -Maestro-

An extensive biography

→ Kacey Cisyk ... A Special Audio -Video Tribute

A behind-the-scenes look at Kvitka

Interview with (Kacey) Cisyk
You might brush up on your Ukrainian!
(click picture above)
 

The Voice of "You Light Up My Life" and The Ford Motor Company.

Kacey Cisyk on the Movie Set
of "You Light Up My Life"
 

On the Movie Set of her
famous Ford commercial in 1988.

The World Famous Ford Commercial

Rock and Roll from the 60s

         
      I received a wonderful email from Jerry Lozynski. He was a personal friend of Kacey...
      He recorded her first demo tape in New York City...

Translation: Soloway's plast ensemble performs during the 20th anniversary of the New York City City. Flower sits on the far right, 1969
 

Classical Violin - 1960
 

Two very special albums:
Kvitka: Songs of Ukraine  and  Kvitka: Two Colors


 

   Listen to this wonderful song:  The Nightengale