Gospel singer Cissy Houston, mother of late music superstar Whitney Houston, died on Monday morning at age 91, her family said. Houston, who won two Grammy Awards for her singing, died in her New Jersey home after hospice treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, said her daughter-in-law Pat Houston.
Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” she said adding that her mother-in-law was a ‘strong and towering figure in our lives.’
Cissy Houston Legendary Singer
Houston had a long-term successful singing career, performing alongside superstars like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. Born in New Jersey in 1933, Houston was the youngest of eight children. She also began singing when she was little due to the presence of her gospel group with her brothers and sisters. In the 1960s, she created the R&B group the Sweet Inspirations, who became the backup singers for famous names in the industry, such as Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and Dionne Warwick. They also did the singing on Van Morrison’s hit song Brown Eyed Girl.
October 8, 2024: Gospel and soul singer Cissy Houston, who developed an iconic style and was the mother of Whitney Houston, has died at age 91. A great vocalist in her own right, Cissy played a vital role in shaping the sound of American music across genres over decades.
Born Emily Drinkard on 30 September 1933 in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston began her singing career in the 1950s as part of the gospel group The Drinkard Singers with her siblings. Incredibly talented as a backing vocalist for some of the biggest names in music – Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Dionne Warwick, her niece – Cissy is one of the most revered names in the industry.
Perhaps her biggest legacy, however, was as a source of inspiration for her daughter, Whitney Houston. Cissy developed Whitney’s singing voice early and established the gospel foundation that would eventually propel her to become one of the most iconic voices in pop history. Whitney often sang praises about her mother’s influence, stating that she was one of the great influences on her legendary vocal sound and manner.
With her daughter becoming such an icon, Cissy also carved out a good career for herself. She went on to win two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album in the 1990s, and she never really hit her glory years, working well into the latter end of her life. Other interests of Cissy included ministry and philanthropy, with which she remained committed to her church and community.
A somber moment for the family of Houston and all her music world fans was left behind due to her death. According to the family members, “We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from everyone expressing their condolences upon Cissy Houston’s passing. Her legacy will live on through her music, her faith, and the countless lives she touched both on and off stage.”
Cissy Houston is leaving a legacy-one befitting that one-through that incredible vocal career but also through the way she inspired the next generation, including her daughter, Whitney. Remember for her is all about grace, voice, and vast contributions to the world of music.
She leaves behind extended family and friends and fans all over the world who will continue to hold dear the kind of music she left behind.
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