Cissy Houston, a two-time Grammy-winning soul and gospel artist who sang with Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and other stars and knew triumph and heartbreak as the mother of Whitney Houston, has died. She was 91.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement. She said her mother-in-law’s contributions to popular music and culture are “unparalleled.”
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
Born Emily Drinkard, her journey in music was one woven with grace and grit, shaping her into a Grammy-winning artist and a beloved figure in the world of gospel. Known for her fierce talent and her role as the matriarch of a rnusical dynasty, Cissis influence extended far beyond her own hits.
She was the proud mother of one of the best-selling artists in history and shared family ties with musical legends like Dionne Warwick and opera star Leontyne Price. As we remember her remarkable life, Cissy Houston leaves behind a legacy as rich and timeless as the music she dedicated her life to.
Here are seven things you need to know about the late singer:
1. Grammy-Winning Talent
Cissy Houston was an award-winning gospel singer, earning Grammys for her albums Face to Face and He Leadeth Me in the 1990s. Her powerful voice made her a respected figure in the music industry.
2. Backup Singer
Cissy had a remarkable career as a backup singer, performing with icons like Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Dionne Warwick. She was also part of the renowned group The Sweet Inspirations.
3. Family of Music Greats
Music ran in her blood—Cissy was not only Whitney Houston’s mother but also the aunt of singers Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick. She was a cousin to the famed opera singer Leontyne Price.
4. Cross-Genre Collaborations
Cissis vocal talent graced the music of legendary stars across multiple genres, from Jirni Hendrix to Beyonce, cementing her status as a versatile and sought-after session singer.
5. Gospel Foundation
Though she worked across genres, gospel music was Cissy Houston’s core. Her solo work in the gospel field helped her carve out a name as one of the most respected gospel singers of her time.
6. Mother of a Music Icon
Cissy Houston was the mother of Whitney Houston, one of the best-selling artistes of all time, known for hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
7. Life of Legacy
Cissy Houston lived to 91, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy through her children and her work. Her influence on gospel, soul, and pop music remains unforgettable.
(via The Guardian)
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