Cissy Houston, Award-Winning Singer & Mother Of Whitney Houston, Dies At 91

Cissy Houston, the Grammy Award-winning gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston, passed away at the age of 91 on October 7, 2024. She died peacefully at her home in New Jersey while under hospice care, after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, confirmed the news and expressed the family’s sorrow, remembering Cissy as a strong figure of faith and a matriarch who left an indelible mark on music and culture.

Throughout her seven-decade career, Cissy was a revered gospel and soul artist, providing backup vocals for legends like Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. She was also part of the famous Drinkard Singers and later formed The Sweet Inspirations, a group that sang with major artists in the 1960s. Cissy won two Grammy Awards for her contributions to gospel music, and her legacy continued through her daughter Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, who both preceded her in death.

Her passing marks the end of an era for the Houston family, as they now mourn the loss of three generations of women who profoundly impacted the world of music​.

Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933) is a Grammy Award-winning American soul and gospel singer. She is known for her powerful and emotive vocal style, as well as her significant influence in the gospel and soul music genres.

Cissy began her career in the 1950s as a backup singer for renowned artists such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Wilson Pickett. She was a member of the Drinkard Singers, a gospel group that included her siblings, before forming Sweet Inspirations, a group that became widely recognized for their backing vocals on various iconic recordings.

Aside from her successful career as a backing vocalist, Cissy Houston has also achieved solo success in the gospel genre. She has released several albums and won multiple Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album. Her deep connection to gospel music stems from her strong faith and church upbringing.

Cissy Houston is also known as the mother of the late Whitney Houston, one of the most successful and influential pop and R&B singers of all time. Cissy’s influence on her daughter’s musical career is well-documented, as she played a vital role in Whitney’s early vocal training and development.

Throughout her life, Cissy has been recognized for her contributions to the music industry and gospel music. In addition to her solo work, she has received numerous honors and accolades for her vocal artistry and her ability to bridge the gap between gospel and secular music.

Her legacy extends beyond music, as she has also been involved in charitable work, particularly focusing on causes related to education, youth, and drug abuse prevention, the latter being especially close to her heart due to the struggles faced by her daughter Whitney.