Cissy Houston, the legendary Grammy-winning singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston, passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by Gwendolyn Quinn, a representative for the Estate of Whitney E. Houston. Cissy died on Monday at 10:30 a.m. ET in hospice care, surrounded by her family, after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Her passing marks the end of an era for her family and the music world, as she was not only a mother but also a key figure in shaping popular music across decades.
Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, expressed the family’s sorrow, calling her a “strong and towering figure” whose legacy would live on through her family, ministry, and musical contributions. “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness,” she said. “Mother Cissy was a woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community.” She further added that Cissy’s influence on popular music and culture was unmatched.
Born Emily Drinkard in 1933 in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy was the youngest of eight children to Nitcholas and Delia Mae Drinkard. Her early life was steeped in music, as she grew up in a household where faith and song intertwined. She attended Newark Public Schools and sang in the New Hope Baptist Church, where she eventually became the Minister of Sacred Music. It was at the age of five that Cissy began her singing career when she joined her siblings in the gospel group, The Drinkard Four. The group evolved into The Drinkard Singers and performed in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival. This marked an early step in her lifelong career in music.
In the 1960s, after several changes in the group’s lineup, Cissy Houston formed The Sweet Inspirations, a backup group that contributed vocals for numerous iconic artists, including Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Lou Rawls, and Otis Redding. The group’s impact on soul and gospel music during this time was profound, helping shape the sound of the era.
Cissy Houston’s solo career took off in 1969 when she released her first solo album, Presenting Cissy Houston. Her voice became a sought-after instrument in both gospel and pop music, and she eventually earned two Grammy Awards for her contributions to the music industry. Throughout her career, Cissy lent her talents as a backup singer to numerous legendary artists, such as Bette Midler, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and Beyoncé, in addition to working closely with her daughter, Whitney Houston.
Cissy’s extensive discography includes ten solo albums, four compilation albums, and five collaborative recordings. She was known for her versatility and powerful voice, which transcended genres, and she became a revered figure not just in gospel and soul music but across the entire entertainment industry.
In 2012, her daughter, Whitney Houston, passed away tragically at the age of 48, a loss that deeply affected Cissy and her family. Cissy, however, remained resilient, and in 2013 she published a memoir titled Remember Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped, in which she revealed intimate details about her daughter’s life and the struggles Whitney faced. In an emotional interview, Cissy described Whitney as a loving and generous person, challenging the public’s perception of her daughter, who was often misunderstood.
In addition to Whitney, Cissy Houston also mourned the loss of her granddaughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, who died three years later at the age of 22. Bobbi Kristina’s passing marked another heartbreaking chapter for Cissy, as the young woman had been a cherished member of the family, and her death was felt deeply by all who knew her.
Cissy Houston’s life was filled with personal and professional achievements, but it was her unwavering faith and love for her family that truly defined her. Her deep connection to the church and her role in nurturing both her family and her community were pivotal aspects of her legacy. Cissy is survived by her sons Gary and Michael, as well as several grandchildren, including Bobbi Kristina, whose memory continues to linger in the hearts of those who loved her.
In her passing, Cissy Houston leaves behind a musical legacy that will endure for generations. Her contributions to gospel, soul, and pop music are unparalleled, and her influence on the artists who followed her is immeasurable. As the matriarch of the Houston family, she will be remembered not just for her extraordinary talent but also for her strength, faith, and love that spanned a lifetime. Pat Houston’s final words on behalf of the family summed up their collective sentiment: “We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us, and we are thankful for all the many valuable life lessons that she taught us. May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney, and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, and other cherished family members.”