Mother of Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston Dies at 91

Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning gospel and soul singer and mother of Whitney Houston, passed away at 91 on October 7, 2024, after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Surrounded by her family, she died in her New Jersey home while in hospice care, as confirmed by a statement from her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston.

Cissy Houston, born Emily Drinkard in Newark, New Jersey, in 1933, was a significant figure in the music industry, both as a solo artist and as a prominent background vocalist for many iconic musicians, including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Dionne Warwick. She was a founding member of the gospel group, The Drinkard Singers, alongside her siblings, and later became part of the legendary Sweet Inspirations, providing background vocals for some of the greatest voices of the 1960s and ’70s. Houston’s career spanned over seven decades, with two Grammy Awards and numerous accolades recognizing her immense contributions to gospel and soul music.

In 1969, she embarked on a successful solo career, releasing multiple albums, including her debut Presenting Cissy Houston. She was also known for her impeccable background vocals on hit songs like Aretha Franklin’s Think and A Natural Woman and Dusty Springfield’s Son of a Preacher Man. Her collaborations with prominent artists like Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, and Elvis Presley cemented her legacy as a versatile and respected musician.

In addition to her musical achievements, Houston was deeply involved in her church, New Hope Baptist in Newark, where she served as the Minister of Sacred Music for over 50 years, mentoring young talents and supporting her community.

Her personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Houston’s daughter, the legendary Whitney Houston, tragically passed away in 2012, and her granddaughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, followed in 2015 at the age of 22. Despite these personal losses, Cissy Houston remained a pillar of strength for her family, a woman of deep faith, as described by her family.

Cissy Houston’s legacy is one of musical brilliance, deep spirituality, and dedication to her family and community. Her voice and presence in the world of music will be remembered for generations, alongside her role as a mother and grandmother to one of the most iconic singers in history. Rest in peace, Cissy Houston.

Main image: By Tom Marcello Webster, New York, USA - Cissy Houston, WikiMedia

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