Cissy Houston, Grammy-winning singer and Mother of Whitney Houston Passes Away at 91
Cissy Houston, a celebrated Grammy-winning singer and the mother of music icon Whitney Houston has passed away at the age of 91. Her death was confirmed by Gwendolyn Quinn, a representative for The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. Houston died on Monday at 10:30 a.m. ET while receiving hospice care, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The family expressed their profound grief in a statement, highlighting Cissy Houston’s influential role as the matriarch. “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” said her daughter-in-law Pat Houston. She described Cissy as a “strong and towering figure” with deep faith and conviction, noting her unwavering commitment to family, ministry, and community. “Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts. Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled.”
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Emily Drinkard, Cissy Houston was the youngest of eight children to Nicholas
and Delia Mae Drinkard. She grew up in Newark, New Jersey, where she was educated through the Newark Public School system. Cissy attended New Hope Baptist Church, where she later became Minister of Sacred Music, deepening her ties to music and faith.
Houston’s singing career began at the tender age of five when she joined her siblings Anne, Larry, and Nicky in the gospel group known as The Drinkard Four. As the group evolved, it was renamed The Drinkard Singers, eventually including her sisters Lee and Marie. When Anne left the group, she was succeeded by Lee’s adopted daughter Judy Clay.
The Drinkard Sisters featured future stars, including Cissy’s nieces, Dee Dee Warwick and Dionne Warwick. They gained acclaim by performing at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival in 1957. The group recorded their first live gospel album, “A Joyful Noise,” at Webster Hall in New York City, which was released in 1959 by RCA Records, marking a significant milestone as one of the first gospel groups to sign with a major record label.
The Sweet Inspirations and Solo Career
In 1963, Cissy Houston reformed the remaining members of The Drinkard Sisters and created The Sweet Inspirations, a group that provided background vocals for numerous iconic artists throughout the 1960s, including Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, and Otis Redding, among others. The Sweet Inspirations’ harmonious sounds became synonymous with the era’s music, helping to shape the sound of popular music.
Cissy released her debut solo LP, “Presenting Cissy Houston,” in 1969. Over her illustrious career, she won two Grammy Awards and released ten solo albums, along with several compilation and collaborative recordings. As a first-call backup vocalist, Houston’s talent was sought after by an impressive range of artists across multiple genres, including Bette Midler, Beyoncé, Elvis Presley, and her daughter Whitney Houston.
Whitney Houston, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 48, often credited her mother as a major influence in her life and career.
A Legacy of Love and Loss
In 2013, Cissy Houston penned a memoir titled “Remember Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped.” During her appearance on “The View,” she shared her motivations for writing the book, stating, “I wanted everyone to know that Whitney was really nothing like they thought she was.” Cissy painted a picture of her daughter as a loving and generous individual, despite the public’s perception of her struggles. “She was a wonderful, giving, loving kid,” Cissy said. “She had her little faults but like everybody else.”
Cissy Houston was also a devoted mother to her two sons, Gary and Michael, and a proud grandmother to several grandchildren. Tragically, her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away in 2015 at the age of 22, three years after her mother Whitney’s untimely death.
Tributes and Final Thoughts
In a heartfelt statement following her passing, Pat Houston reflected on Cissy’s life and legacy, stating, “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.” Pat added, “May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney, and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, and other cherished family members.”
Cissy Houston’s impact on the music industry, her unwavering faith, and her dedication to her family will be remembered by fans and loved ones alike. As a mother, artist, and mentor, Cissy leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations. Her contributions to music and culture will continue to resonate, ensuring that her influence remains a vital part of the fabric of American music.
The Houston family asks for privacy during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their beloved matriarch. Cissy Houston’s life and work serve as a testament to the power of music and the enduring strength of family bonds. Her voice and spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her and in the songs that will continue to inspire future generations.
