Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning gospel singer whose powerful voice and unshakable faith left a great impact on the music industry, passed away at the age of 91. The matriarch of the Houston family died peacefully on Monday morning, surrounded by loved ones, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her passing comes over a decade after the loss of her daughter, Whitney Houston, and adds to a family legacy marked by both triumph and tragedy.
Born Emily Drinkard in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston’s life was one of profound dedication to music and ministry. As the youngest of eight children, she found her calling early, joining her siblings in the gospel group, The Drinkard Four, at just five years old. Over the decades, Cissy’s career blossomed, leading her to collaborate with music legends like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Dusty Springfield. Her contributions to the world of popular music and gospel were immense, and her influence can still be felt today.
In a statement released on Monday, her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, expressed the family’s deep sorrow. “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family. Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives,” Pat shared. “Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.” The Houston family’s statement further emphasized Cissy’s commitment to family, faith, and community, attributes that defined both her personal life and her public persona.
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Cissy Houston’s legacy extends beyond her role as a background vocalist for some of the biggest names in music. She formed the vocal group The Sweet Inspirations in the 1960s, a group that would go on to provide backup vocals for major stars of the era. Her own solo career spanned multiple decades, earning her two Grammy Awards and cementing her place as one of the most respected voices in gospel music. Over the years, Cissy released ten solo albums and continued to be a force within the music industry, often using her platform to inspire and uplift others.
In 2013, Cissy Houston published her memoir, Remember Whitney, a deeply personal reflection on her life and her daughter’s tragic passing. Through the memoir, she sought to clear up misconceptions about Whitney Houston, portraying her as a kind, loving, and generous person. Cissy’s grief over the loss of Whitney was compounded by the death of her granddaughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, who died in 2015 at the age of 22. Despite these heart-wrenching losses, Cissy remained steadfast in her faith.
Cissy Houston’s family expressed their gratitude for the years they had with her, highlighting the valuable life lessons she imparted. “Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled,” the family said in their statement, underscoring the immense impact she had on shaping modern music. Her passing is a significant moment not only for her family but also for the music community that she helped to build and nurture over the years.
As the world mourns the loss of this gospel icon, it’s clear that Cissy Houston’s life was about much more than just music. Her legacy is one of resilience, love, and faith, qualities that she instilled in her family and shared with her audience. While she will be remembered for her extraordinary voice and groundbreaking career, those closest to her will remember her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and a woman of deep conviction.
Cissy Houston is survived by her sons, Gary and Michael, along with several grandchildren. As tributes pour in from around the world, her family has asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of their beloved matriarch, while also thanking fans and friends for the overwhelming support and love during this difficult time.
