Cissy Houston, the mother of the late Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians such as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, has died. She was 91.
Houston died on Monday morning in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, told the Associated Press. The acclaimed gospel singer was surrounded by her family.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement. She said her mother-in-law’s contributions to popular music and culture were “unparalleled”.
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
Houston was in the well-known vocal group the Sweet Inspirations, with Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warwick. The group sang backup for a variety of soul singers including Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, the Drifters and Dionne Warwick.
The Sweet Inspirations appeared on Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl and sang background vocals for the Jimi Hendrix Experience on the song Burning of the Midnight Lamp in 1967. In the same year, Houston worked on Franklin’s classic Ain’t No Way.
Houston’s last performance with the Sweet Inspirations came after the group hit the stage with Presley in a Las Vegas show in 1969. Her final recording session with the group turned into their biggest R&B hit (Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover, a composition by the production team of Gamble & Huff, who appeared on the group’s fifth album, Sweet Sweet Soul.
During that time, the group occasionally performed live concert dates with Franklin. After the group’s success and four albums together, Houston left the Sweet Inspirations to pursue a solo career, where she flourished.
Houston became an in-demand session singer and recorded more than 600 songs in multiple genres throughout her career. Her vocals can be heard on tracks alongside a wide range of artists including Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Hendrix, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack and her daughter.
In 1971, Houston’s signature vocals were featured on Burt Bacharach’s solo album, which included Mexican Divorce, All Kinds of People and One Less Bell to Answer. She performed various standards including Barbra Streisand’s hit song Evergreen.
Houston won Grammys for her albums Face to Face and He Leadeth Me, in the best traditional soul gospel album category.
She started her career when she joined her sister, Anne, and brothers, Larry and Nicky, to form the gospel group the Drinkard Four, which recorded one album.
A Legacy of Faith and Talent
Cissy Houston’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith, exceptional talent, and enduring love for her family. She emerged from a musical family, starting her career as a young gospel singer with her siblings in the Drinkard Four. Her vocal prowess and captivating stage presence soon propelled her into the world of professional music, where she became a sought-after backup singer for some of the greatest musical icons of the 20th century.
Her time with the Sweet Inspirations marked a significant turning point in her career, providing her with the platform to showcase her dynamic vocal abilities and collaborate with legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Jimi Hendrix. The group’s success paved the way for Houston to embark on a solo career, where she continued to shine as a versatile vocalist across diverse genres.
A Mother’s Legacy
Beyond her impressive musical journey, Cissy Houston was a devoted mother, particularly known for her love and support of her daughter, Whitney Houston. While Whitney Houston rose to international fame, Cissy remained a constant pillar of strength and guidance, both in her personal life and her career. Cissy’s influence extended to her granddaughter, Bobbi Kristina, who also pursued a career in entertainment.
A Lasting Impact
The passing of Cissy Houston is a poignant reminder of her immense contributions to the world of music and entertainment. Her voice resonated across generations, leaving an indelible mark on gospel, soul, and pop music. Her legacy will forever be celebrated through her powerful vocals, her unwavering faith, and her enduring love for her family.
Cissy Houston’s life story is one of resilience, talent, and faith. Her musical legacy will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.
Final Note: A Life Well-Lived
Cissy Houston's passing marks the end of an era. She lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving an irreplaceable imprint on the world. Her influence will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike, ensuring that her legacy of faith, talent, and love will live on for years to come.
