The world has lost a music legend. Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning singer and matriarch of the Houston family, passed away at the age of 91. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, confirmed the sad news on Monday, sharing a heartfelt statement that encapsulates the grief and admiration felt by Cissy’s loved ones.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat expressed. “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.”
A Life Steeped in Gospel Music
Born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston’s life was intertwined with music from an early age. At just five years old, she began singing gospel alongside her siblings, forming The Drinkard Four, which would later become the Drinkard Singers. The group recorded one of the first gospel albums on a major label, A Joyful Noise, marking a historical moment for gospel music and setting the stage for Cissy’s remarkable career.
Cissy’s upbringing in the church and her love of gospel music became the foundation of her life and career. She once said that gospel music was not just a genre, but the rhythm of her spirit and the source of her strength. This passion for gospel would remain a constant as she moved through the music industry, from background vocals to the forefront of the stage.
The Sweet Inspirations: Supporting Music Legends
Before welcoming her daughter, Whitney, in 1963, Cissy co-founded The Sweet Inspirations, a powerhouse vocal group that would go on to sing backup for some of the biggest names in music. The group toured with Elvis Presley and lent their voices to recordings with Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick, among many others. The Sweet Inspirations became synonymous with soul-stirring harmonies, elevating each track with their rich, passionate vocals.
Their work with Elvis Presley, in particular, was transformative. Cissy’s voice—soulful and powerful—became a staple of his live performances. Her unique ability to infuse gospel sensibilities into mainstream music earned her a reputation as one of the finest backing vocalists of her generation.
A Solo Career and Grammy-Winning Success
In 1970, Cissy Houston took a bold step into the spotlight with a solo career. Her debut album, Presenting Cissy Houston, showcased her incredible range and emotive voice, solidifying her as a force in the music industry. She continued to release albums, with Face to Face and He Leadeth Me earning critical acclaim and widespread appreciation.
In 1996, Cissy’s work was recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for Face to Face. Her solo career served as a testament to her resilience and her unwavering commitment to her craft. Even as she aged, Cissy’s voice maintained the same power and conviction that had captivated audiences for decades.
The Heartbreak of Losing Whitney Houston
Cissy Houston’s personal life was marked by triumphs and tragedies. Her daughter, Whitney Houston, one of the greatest voices of all time, passed away tragically in 2012. The devastating loss shook Cissy to her core, and she shared her grief in her memoir, Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss, and The Night the Music Stopped. In the book, Cissy reflected on her deep love for Whitney and the profound sorrow she felt at her passing.
Recalling the moment she learned of her daughter’s death, Cissy shared with Oprah in 2013, “My son called me, and he was screaming, ‘Mom, Mommy,’” she recounted. She described the overwhelming heartbreak when he told her that Whitney, her beloved “Nippy,” was gone. This moment of vulnerability revealed the depth of their bond and the pain that never fully healed.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith, Family, and Music
Cissy Houston’s life was defined by her faith, her family, and her love of music. Even as her health declined in recent years due to Alzheimer’s, her legacy continued to inspire new generations of musicians. She spent her final days under hospice care in her New Jersey home, surrounded by loved ones who cherished her for the matriarch she was.
Beyond her musical achievements, Cissy was known for her unwavering faith and commitment to her community. She often spoke of the importance of staying grounded in faith, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges. This devotion was reflected in her music and in her relationships with those she loved.
The End of an Era in American Music
With Cissy Houston’s passing, an era in American music has come to a close. As the mother of Whitney Houston and the guiding light of the Houston family, Cissy’s influence reached far beyond the stage. Her voice was not only a source of joy for millions but also a symbol of strength and resilience.
Cissy leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of fans and family alike. Her contributions to gospel music and popular culture have left an indelible mark on the industry, and her memory will be cherished by all who were touched by her music. She was more than a singer; she was a pioneer, a mother, and a woman of faith whose influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Honoring Cissy Houston’s Legacy
As we bid farewell to Cissy Houston, we honor a life well-lived and a career that inspired so many. From her early days in gospel music to her work with the world’s biggest stars, Cissy’s journey is a testament to the power of music and the strength of the human spirit.
Our thoughts are with Cissy’s family, friends, and fans as they mourn the loss of a remarkable woman. In celebrating her life, we remember a voice that will never be silenced, a legacy that will never fade, and a soul that will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Cissy Houston—you will be missed, but your music and spirit will live on forever.
