Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning gospel singer and mother of pop icon Whitney Houston, has died at the age of 91.
She passed away on Monday, 7 October, at her home in New Jersey whilst under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, according to her daughter-in-law Pat Houston.
The renowned vocalist, whose career spanned more than seven decades, was a towering figure in the music industry and a matriarch of a celebrated musical family.
Houston’s musical journey began in 1938 when she joined her siblings in the Drinkard Four. She later formed the Sweet Inspirations, providing backing vocals for artists like Otis Redding and Elvis Presley.
As a soloist, Houston released her debut album “Presenting Cissy Houston” in 1970. Her powerful voice and soulful performances earned her two Grammy awards for best traditional soul gospel album.
Throughout her career, Houston collaborated with numerous music legends, including Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan. Her influence on the industry was profound, with her daughter Whitney following in her musical footsteps.
Houston’s musical legacy extended beyond her own achievements. She was the aunt of singers Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, forming part of a renowned musical dynasty.
Her relationship with daughter Whitney was complex. In her 2013 memoir “Remembering Whitney”, Cissy candidly discussed Whitney’s struggles with drug addiction.
“She started partying and she didn’t really know how to stop,” Cissy wrote, revealing the pain of watching her daughter’s downward spiral.
Despite the challenges, their bond remained strong. The pair recorded a duet, “I Know Him So Well”, in 1987, showcasing their shared musical talent.
Pat Houston, Cissy’s daughter-in-law, released a statement to the Associated Press, saying: “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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Cissy Houston’s impact on music and her family’s legacy is undeniable. Her passing marks the end of an era in gospel and soul music.
