Cissy Houston, celebrated soul singer and mother of the legendary Whitney Houston, passed away at 91, marking the end of an era for music history. Houston, born Emily Drinkard in Newark, New Jersey in September 1933, was a pivotal figure in both gospel and secular music. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, confirmed her death in a statement, noting that Houston had been under hospice care for Alzheimer's disease at the time of her passing.
From an early age, Houston's musical talents were nurtured, particularly in her Methodist Episcopal church, where she was encouraged to sing by her father, Nitch Drinkard. Her first steps into the music world began with The Drinkard Singers, a family gospel group that made significant strides in the 1950s by releasing A Joyful Noise under RCA Records—one of the first gospel groups to do so on a major label.
Houston's contributions expanded in the 1960s when she joined The Sweet Inspirations, a backing group that supported iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, and Dusty Springfield. The group included her nieces, Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, both of whom found their own success in the music world.
In 1970, Houston embarked on a solo career with her debut album, Presenting Cissy Houston. Throughout her career, she embraced various genres, recording hit songs and eventually venturing into disco with three albums between 1978 and 1980. Her versatility and vocal prowess earned her two Grammy Awards, including one for her 1997 gospel album Face to Face.
Despite her own successful career, Cissy is perhaps best remembered for her support of her daughter Whitney Houston, one of the greatest voices in pop music history. Cissy was not only Whitney's mother but also her vocal mentor, singing backup on many of her songs. She stood by her daughter through the highs of stardom and the personal struggles that followed.
Cissy Houston's legacy extends far beyond her Grammy-winning career. Her contributions to gospel, soul, and pop music remain monumental, and her influence as both a performer and a mother shaped the path of one of the world's most beloved singers.