Cissy Houston, a Grammy-winning gospel legend and mother to the iconic Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91.
Known for her soulful voice and a career that spanned over seven decades, Houston died peacefully at her home in New Jersey, surrounded by family while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease.
Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement to The Associated Press, saying, “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness.
We have lost the matriarch of our family.” She went on to highlight Cissy Houston’s immense contributions to music and her enduring legacy: “Her impact on popular music and culture is unparalleled.”
Cissy Houston’s legacy began as part of the influential vocal group The Sweet Inspirations, alongside Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warwick.
The group provided backing vocals for musical legends such as Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, and Dionne Warwick.
Houston’s voice can also be heard on timeless hits like Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.”
She worked closely with Aretha Franklin, performing on Franklin’s classic hit “Ain’t No Way” in 1967.
Her final performance with The Sweet Inspirations was with Elvis Presley in 1969 during one of his legendary Las Vegas shows.
That year, the group also recorded their biggest R&B hit, “(Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover,” before Houston pursued her solo career, which would catapult her into further fame.
As a session singer, Cissy Houston’s vocal prowess graced more than 600 tracks across various genres.
She collaborated with icons like Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, and Beyoncé, to name a few.
Her distinct sound was featured on Burt Bacharach’s solo album in 1971, where she sang classics like “One Less Bell to Answer.”
Houston’s contributions to gospel music were monumental, earning her two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for her works “Face to Face” (1997) and “He Leadeth Me” (1998).
In addition to her musical career, Houston was also a published author, penning three books: “He Leadeth Me,” “How Sweet The Sound: My Life with God and Gospel,” and “Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss, and The Night the Music Stopped.”
Her journey began in 1938 when she joined her siblings to form the gospel group The Drinkard Four, marking the start of a musical legacy that would shape American music for generations.
She later became the Minister of Sacred Music at New Hope Baptist Church.
The Houston family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support during their time of mourning.
Pat Houston shared, “We are touched by your generous support and your outpouring of love during this profound time of grief. We respectfully request our privacy as we navigate this difficult moment.”
Tyler Perry took to social media writing:
Hard to believe that all three generations of these women have all passed on. Today with a humble heart and much sadness I say goodbye to the incredible Cissy Houston.
What a voice, what a laugh, what a heart. Rest well in the arms of the Jesus that you told us all about.
See his original post below.
Cissy Houston’s remarkable life and career will forever be remembered for her powerful voice, her steadfast faith, and her lasting contributions to music and culture.
My sincerest condolences and prayers to the Houston family.
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