Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning gospel and soul singer who shaped the careers of some of music’s biggest stars, including her daughter Whitney Houston, has died at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully at her home in Newark while in hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by her family.
Born Emily Drinkard in 1933, Cissy Houston rose to prominence in the gospel world as part of the Drinkard Singers before forming The Sweet Inspirations, a renowned backup group that performed alongside legends like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Van Morrison. Her powerful voice and deep-rooted faith made her a beloved figure in gospel music, earning her two Grammy Awards for her solo work in the 1990s.
Beyond her personal success, Cissy Houston played a pivotal role in nurturing the extraordinary talent of her daughter, Whitney Houston. She guided Whitney from a young age, and her influence helped shape one of the greatest voices in music history. Despite the global fame Whitney achieved, Cissy remained a steady presence, performing backup on some of Whitney’s biggest hits and offering support through her daughter’s struggles.
Cissy’s life was marked by both triumph and heartbreak. She endured the devastating losses of Whitney in 2012 and her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown in 2015, but remained a source of strength for her family and community. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, said in a statement, “Cissy was the heart of our family—a woman of deep faith, strength, and unwavering love.”
Cissy Houston’s legacy lives on through her influential role in gospel music and the artists she touched throughout her career. She is survived by her sons, Gary and Michael, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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