The incomparable Cissy Houston, mother of award-winning vocalist Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91, according to The Associated Press. The announcement of her death was provided to the outlet via Houston’s daughter-in-law, Pat.
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“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness,” Pat Houston noted in her statement. “We lost the matriarch of our family.”
Houston, also known as Emily Drinkard, had been living in hospice care at her home in New Jersey following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She died surrounded by her remaining family.
Cissy Houston’s death comes the morning after Jennifer Hudson delivered an incredible, heartfelt tribute to her daughter Whitney at the 2024 American Music Awards.
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives,” Pat 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 Legendary Career and Family
Cissy Houston was an incredible soul and gospel singer. She started her music career as a member of the gospel group The Drinkard Singers, formerly The Drinkard Four.
She also enjoyed a career as a backup singer for big names like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Elvis Presley via her group The Sweet Inspirations. Houston can also be heard in Van Morrison’s song “Brown Eyed Girl”. She also has a credit on the Jimi Hendrix Experience track “Burning Of The Midnight Lamp”.
Houston kicked off an impressive solo career in 1963, which resulted in her winning two Grammy Awards for her vocal work. Her debut record Presenting Cissy Houston was released in 1970 and features a number of successful songs, including “Be My Baby”. In the late 1970s, Houston worked on a number of disco works and spent some time as a session musician. She also wrote three books and enjoyed a career as a faith-based author.
Houston was also the mother of acclaimed singer and actress Whitney Houston, who passed away in 2012, and the grandmother of Bobbi Kristina Brown, who passed away in 2015. She is also the aunt of Dionne Warwick and Dee Warwick.
We wish Houston’s family, fans, and loved ones nothing but the best during this difficult time.
Photo by Michael Loccisano
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