Cissy Houston, the celebrated soul and gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston, passed away at the age of 91.
She died at her New Jersey home on Monday morning, according to her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston. Cissy was surrounded by her family and had been under hospice care due to Alzheimer’s disease.
In a heartfelt statement, Pat Houston expressed, “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. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community.”
The statement continued, “Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts. Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled. We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us and we are thankful for all the many valuable life lessons that she taught us. May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney, granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, and other cherished family members.”
Cissy Houston began her career in Newark, New Jersey, as a member of the gospel group Drinkard Four. She later formed The Sweet Inspirations, performing backup for legendary artists including Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and Dionne Warwick. Notably, she provided backup vocals for Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.” The group’s last performance was in 1969 in Las Vegas, sharing the stage with Elvis Presley.
As a solo artist, Cissy Houston released her debut album “Presenting Cissy Houston” in 1970, along with numerous albums over the years, including her last release in 2012 titled “Walk on By Faith.” She sang backup on countless recordings, featuring on works by Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Beyoncé, and many others.
Cissy Houston won her first Grammy Award in 1997 for her album “Face to Face,” which won the best traditional soul gospel album category. She received another Grammy in 1999 in the same category for her album “He Leadeth Me.”
A member of an accomplished family of entertainers, Cissy was related to her daughter Whitney Houston, nieces Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, and was cousin to opera singer Leontyne Price. She was the youngest of eight siblings.
In conclusion, the Houston family expressed their gratitude, stating, “On behalf of The Houston Family, we are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief. We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time.”