Cissy Houston, a renowned soul and gospel artist who won two Grammy Awards and collaborated with music legends such as Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, has passed away at the age of 91. She died on Monday morning at her home in New Jersey while receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, according to her daughter-in-law Pat Houston. Cissy was surrounded by family at the time of her death.
Her family expressed deep sorrow, with Pat noting that Cissy was the matriarch of their family and that her influence on music and culture was unmatched. “Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives,” she stated, highlighting Cissy’s faith, dedication to family, and her long music career.
Born Emily Drinkard in Newark, Cissy began her journey in music with a gospel group her family formed before gaining recognition in the 1960s as part of The Sweet Inspirations. This group not only provided backup for numerous soul artists like Otis Redding and Dionne Warwick but also achieved their own success with hits like “Sweet Inspiration.”
Cissy’s impressive catalog includes contributions to hits such as Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.” Her career spanned over seven decades, during which she evolved into a sought-after session singer, collaborating on tracks with various artists across genres, including Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, and her daughter, Whitney Houston.
Cissy Houston’s influence extended to gospel music with several albums, including Grammy-winning works like “Face to Face.” She also led the Youth Inspirational Choir at Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church for many years, where Whitney also sang as a child.
Despite initially advising Whitney against pursuing a music career, Cissy was a pivotal figure in her daughter’s rise to fame. The duo often performed together, sharing memorable moments in concerts and films. After Whitney’s tragic death in 2012 and the passing of her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown in 2015, Cissy faced immense heartbreak but continued to honor their legacies.
Pat Houston expressed gratitude for Cissy’s life, emphasizing the family’s appreciation for the support they have received during this challenging time while requesting privacy as they grieve.