Cissy Houston, the beloved soul and gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91. She died at her New Jersey home on Monday morning, surrounded by family members, as confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston. Cissy had been receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease.
In a heartfelt statement, Pat Houston expressed the family’s sorrow, saying, “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.”
Pat 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, and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other cherished family members.”
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston began her entertainment career with the gospel group Drinkard Four. She later co-founded the Sweet Inspirations, alongside Dee Dee Warwick and Doris Troy, providing backup vocals for iconic artists such as Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and Dionne Warwick. Notable recordings include backup work on Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.”
Cissy’s musical journey included her solo debut album “Presenting Cissy Houston,” released in 1970, and her latest album, “Walk on By Faith,” which came out in 2012. Throughout her career, she lent her voice to numerous recordings, including Bette Midler’s “The Divine Miss M” and Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way,” working with a wide array of artists such as Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, and Beyoncé.
Cissy won her first Grammy in 1997 for “Face to Face,” recognized as the best traditional soul gospel album, followed by another Grammy for “He Leadeth Me” in 1999.
A member of a prominent family of entertainers, Cissy Houston’s legacy includes her daughter, Whitney Houston, and her nieces, Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, along with cousin Leontyne Price, an acclaimed opera singer. The youngest of eight children, Cissy’s influence in music will be lasting.
In a statement on behalf of The Houston Family, they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love during this difficult time and requested privacy as they grieve.