Cissy Houston, the legendary gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91. Known for her powerful voice and her influence in both gospel and mainstream music, she worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Houston died at her home in Newark, New Jersey, surrounded by her family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
By August Roberts
Early Career and Musical Beginnings
Cissy Houston began her musical journey in 1938 as part of the gospel group The Drinkard Four, which she formed with her siblings. Later, she became a member of the renowned group The Sweet Inspirations, providing backup vocals for legends such as Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. A highlight of her career came when she performed with Elvis Presley during his iconic Las Vegas performances. Eventually, Houston left the group to pursue a successful solo career, becoming a highly sought-after session singer.
Collaborations with Music Icons
In the 1960s, Houston worked with numerous music legends, including Jimi Hendrix and Van Morrison. She contributed background vocals to Morrison’s hit “Brown Eyed Girl” and Hendrix’s “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.” One of her most notable collaborations was with Aretha Franklin on the song “Ain’t No Way.” After these successes, Houston continued to build her solo career, solidifying her status as one of the most prominent voices of her time.
Solo Career and Grammy Wins
Houston’s solo career brought her two Grammy Awards for the albums Face to Face and He Leadeth Me, both in the category of Best Traditional Gospel Album. Alongside her solo achievements, she remained a sought-after background vocalist, working with artists such as Luther Vandross, Paul Simon, and her daughter Whitney Houston. Over the course of her career, she contributed to more than 600 studio recordings across a variety of musical genres.
A Lasting Legacy
In addition to her music, Houston authored several books, including How Sweet the Sound and Remembering Whitney, reflecting on her life and her famous daughter. As the youngest of eight children, she was deeply rooted in her church community and served as a mentor to many musicians throughout her life. Her contributions to music, as well as her role as a mother, will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Cissy Houston’s passing marks the end of an era, but her voice and legacy will remain an enduring part of musical history.
Based on information from www.hollywoodreporter.com and own research.