The beloved gospel singer Cissy Houston, renowned for her incredible voice and as the mother of the late Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91. Passing peacefully at her home in New Jersey, she was under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease.
Cissy was a towering figure in her family, and her passing leaves an immense void. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, shared, “With deep sadness, we mourn the loss of Cissy, the heart of our family. Her faith, dedication to family, and contributions to music are incomparable. We are thankful for the time we had with her and the wisdom she imparted.”
Known for her immense contribution to gospel music, Cissy’s career began in 1938 singing alongside her siblings in the Drinkard Four group. She influenced generations of artists, including her niece, Dionne Warwick, and sister, Dee Dee Warwick.
The Sweet Inspirations, a group she formed in 1963, worked with notable artists such as Otis Redding and Elvis Presley. Her vocal prowess led to a solo career highlighted by hits like “Be My Baby.” Winning two Grammy Awards, Cissy’s influence in the music industry persisted over decades.
Dionne Warwick recalled fond memories of her aunt, noting how Cissy’s voice and dedication were mirrored by Whitney. She emphasized Whitney’s inevitable path in music, echoing the family’s talent and dedication.
Cissy and Whitney united their voices in a duet, “I Know Him So Well,” in 1987. The family also came together musically in 2006 to record “Family First” with Dionne.
Cissy’s life was also intertwined with love and family. She was married to Gary Garland, an NBA player, with whom she shared a son. Later, she married John Russell Houston, the father of her children Michael and Whitney. Even after her husband’s passing, her family continued to grow, graced with six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
In 2013, Cissy offered a heartfelt memoir, “Remembering Whitney,” shedding light on Whitney’s struggles with drug addiction, reflecting the anguish a mother feels watching a child grapple with such demons. Despite Whitney’s fame, their relationship bore the complexities of life’s trials.
Beyond her family life, Cissy’s friendships were treasured. Her close bond with the legendary Aretha Franklin was a testament to Cissy’s love and commitment to those she held dear.
As we remember Cissy Houston, her legacy lives on in the vocal gifts she passed down and the love she shared. Her spirit will forever remain in the music and memories she left behind.
