Cissy Houston, Beloved Gospel Singer and Matriarch, Passes Away at 91
Cissy Houston, the celebrated gospel singer and mother of the iconic Whitney Houston, has sadly passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by her family in a heartfelt statement. Known for her powerful voice and immense talent, Cissy departed in her New Jersey home, where she had been receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, as shared by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat expressed, noting that her mother-in-law was a “strong and towering figure” in their lives. Cissy’s illustrious singing career spanned decades, during which she shared the stage with legends such as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
Born in 1933 in New Jersey as the youngest of eight siblings, Cissy discovered her passion for singing early on, forming a gospel group with her brothers and sisters. In the 1960s, she took a significant step by joining the R&B group the Sweet Inspirations, lending her voice to backup performances for icons like Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and Dionne Warwick. The group also featured on Van Morrison’s timeless hit, “Brown Eyed Girl.”
Embracing her success with the Sweet Inspirations, Cissy launched a solo career that saw her collaborate with numerous artists, including Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, and her late daughter Whitney, who tragically passed away in 2012 at the age of 48. Cissy was honored with two Grammy Awards, first for her traditional soul gospel album Face to Face in 1997, and again the following year for He Leadeth Me.
Beyond her musical achievements, Cissy authored three books, including a poignant tribute to her daughter titled Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped. At 80 years old, she graced the stage once more, performing with Aretha Franklin on The Late Show with David Letterman, captivating audiences with a rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”
Pat Houston reflected on Cissy’s legacy, stating, “Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.” She expressed gratitude for the years they shared, adding, “May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter Whitney, granddaughter Bobbi Kristina, and other cherished family members.”
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