“We lost the matriarch of our family,” Houston’s daughter-in-law said in a statement confirming her death on Monday
Cissy Houston, a legendary soul and gospel singer, passed away at the age of 91 in her New Jersey home, surrounded by her family while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. A two-time Grammy winner, Cissy Houston was not only known for her own illustrious career but also for being the mother and mentor to Whitney Houston. Her passing was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, who referred to her as the matriarch of the family and a towering figure in their lives.
A Stellar Career in Gospel and Soul Music
Cissy Houston’s remarkable career in music spanned over seven decades, during which she left an indelible mark on both the gospel and soul music industries. She rose to fame as part of the vocal group The Sweet Inspirations, which included Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warwick. The group provided backup vocals for some of the greatest musicians of the 1960s, including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, and Dionne Warwick.
Houston’s musical contributions included backup vocals on iconic hits like Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.” Her involvement with Elvis Presley is particularly memorable, with Houston recalling the gospel songs they would sing during rehearsal breaks and the personal gift he gave her: a bracelet inscribed with her nickname, “Squirrelly.”
The Influence of Cissy Houston on Whitney Houston’s Career
While Cissy Houston’s own career was celebrated, her legacy is perhaps best known through the extraordinary success of her daughter, Whitney Houston. Cissy was instrumental in shaping Whitney’s career, bringing her on as a background singer in her band and providing her with invaluable lessons on performance and musicianship. Their relationship, while often described as complex, was grounded in mutual respect and love. Whitney frequently acknowledged her mother’s influence, crediting her for much of her success.
In one famous interview, Whitney recalled her mother’s advice: “You watch the best. If you wanna be the best, you gotta watch them. You have to watch what they do. And then incorporate it into your own.”
Together again ❤️ Rest in peace Cissy Houston 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/SbqI5IgUX6
— Whitney Archive ♡ (@nippyfiles) October 7, 2024
Grammy-Winning Achievements and Later Life
Cissy Houston’s contributions to music were formally recognized with two Grammy Awards for her gospel albums “Face to Face” (1997) and “He Leadeth Me” (1998). These accolades came after decades of success as both a lead performer and a background singer. Her work in the gospel community and her deep faith played a central role in her life, as noted by Pat Houston in a heartfelt statement.
“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,” said Pat Houston. “Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
A Legacy of Talent and Tragedy
The Houston family has endured much heartache, with the tragic deaths of both Whitney Houston in 2012 and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, in 2015. In a poignant tribute, a fan posted a photo of the three generations—Cissy, Whitney, and Bobbi Kristina—captioned, “Together again,” symbolizing a family reunited in spirit.
A Lasting Legacy in Music and Culture
Cissy Houston’s influence on the music industry and her family’s legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. Her voice, her faith, and her dedication to her craft have inspired countless artists and touched the lives of fans around the world. As her family and the music community mourn her passing, her life’s work remains a testament to her talent and spirit.
