Cissy Houston, Acclaimed Gospel Singer and Mother of Whitney Houston, Dies at 91

Renowned soul and gospel singer Cissy Houston, known for her Grammy-winning career and as the mother of the late Whitney Houston, has died at the age of 91. According to her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, she passed away at her home in New Jersey, surrounded by family while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease.

“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” shared Pat Houston in a 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.”

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston began her musical career as a member of the gospel group Drinkard Four. She later formed the Sweet Inspirations alongside Dee Dee Warwick and Doris Troy, providing backup vocals for renowned artists like Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and Dionne Warwick. As part of the group, she contributed to tracks such as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and the Jimi Hendrix Experience‘s “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.”

After the Sweet Inspirations’ final show in Las Vegas in 1969 alongside Elvis Presley, Houston embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut album “Presenting Cissy Houston” in 1970. Her career spanned several decades with albums such as 2012’s “Walk on By Faith.” Her voice was a celebrated presence on recordings including Bette Midler‘s “The Divine Miss M.” and Aretha Franklin‘s “Ain’t No Way,” alongside collaborations with artists like Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, and David Bowie.

Houston won her first Grammy in 1997 for “Face to Face” in the best traditional soul gospel album category, following with a second win two years later for “He Leadeth Me.”

Cissy Houston was part of a prominent family of entertainers; her daughter was the iconic Whitney Houston, while her nieces included Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, and her cousin, opera singer Leontyne Price. “On behalf of the Houston Family, we are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief,” the family stated.