Cissy Houston, Gospel Legend and Mother of Whitney Houston, Passes Away at 91

Cissy Houston, renowned gospel singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston, passed away on Monday in her New Jersey home at the age of 91, confirmed by her daughter-in-law Pat Houston to The Associated Press. She was under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston began her career in gospel music with her family group, The Drinkard Four, and later became a sought-after backup singer for prominent musicians like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. Houston was a key member of The Sweet Inspirations, a vocal group that supported several top artists in the 1960s.

The Sweet Inspirations backed notable performers such as Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, Dionne Warwick, and The Drifters. They also appear on hit tracks like Van Morrison‘s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Jimi Hendrix‘s “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.”

Houston’s vocal prowess was featured prominently on Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way” and the group worked alongside Franklin occasionally for live performances. Houston left The Sweet Inspirations to pursue a solo career, becoming a respected soloist known for her powerful voice.

With over 600 recorded tracks, Cissy Houston collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, and her legendary daughter, Whitney Houston. Her significant work in Burt Bacharach‘s 1971 solo album, included songs like “Mexican Divorce” and “One Less Bell to Answer.” She also sang the classic “Evergreen,” originally by Barbra Streisand.

Cissy Houston was honored with Grammy Awards for her acclaimed gospel albums “Face to Face” and “He Leadeth Me” in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Beyond her musical achievements, Cissy published three memoirs, sharing her life’s journey and insights into her close relationship with her daughter Whitney.

Cissy Houston was the Minister of Sacred Music at the New Hope Baptist Church and became an influential figure in the gospel music scene. Her written works include “How Sweet The Sound: My Life with God and Gospel” and “Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped.”

In a statement, Pat Houston expressed the family’s grief, highlighting Cissy Houston’s pivotal role in their lives and her significant contributions to music and culture. The family requested privacy during their difficult time.