Cissy Houston Dies At 91: The Woman Who Gave The World Whitney

The world mourns the loss of Cissy Houston, a legendary Grammy Award-winning singer, gospel icon and the mother of the late Whitney Houston. Cissy passed away at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family at her home in New Jersey, after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, confirmed the news, calling Cissy “a strong and towering figure” and “a woman of deep faith and conviction.” As the world reflects on her life and legacy, Cissy is remembered for her immense contributions to music, her family and her unwavering faith.

A Remarkable Life in Music

Born on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, Emily “Cissy” Houston was the youngest of eight children in a family deeply rooted in gospel music. Her passion for music was evident from a young age and by 1938, she had already started singing in gospel groups with her siblings. She was a key member of the Drinkard Singers, a family gospel group that gained national attention, setting the stage for her lifelong career in music.

Cissy’s early roots in gospel music provided the foundation for a career that would span decades and encompass a variety of genres, including soul, R&B and pop. She went on to become one of the most sought-after backup singers in the industry, lending her voice to some of the biggest names in music.

Cissy’s Influential Career as a Backup Singer

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Cissy Houston worked with a who’s who of the music world, providing her powerful and soulful voice as a background vocalist for legendary artists such as:

Elvis Presley: Cissy was part of the backing vocals on some of Presley’s biggest hits, solidifying her status as a versatile and in-demand singer.
Aretha Franklin: Known as the Queen of Soul, Franklin often collaborated with Cissy, whose voice helped shape many of Franklin’s most iconic recordings.
Chaka Khan, Dionne Warwick, Lou Rawls: Cissy’s powerful vocals supported these artists as they rose to fame.
Van Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Roy Hamilton: Her contributions to the careers of these legendary musicians further cemented her place in music history.

Collaborations with Modern Icons

Cissy Houston’s influence stretched beyond earlier decades, as she worked with modern superstars including Beyoncé, Luther Vandross, Paul Simon and Burt Bacharach. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different musical styles and eras made her a timeless figure in the industry. Despite being known primarily as a backup singer, Cissy was a force in her own right, commanding respect for her vocal talent and professionalism.

A Successful Solo Career

In addition to her extensive work as a background vocalist, Cissy Houston enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist. She made a significant mark on the gospel music scene, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards for her work. Her two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album, for her 1997 release “Face to Face” and her 1998 album “He Leadeth Me”, are a testament to her enduring impact on gospel music.

Cissy’s powerful voice and ability to convey deep emotion through her music earned her recognition as one of the greatest gospel singers of all time. Her influence extended beyond the church, as she brought gospel music into mainstream culture, inspiring countless singers and musicians, including her daughter, Whitney Houston.

Mentor to Whitney Houston

Cissy’s legacy extends to her role as a mother and mentor to her daughter, Whitney Houston, one of the most successful and beloved artists of all time. Whitney often credited her mother for teaching her the fundamentals of singing and for fostering her love of music from an early age. Under Cissy’s guidance, Whitney developed the powerful, emotive voice that would captivate audiences worldwide and earn her countless accolades.

Cissy’s pride in her daughter’s success was evident throughout her life and even after Whitney’s untimely passing in 2012, Cissy continued to speak lovingly about her daughter and their shared bond through music.

Cissy Houston’s Personal Life

Cissy Houston’s life was not only defined by her career but also by her dedication to her family and her faith. Raised in a devoutly religious household, she maintained a strong connection to the church throughout her life. Cissy’s faith guided her through both triumphs and tragedies, including the loss of her daughter Whitney, which deeply affected her.

Cissy was married twice, first to Freddie Garland, with whom she had her son, Gary Garland, a former NBA basketball player. She later married John Houston and the couple had two children together, Whitney Houston and Michael Houston. Cissy’s family was always a central part of her life and she remained close to her children and grandchildren.

Despite the challenges she faced, including her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Cissy remained a resilient and dedicated matriarch. Her family often spoke about her strength and unwavering devotion to her loved ones, even as her health declined in her later years.

Remembering Cissy Houston’s Legacy

As the world mourns the passing of Cissy Houston, her legacy will live on through her music, her family,and the countless artists she inspired. Her contributions to gospel music, as well as her work with some of the greatest names in popular music, have left an indelible mark on the industry. Cissy’s powerful voice, both in song and in her personal life, will continue to resonate with those who were fortunate enough to hear her perform or work alongside her.

In addition to her musical achievements, Cissy will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her strength in the face of adversity and her dedication to her family. The loss of Cissy Houston is a profound one, but her legacy of love, music and faith will endure for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Cissy Houston.

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