BY Benjamin ClarkOctober 8, 2024
4 months ago
BY 
 | October 8, 2024
4 months ago

Cissy Houston, Revered Gospel Singer And Whitney Houston's Mother, Dead At 91

A musical legacy spanning seven decades comes to an end as the matriarch of a renowned musical family passes away.

According to CNN, Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning gospel singer and mother of the late pop icon Whitney Houston, died on Monday at the age of 91.

The news was confirmed by Gwendolyn Quinn, a representative for The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, who stated that Cissy passed away while in hospice care, surrounded by her family.

Cissy Houston, born Emily Drinkard, was a towering figure in the music industry. She was known for her powerful voice and significant contributions to gospel and popular music.

In her final days, she was battling Alzheimer's disease, a challenge that did not diminish the impact of her loss on her family and the music community.

A Musical Journey From Gospel Roots to Grammy Success

Cissy Houston's musical journey began at the tender age of five when she joined her siblings in a gospel group called The Drinkard Four. This early start in 1938 laid the foundation for a career that would span more than 70 years and influence generations of musicians.

As the youngest of eight children born to Nitcholas and Delia Mae Drinkard, Cissy's talent was nurtured within the walls of New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she later became the Minister of Sacred Music. This spiritual foundation would remain a constant throughout her life and career.

The Drinkard Four eventually expanded and rebranded as The Drinkard Singers, including future stars like Dee Dee Warwick and Dionne Warwick, Cissy's nieces. The group's success culminated in performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival.

From Background Vocalist to Solo Artist and Mentor

In 1963, Cissy Houston formed The Sweet Inspirations, a group that would become one of the most sought-after background vocal ensembles in the music industry. Their harmonies graced the recordings of music legends like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Jimi Hendrix, among many others.

Houston's talent wasn't confined to group performances. In 1969, she launched her solo career with the album "Presenting Cissy Houston," showcasing her versatility as an artist. Throughout her career, she released ten solo albums, four compilations, and five collaborative recordings, earning two Grammy Awards along the way.

Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, reflected on Cissy's impact:

Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family. 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. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.

The Houston Family Legacy and Personal Losses

Cissy Houston's musical legacy extended to her children, most notably her daughter Whitney Houston, who became one of the best-selling artists of all time. The mother-daughter duo shared a close bond, both professionally and personally.

Tragically, Cissy outlived both her daughter Whitney, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 48, and her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, who died in 2015 at 22.

These losses deeply affected Cissy, prompting her to write a memoir titled "Remember Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped" in 2013.

During an appearance on "The View" to promote her book, Cissy spoke lovingly of her daughter Whitney:

She was a wonderful, giving, loving kid. She did that and she was good to people and just great. Had her little faults but like everybody else.

A Lasting Impact on Music and Family

Cissy Houston's influence extended far beyond her immediate family. As a first-call backup vocalist, she collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Bette Midler, Beyoncé, and David Bowie, bridging genres and generations with her remarkable talent.

Her son Gary, along with other family members, survives her. Pat Houston's statement emphasized the family's gratitude for Cissy's long life and the lessons she imparted: "May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other cherished family members."

Cissy Houston's passing marks the end of an era in music history. Her journey from a young gospel singer to a Grammy-winning artist and matriarch of a musical dynasty has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her powerful voice, unwavering faith, and dedication to her craft and family will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and fans alike.

Written by: Benjamin Clark

NATIONAL NEWS

SEE ALL

Pope chastises U.S. administration on migrant deportations, targets Vance in remarks

In a bold critique shared on Tuesday, Pope Francis condemned the Trump administration's approach to deporting migrants, outlining the adverse implications these policies have on…
5 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

Tragic crash on Hamburg's outskirts as train hits truck

A catastrophic accident on the outskirts of Hamburg, Germany unfolded when a high-speed train collided with a loaded truck, resulting in tragic outcomes. According to…
5 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

Four FEMA Staff Axed for Unauthorized Migrant Hotel Funding

Four federal employees face an unexpected end to their careers at the Department of Homeland Security following controversial decisions involving migrant accommodations in New York…
9 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

Top CFPB leaders ousted as Trump administration reshapes agency

A dramatic shakeup at a major federal consumer protection agency signals the beginning of significant organizational changes under the new administration. According to the New…
9 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

'Street Fighter' actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo dies at 61

A massive inferno erupted at a transit operations center, causing chaos and evacuations near a major Texas transportation hub. According to Fox News, more than…
9 hours ago
 • By Benjamin Clark

DON'T WAIT.

We publish the objective news, period. If you want the facts, then sign up below and join our movement for objective news:

    LATEST NEWS

    Newsletter

    Get news from American Digest in your inbox.

      By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: American Digest, 3000 S. Hulen Street, Ste 124 #1064, Fort Worth, TX, 76109, US, http://americandigest.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.
      Christian News Alerts is a conservative Christian publication. Share our articles to help spread the word.
      © 2025 - CHRISTIAN NEWS ALERTS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
      magnifier