Cissy Houston, legendary gospel singer and mother of pop star Whitney Houston, died yesterday morning at the age of 91 at her home in New Jersey following complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Winner of two Grammy Awards, Houston has had a very long and successful career as a singer, performing on stage alongside superstars such as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
Born in New Jersey in 1933, Cissy Houston was the youngest of eight children. He started singing at a young age after forming a gospel group with his brothers. In the 1960s he formed the rhythm and blues group Sweet Inspirations, which sang for big names like Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield and Dionne Warwick. They also performed on Van Morrison’s hit song “Brown Eyed Girl”.
After her experience with the Sweet Inspirations, Cissy Houston embarked on a solo career and performed with artists such as Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, Beyonce, Paul Simon and her famous daughter Whitney Houston, who died in 2012 at the age of 48.
In 1997 he won a Grammy Award for his gospel album “Face to Face” and the following year for the album “He Leadeth Me”. She also wrote three books, including one to memorialize her daughter, titled “Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped.” At age 80, Houston once again sang with Aretha Franklin during her performance on “The Late Show” with David Letterman, where they performed a cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”
Houston, a two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, died at her New Jersey home while hospitalized for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston said.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We have lost the matriarch of our family”, reads the family statement signed by her daughter-in-law Pat Houston announcing the passing of the legendary singer. “Cissy Houston’s seven-decade-plus career in music and entertainment will remain front and center in our hearts. Our family is blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us. May she rest in peace, beside to daughter Whitney, granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other dear family members.”
The End of an Era: Cissy Houston Leaves Behind a Legacy
The music world has lost another iconic figure with the passing of Cissy Houston, a legendary gospel singer and the mother of the late pop star Whitney Houston. As reported by various news outlets, including the New York Post [[1]] and NBC News [[3]], Cissy Houston passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston was a trailblazer in the music industry. Her illustrious career spanned decades, earning her two Grammy Awards and numerous accolades. With a voice that could effortlessly transition from soulful gospel to uplifting pop, Houston shared the stage with some of the most iconic artists of all time, including Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
As a gospel singer, Cissy Houston’s talent was undeniable. Her soulful voice and spirit-filled performances captivated audiences worldwide. Her legacy, however, extends beyond her own remarkable career. As the mother of Whitney Houston, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Cissy played a pivotal role in shaping the pop star’s career. Her love and support undoubtedly contributed to Whitney’s success, and their bond remains an inspiration to many.
Cissy Houston’s impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. Her pioneering work in gospel music paved the way for future generations of artists. Her collaborations with renowned artists and her own solo performances will continue to inspire and uplift fans around the world.
The news of Cissy Houston’s passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans and fellow artists alike paying tribute to her remarkable life and legacy. As we reflect on her extraordinary career and the impact she had on those around her, we are reminded of the profound influence she had on the music world.
Rest in peace, Cissy Houston. Your voice, your spirit, and your legacy will live on forever.
References:
