Cissy Houston, the legendary soul singer and mother of pop icon Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91.
Houston died peacefully on the morning of October 7 at her New Jersey home, where she was under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by her family, as confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston.
In a heartfelt statement, Pat Houston expressed the family’s sorrow: “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family.”
She praised Cissy’s unparalleled contributions to music and culture, noting her deep faith and commitment to family, ministry, and community.
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives,” she added, emphasizing the lasting impact of Houston’s more than seven-decade career.
Cissy Houston began her musical journey as a church performer, later gaining prominence in the 1960s as part of the celebrated backing group, The Sweet Inspirations, alongside Doris Troy and her niece, Dee Dee Warwick.
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The group provided backup vocals for numerous soul legends, including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Dionne Warwick, and made their mark with hits like “Sweet Inspiration.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Houston contributed her vocal talents to classics such as Franklin’s “Think” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.”
Houston fondly remembered her time with Elvis Presley, who often sang gospel during rehearsal breaks.
After achieving success with The Sweet Inspirations, Houston embarked on a solo career, becoming a sought-after session singer and recording over 600 songs across various genres.
Her talent and dedication to music left an indelible mark on the industry, ensuring her legacy as a powerful and influential figure in the world of soul and gospel.
Cissy Houston’s passing marks the end of an era, but her contributions to music will continue to resonate for generations to come.