Legendary Gospel Singer Cissy Houston Passes Away at 91
Cissy Houston, the matriarch of a musical dynasty and two-time Grammy-winning gospel singer, has passed away at 91. Known for her powerful vocals and immense contributions to popular music, Houston died on Monday morning in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, to The Associated Press. The celebrated gospel singer was surrounded by her family during her final moments.
A Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in an emotional statement. “Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. She was 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.”
Houston’s contributions to popular music and culture were described as “unparalleled,” with a legacy that spanned genres and decades.
A Career in Music that Defined an Era
Cissy Houston’s illustrious career began in the late 1930s when she joined her siblings to form the gospel group, The Drinkard Four. Her early foundation in gospel music set the stage for a remarkable career that saw her collaborate with some of the biggest names in the music industry.
She rose to prominence as a member of the vocal group The Sweet Inspirations alongside Doris Troy and Dee Dee Warwick. The group became known for their background vocals with legends like Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, The Drifters, and her niece, Dionne Warwick. The Sweet Inspirations also made their mark in rock music, appearing on Van Morrison’s hit Brown Eyed Girl and lending their voices to Jimi Hendrix’s Burning of the Midnight Lamp.
Cissy Houston’s vocal talents shone on Aretha Franklin’s classic song Ain’t No Way, further cementing her place in music history. Her final performance with The Sweet Inspirations was with Elvis Presley in Las Vegas in 1969, after which she pursued a successful solo career.
A Legacy as a Solo Artist and In-Demand Session Singer
Following her departure from The Sweet Inspirations, Houston became one of the most sought-after session singers in the industry. Throughout her career, she recorded more than 600 songs across various genres. Her voice graced tracks alongside iconic artists such as Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Paul Simon, Beyoncé, and her daughter, Whitney Houston.
In 1971, Houston’s signature vocals were featured on Burt Bacharach’s solo album, which included songs like Mexican Divorce and One Less Bell to Answer. Her versatility as a singer allowed her to seamlessly navigate both gospel and mainstream music, performing standards like Barbra Streisand’s hit Evergreen.
Houston’s remarkable career earned her two Grammy Awards in the late 1990s for her albums Face to Face and He Leadeth Me in the Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album category. Her voice continued to be a beacon of inspiration and a testament to her deep-rooted faith.
A Towering Figure of Faith and Family
Cissy Houston was deeply committed to her faith and community. A lifelong member of New Hope Baptist Church, she eventually became the Minister of Sacred Music, a role that solidified her as a spiritual leader. Her musical accomplishments were a testament to her faith. She authored three books, including He Leadeth Me and Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss, and The Night The Music Stopped, which chronicled the joys and sorrows of her life, including the tragic loss of her daughter, Whitney Houston.
The youngest of eight children, Cissy Houston lived a life marked by love, faith, and an unwavering dedication to her craft. Her family expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans around the world during this difficult time.
“We are touched by your generous support and outpouring of love during our profound grief. We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time,” Houston’s family stated.
Cissy Houston’s legacy will forever remain intertwined with the history of gospel and popular music. Her voice will continue to inspire generations of listeners.