Cissy Houston, the iconic singer whose career began in childhood and transcended genres from gospel to pop, has passed away at the age of 91. Known for her powerful voice and rich musical heritage, Houston leaves behind a profound legacy that shaped the sound of American music.
Born Emily Drinkard in 1933 in Newark, New Jersey, Houston emerged from a musically gifted family. As a child, she performed alongside her siblings in local churches, often being placed on a stool to be seen. “At 5 years old, I wanted to be out playing,” she recounted in a 1998 interview with WHYY’s Fresh Air, highlighting the early pressures of her musical upbringing.
Her family group, The Drinkard Singers, was pioneering, releasing one of the first gospel albums on a major label with A Joyful Noise in 1959.
In the 1960s, Houston ventured into secular music, forming the group The Sweet Inspirations. Under her guidance, the ensemble gained acclaim as one of the finest background vocal groups, contributing to hits like Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of A Preacher Man.” Their self-titled debut album peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Albums chart.
Houston’s innovative approach included using four background voices rather than the typical three, enriching the sound of beloved tracks like Aretha Franklin’s “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman.” “Backgrounds make songs and really sell them,” she explained.
Ready to step into the spotlight, Houston left The Sweet Inspirations to pursue a solo career while balancing the challenges of motherhood. She raised three children, including her daughter Whitney Houston, who would become one of the biggest pop stars in history.
Cissy and Whitney shared a close, mentor-protégé relationship. Whitney once described her mother as “my friend” and “my teacher,” reflecting the deep bond they shared.
Cissy Houston faced significant challenges, particularly following Whitney’s tragic death at 48, after a long battle with addiction. In 2013, she published Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped, a memoir that stirred controversy within her family. Her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown publicly expressed her displeasure, marking a tumultuous moment in their family’s narrative.
In an emotional interview with Oprah Winfrey, Cissy candidly addressed the complexities of her daughter’s life, including her sexuality, stating, “Absolutely, I wouldn’t have liked that at all.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Music and Community
Throughout her life, Cissy Houston remained dedicated to her roots, leading the Youth Inspiration Choir at her local Baptist church for over five decades. Her influence extended beyond her own family, as she inspired countless young musicians in her community.
Cissy Houston’s remarkable career and indelible impact on music and culture will be remembered for generations to come. Her contributions as a singer, mother, and mentor have left a profound mark on the music industry, ensuring her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.
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