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7 facts about Whitney Houston’s Grammy award-winning mother, Cissy

By Musa Adekunle

07 October 2024   |   10:36 pm

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Cissy Houston, the powerhouse gospel singer and mother of the legendary Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91. A true queen of soul, Cissy’s voice not only graced the stages of gospel but also helped behind some of music’s greatest names, from Elvis Presley to Aretha Franklin. READ ALOS; Whitney Houston’s mom,…

Cissy Houston, the powerhouse gospel singer and mother of the legendary Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91.

A true queen of soul, Cissy’s voice not only graced the stages of gospel but also helped behind some of music’s greatest names, from Elvis Presley to Aretha Franklin.
READ ALOS; Whitney Houston’s mom, Cissy, dies aged 91
Born Emily Drinkard, her journey in music was one woven with grace and grit, shaping her into a Grammy-winning artist and a beloved figure in the world of gospel.

Known for her fierce talent and her role as the matriarch of a musical dynasty, Cissy’s influence extended far beyond her own hits.

She was the proud mother of one of the best-selling artists in history and shared family ties with musical legends like Dionne Warwick and opera star Leontyne Price. As we remember her remarkable life, Cissy Houston leaves behind a legacy as rich and timeless as the music she dedicated her life to.

Here are seven things you need to know about the late singer:

1. Grammy-Winning Talent
Cissy Houston was an award-winning gospel singer, earning Grammys for her albums Face to Face and He Leadeth Me in the 1990s. Her powerful voice made her a respected figure in the music industry.

2. Backup Singer
Cissy had a remarkable career as a backup singer, performing with icons like Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Dionne Warwick. She was also part of the renowned group The Sweet Inspirations.

3. Family of Music Greats
Music ran in her blood—Cissy was not only Whitney Houston’s mother but also the aunt of singers Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick. She was a cousin to the famed opera singer Leontyne Price.

4. Cross-Genre Collaborations
Cissy’s vocal talent graced the music of legendary stars across multiple genres, from Jimi Hendrix to Beyoncé, cementing her status as a versatile and sought-after session singer.

5. Gospel Foundation
Though she worked across genres, gospel music was Cissy Houston’s core. Her solo work in the gospel field helped her carve out a name as one of the most respected gospel singers of her time.

6. Mother of a Music Icon
Cissy Houston was the mother of Whitney Houston, one of the best-selling artistes of all time, known for hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

7. Life of Legacy
Cissy Houston lived to 91, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy through her children and her work. Her influence on gospel, soul, and pop music remains unforgettable.