Cissy Houston, was an American gospel singer and soul singer who had worked for more than six decades. The woman is mostly famous as a one of the members of The Sweet Inspirations and as a background vocalist for Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and her daughter Whitney Houston. Read also about her family and career from the beginning to present; rise to fame, family life, and her impact during her lifetime.
Early Life and Background
Born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston was the youngest of eight children. Her parents, Delia Mae and Nitcholas Drinkard, were deeply religious, and gospel music was a significant part of her upbringing. Raised in a tight-knit family, her home was filled with the sounds of gospel hymns, and music became her refuge and passion early on.
Cissy grew up surrounded by music, especially gospel, and was part of the influential Drinkard Singers, a gospel group formed by her siblings. This strong familial bond and early immersion in gospel music laid the foundation for Cissy’s illustrious career.
Education and Early Singing Career
Cissy Houston was raised in a Methodist Episcopal family in Newark, New Jersey, where she attended local schools. She “found Christ” at the age of 14, a pivotal moment in her spiritual journey. Her love for singing grew while attending South Side High School, where she participated in church choirs and local singing groups, although formal music education was not her primary focus. In 1938, Houston’s singing career began when she joined her siblings—Anne, Larry, and Nicky—in the gospel group The Drinkard Four. By her late teens, her remarkable voice had already begun to draw attention.
Her early performances, mostly within gospel circles, prepared her for a larger stage. Influenced by gospel greats like Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward, Cissy honed her vocal abilities and developed her signature sound, characterized by its depth, power, and emotional resonance.
Musical Beginnings: The Drinkard Singers
Cissy Houston’s professional career began with the formation of The Drinkard Singers, a gospel group led by her family in the 1950s. The group achieved modest success and even recorded an album for RCA Records. Their performances in churches and at gospel concerts across the United States were well-received, providing Cissy with the platform to showcase her talents on a broader stage.
The Sweet Inspirations: Formation and Success
In 1967, Cissy Houston co-founded The Sweet Inspirations, a renowned backing group that sang for some of the biggest names in the music industry. The group quickly became famous for their powerful harmonies and versatility, contributing to hits by artists such as Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, and even Jimi Hendrix.
One of the most notable chapters of The Sweet Inspirations’ career was their time as backup singers for Elvis Presley. Cissy and the group were integral to Presley’s live performances, especially during his famous Las Vegas shows. Their vocal prowess added depth to the performances, earning them widespread acclaim.
The Sweet Inspirations also released their own records, with hits like “Sweet Inspiration” and “Why (Am I Treated So Bad),” further solidifying their place in R&B history.
Solo Career: From Backup Singer to Star
Cissy Houston launched her solo career in 1970, stepping out from her role as a backup singer to pursue the spotlight. Her debut album, *Presenting Cissy Houston* (1970), was well-received, showcasing her versatility across genres. She followed it with albums like *Think It Over* (1978) and *Warning – Danger* (1979), further proving her capabilities as a solo artist.
Whil She earned multiple Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Gospel Album, solidifying her legacy in gospel music. Despite her career achievements, Houston faced personal tragedy when her daughter, Whitney Houston, passed away in 2012 at the Beverly Hilton hotel.
Family Life
Cissy Houston’s family was always central to her life. She married twice—first to Freddie Garland from 1955 to 1957, and later to John Russell Houston in 1964. She and John Houston had two children together, Whitney Houston and Gary Garland. Cissy also had a son, Michael Houston, from her previous marriage.
Her daughter, Whitney Houston, became one of the biggest pop stars of all time. Cissy was not only a proud mother but also a guiding force in Whitney’s musical development. Despite the demands of her career, Cissy always prioritized her family and played a significant role in shaping her children’s lives.
Personal Challenges and Tragedies
Cissy Houston’s life was not without personal trials. One of the most difficult periods in her life was witnessing her daughter Whitney Houston’s battle with addiction and the eventual tragedy of her untimely death in 2012. Whitney’s struggles with substance abuse were well-publicized, and despite Cissy’s efforts to support and guide her daughter, the situation took an emotional toll on the entire family. In her memoir *Remembering Whitney*, Cissy shared her heartbreak and frustration over the loss of her beloved daughter, as well as the complexities of their relationship.
Additionally, Cissy faced her own personal challenges, including health issues and the difficulties that came with balancing a demanding career and motherhood. Despite these hardships, her faith and resilience kept her grounded. Her strong belief in family and religion allowed her to push through even the darkest of times.
Awards and Recognition
Cissy Houston’s career was marked by numerous accolades, both as a solo artist and as part of The Sweet Inspirations. One of her most prestigious achievements was winning the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album twice—first in 1996 for *Face to Face* and again in 1998 for *He Leadeth Me*. These awards cemented her reputation as one of the most respected voices in gospel music. In addition to her Grammy wins, Houston also authored three books, including *Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped*, honoring her daughter Whitney Houston.
Cissy’s contributions to music were recognized by various organizations, culminating in her induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2014. This honor highlighted her impact as both a singer and a cultural icon from her home state. Her legacy in gospel and secular music remains influential, with countless artists citing her as an inspiration.
Net Worth
Cissy Houston’s decades-long music career as a backup singer, solo artist, and gospel icon earned her a comfortable life. By the time of her passing in 2024, her estimated net worth was between $2 million – $6 million, reflecting her steady success in the industry.
Personal Life and Final Years
In her later years, Cissy Houston slowed down her public performances but remained active in her local church in Newark, where she continued to sing and mentor young gospel artists. She was a pillar of strength for her family, particularly in the wake of Whitney Houston’s tragic death. Though deeply affected by the loss, Cissy remained resilient, finding solace in her faith.
Her health began to decline in the early 2020s, and she spent much of her final years surrounded by her family, reflecting on her long and storied life. Despite the hardships she faced, Cissy maintained a strong, dignified presence, continuing to inspire those around her with her courage and unwavering faith.
Death and Legacy
Cissy Houston passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91 in her hometown of Newark, New Jersey, while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. Her death marked the end of an era in gospel and soul music, with fans and artists paying tribute to her remarkable legacy. Widely celebrated for her contributions as both a solo artist and a background vocalist for iconic musicians, Cissy’s impact on the music industry continues to be honored.
Her legacy continues through her children, especially through Whitney Houston’s enduring influence on modern music. Cissy’s role in shaping Whitney’s career, as well as her impact on gospel music, ensures that her name will be remembered for generations. She leaves behind a powerful body of work, rich in both spiritual and musical depth, that has touched the hearts of many.
FAQs
1. Who was Cissy Houston?
Cissy Houston was an American soul and gospel singer, best known as a founding member of The Sweet Inspirations and for her work as a backing vocalist for artists such as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. She is also the mother of Whitney Houston.
2. What is Cissy Houston’s real name?
Cissy Houston’s birth name was Emily Drinkard. She changed her professional name to Cissy Houston during her early career in music.
3. How did Cissy Houston influence Whitney Houston’s career?
Cissy Houston played a pivotal role in Whitney Houston’s musical development, mentoring her from a young age. Whitney often cited her mother as her biggest inspiration and vocal coach, helping shape her iconic singing style.
4. What was Cissy Houston’s net worth?
At the time of her death in 2024, Cissy Houston’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, primarily earned through her music career as a solo artist and backing vocalist.
5. Did Cissy Houston win any major awards?
Yes, Cissy Houston won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Gospel Album. She also received numerous other honors throughout her career for her contributions to gospel and soul music.
6. When did Cissy Houston die?
Cissy Houston passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91.
Conclusion
Cissy Houston was a gospel and soul music icon, known for her powerful voice, faith, and devotion to family. From her early days with The Drinkard Singers to backing music legends, she left a lasting mark on the industry. Despite personal hardships, including losing her daughter Whitney, Cissy remained a symbol of strength and faith. Her legacy endures through her music, family, and influence.
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