Cissy Houston, celebrated soul singer and Whitney Houston’s mother, passed away at the age of 91.
Whitney Houston’s mother, a two-time Grammy Award winner who famously sang backup for Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, died on Monday, October 7, at her home in New Jersey. She had been under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, according to her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, who confirmed the news to The Associated Press. Whitney Houston’s mother was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a heartfelt statement. Reflecting on Whitney Houston’s mother’s impact, she added, “Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled.”
Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston’s mother, was a powerhouse figure in the music industry for more than seven decades. Her early career in gospel music eventually led to a breakthrough in the 1960s as a member of the iconic backing group, The Sweet Inspirations, where she performed alongside Doris Troy and her niece, Dee Dee Warwick. The group provided background vocals for legendary soul singers, including Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, and The Drifters. They also sang backup for Dionne Warwick.
Among her many accomplishments, Whitney Houston’s mother lent her voice to iconic tracks like Aretha 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.” In her time with The Sweet Inspirations, she also performed with Elvis Presley, who affectionately called her “squirrelly” during their rehearsal breaks when they would sing gospel together.
Cissy Houston’s career with The Sweet Inspirations saw numerous highlights, including their top 20 hit “Sweet Inspiration” and their contributions to Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.” Her final performance with the group was in 1969 during a Las Vegas show with Presley. After years of success, Whitney Houston’s mother left The Sweet Inspirations to pursue a flourishing solo career.
Throughout her career, Cissy Houston remained an in-demand session singer, recording more than 600 songs across multiple genres. Her powerful voice and deep faith left an indelible mark on music history, ensuring that Whitney Houston’s mother’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
