Cissy Houston’s Storied Life in Music
Born Emily “Cissy” Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy was the youngest of eight children. Her family, deeply involved in the church, played a pivotal role in her musical journey. From a young age, she sang with her siblings in a gospel group, The Drinkard Singers, who became one of the first gospel groups to release an album on a major label. Their landmark release, A Joyful Noise, on RCA Records in 1959, set the stage for Cissy’s long and distinguished career.
In the 1960s, Cissy joined The Sweet Inspirations, a renowned group that provided background vocals for legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Van Morrison. Her soprano voice can even be heard in iconic songs like Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way” and Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.” However, in 1969, Cissy shifted her focus to a solo career, releasing her debut album Presenting Cissy Houston, and cementing her place as a respected figure in both gospel and secular music.
A Gospel Powerhouse
Cissy Houston’s career was defined by her ability to traverse genres, blending gospel with R&B and pop influences. Her gospel albums earned her two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album, including Face to Face in 1997 and He Leadeth Me in 1998. Over the years, Cissy’s collaborations spanned across industry greats like Elvis Presley, Chaka Khan, David Bowie, and Carly Simon, further showcasing her versatility.
Despite her broad reach in music, Cissy remained devoted to her roots, serving as the choir director for New Hope Baptist Church in Newark for over 50 years. This role not only kept her connected to her faith but also to her local community, where she mentored young singers and continued to inspire through her ministry.
Mother and Mentor to Whitney Houston
Cissy Houston was also known as the matriarch of a family of musical legends, including her daughter Whitney Houston, and nieces Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick. Whitney’s rise to superstardom in the 1980s and 1990s was in no small part influenced by her mother’s guidance and mentorship. The two shared a close bond, both personally and musically, often performing together. Cissy stood by Whitney through her struggles with fame and addiction, ultimately writing a memoir in 2013 titled Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped.
Cissy’s life, however, was also filled with personal tragedy. In 2012, she lost her daughter Whitney at the age of 48, a devastating blow that was compounded by the death of her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown three years later.
Cissy Houston’s Net Worth at the Time of Her Passing
Cissy Houston’s net worth was estimated at $6 million at the time of her passing, a figure that reflects her decades-long career in the music industry. While she may have never reached the same level of global fame as her daughter Whitney, Cissy’s contributions to music, particularly gospel, are invaluable. Her earnings came from her solo work, her Grammy-winning albums, and her years of touring and providing background vocals for some of the biggest names in the business. Additionally, Cissy inherited a portion of Whitney’s estate after the passing of both Whitney and Bobbi Kristina, further adding to her wealth.
A Lasting Legacy
Cissy Houston’s death marks the end of an era for gospel music and for a family whose name is synonymous with extraordinary talent. Her passing has left a void in the music world, but her legacy lives on through the countless artists she influenced and the music she created. As her family noted in their statement, Cissy was a “strong and towering figure,” whose deep faith, love for her family, and unparalleled contributions to music will be remembered for years to come.
In mourning her passing, fans and admirers alike celebrate a life well-lived. Cissy Houston may have passed on, but her voice and spirit continue to echo in the halls of music history.
Cissy Houston’s Career Highlights
- Born: September 30, 1933, Newark, New Jersey
- Died: October 7, 2024, New Jersey
- Net Worth: $6 Million
- Notable Collaborations: Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison
- Grammy Awards: Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album, Face to Face (1997), He Leadeth Me (1998)
- Known for: Founding member of The Sweet Inspirations, gospel music icon, mother of Whitney Houston
Cissy Houston passed away not only marks the end of an era in music but also leaves a profound legacy of faith, resilience, and love for her family and community. As the world reflects on her contributions, Cissy Houston will be remembered as a trailblazer in gospel music and a guiding light for her family.
May Cissy Houston rest in peace alongside her daughter, Whitney, and granddaughter, Bobbi Kristina.
