Cissy Houston, Mother of Whitney Houston Passes At 91

Cissy Houston, Grammy-Winning Singer and Whitney Houston’s Mother, Dies at 91

Cissy Houston, the mother of the late Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy Award-winning singer who worked with legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, has passed away at the age of 91.

Houston died Monday morning at her home in New Jersey while in hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston confirmed to The Associated Press. Surrounded by family, the celebrated gospel singer passed peacefully.

MATRIARCH OF FAMILY

Together again ❤️ Rest in peace Cissy Houston 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/SbqI5IgUX6

— Whitney Archive ♡ (@nippyfiles) October 7, 2024

“Our hearts are heavy with pain and sadness. We have lost the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement. She praised her mother-in-law’s immense contributions to music and culture, calling them “unparalleled.”

“Mother Cissy was a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, she cared deeply about family, ministry, and community. Her seven-decade-long career in music and entertainment will always be remembered in our hearts,” she added.

Cissy Houston first rose to prominence as a member of the vocal group *The Sweet Inspirations*, alongside Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warwick. The group provided backup vocals for an array of soul greats, including Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, The Drifters, and Cissy’s niece, Dionne Warwick.

ICONIC SINGER AND LEGEND

Dang, Cissy Houston passed! I hope she is at peace and Whitney, Bobbi Kristina, and other family have greeted her. What a vessel! What a talent! pic.twitter.com/NZ2mge2uPQ

— 🗣 I’m Outside Again (@RegalBasil) October 7, 2024

The Sweet Inspirations contributed to Van Morrison’s hit “Brown Eyed Girl” and provided backing vocals for The Jimi Hendrix Experience on “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” in 1967. That same year, Houston worked on Aretha Franklin’s classic song “Ain’t No Way.”

Houston’s last performance with The Sweet Inspirations came when they took the stage with Elvis Presley during a 1969 Las Vegas show. That year also marked her final recording session with the group, which resulted in their biggest R&B hit, “(Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover,” written by the production team of Gamble & Huff for their fifth album, *Sweet Sweet Soul*.

Despite the group’s success and four albums together, Houston eventually left The Sweet Inspirations to pursue a solo career. She quickly became an in-demand session singer, recording more than 600 tracks across various genres throughout her career. Her voice can be heard on records with artists such as Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Jimi Hendrix, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack, and her daughter Whitney.

GRAMMY AWARD ARTIST

In 1971, Houston’s distinctive voice was featured on Burt Bacharach’s solo album, which included songs like “Mexican Divorce,” “All Kinds of People,” and “One Less Bell to Answer.” She also performed notable standards, including Barbra Streisand’s hit, “Evergreen.”

Houston’s musical achievements earned her two Grammy Awards, both in the best traditional soul gospel album category. She won in 1997 for *Face to Face* and again in 1998 for *He Leadeth Me*.

Aside from her music career, Houston authored three books: *He Leadeth Me*, *How Sweet the Sound: My Life with God and Gospel*, and *Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss, and The Night the Music Stopped*.

whitney houston and her mother cissy houston performing an aretha franklin medley, the songs entitled ‘ain’t no way’ & ‘you send me’ live on ‘the merv griffin show’ in 1983.

whitney was just 19-years old here when she covered the soul classics with her mother. pic.twitter.com/k3X26HRb0c

— 🪄✨ozzy the wicked 🧙‍♂️✨ (@infotecca_) October 7, 2024

Born in 1933, Houston began her career in 1938 when she joined her siblings Anne, Larry, and Nicky to form the gospel group *The Drinkard Four*, which recorded one album. She remained deeply connected to her faith, attending New Hope Baptist Church, where she eventually became the Minister of Sacred Music.

As the youngest of eight children, Cissy Houston leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and remarkable contributions to the world of music.

“We are deeply touched by your outpouring of love and support during this profound time of grief,” Pat Houston shared on behalf of the family. “We kindly request privacy as we navigate this difficult period.”

ONLINE REACTIONS

The world of music fans show their respects to the woman who birthed the lady who would be simply known as “The Voice” on social media. Check out more reactions below.