Cissy Houston, a luminary in the gospel and soul music scenes, has passed away.
The revered singer died at her New Jersey home under hospice care, surrounded by family members, closing a chapter on an illustrious musical journey, NBC News reported.
The death of Cissy Houston, mother to the late superstar Whitney Houston, was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston. Suffering from Alzheimer's disease in her final years, she spent her last moments engulfed in the love of her close relatives in the comfort of her home.
Born in a family rich with musical talent, Cissy Houston's career spanned over seven decades, during which she touched the hearts of many with her vocal prowess. Her journey in music began with the gospel group Drinkard Four and later with the establishment of the Sweet Inspirations, significantly influencing the genre.
Her voice graced the recordings of iconic artists like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and Van Morrison. Cissy not only contributed as a backup singer but carved her niche as a solo artist with albums such as “Presenting Cissy Houston” and “Walk on By Faith.”
The zenith of her legacy includes Grammy wins for best traditional soul gospel album for her solo works "Face to Face" in 1997 and “He Leadeth Me” in 1999. In addition to her albums, her background vocals adorned countless renowned tracks, making her a significant figure in music history.
Cissy Houston was not just a mother to one of pop music's greatest voices, Whitney Houston, but a matriarch to a family of notable names in the entertainment industry, including Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, and she was also related to famed opera singer Leontyne Price.
In a statement released by Pat Houston, she shared the depth of sadness the family is currently experiencing:
Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family.
The statement from the family emphasized Cissy Houston’s deep faith, her contributions to the community, and her role as a pillar of strength for her family.
Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.
The extended Houston family, through their challenging period of mourning, expressed gratitude towards the outpouring of support and love from fans around the world. They also requested privacy as they navigated this significant loss.
The breadth of Cissy Houston's contributions to music and culture was vast, as she left an indelible imprint on the industry with her distinctive voice and passionate performances. Her legacy is solidified not only in the music she made but also through the towering family lineage she leaves behind, whose members have forever shaped the entertainment landscape.
From her origins in gospel to becoming a Grammy-awarded artist, Cissy Houston's impact will forever resonate in the realm of music and the hearts of those who cherished her sound and spirit.
