Simran Joshi
Cissy Houston, the legendary gospel singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston, passed away at the age of 91 on October 8 in New Jersey. A two-time Grammy Award winner, Cissy was a towering figure in both the music world and her family’s life, renowned for her contributions to gospel and popular music. Her career spanned over seven decades, during which she worked as a backup singer for iconic artists like Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, and later achieved solo success. Surrounded by her family and under hospice care due to Alzheimer’s disease, her passing marks the end of an era in music and leaves a profound legacy in the hearts of her loved ones and fans alike.
Cissy Houston’s Legacy in Music and Gospel
Cissy Houston, a renowned gospel singer and backup vocalist, passed away at the age of 91 in New Jersey. She died surrounded by her family after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Known for her powerful voice and unwavering faith, Cissy made significant contributions to music across genres. Her career spanned over seven decades, during which she worked alongside legends such as Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, and Dionne Warwick, among others. In addition to her work as a backup singer, she also released several solo albums, with “Presenting Cissy Houston” marking her debut in 1970. Her later works included the 2012 album “Walk on By Faith,” further solidifying her place in the gospel and soul music scene.
Pat Houston, her daughter-in-law, expressed the family’s grief following her passing, stating, “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our 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.” She continued, “Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts. Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled.”
A Life of Faith and Family
Cissy Houston’s life was not only defined by her musical achievements but also by her devotion to her family and faith. In her later years, she became a pillar for her family, serving as an unwavering source of support and strength. Her daughter-in-law Pat Houston also praised her commitment to ministry and the broader community, acknowledging that Cissy’s life was a testament to her faith. She remarked, “We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us and we are thankful for all the many valuable life lessons that she taught us.”
Cissy’s remarkable contributions to music were recognized with two Grammy Awards. Her first win came in 1997 for “Face to Face,” which earned the award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album. Two years later, she won again in the same category with her album “He Leadeth Me.” Pat Houston concluded her statement with a heartfelt tribute, saying, “May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other cherished family members.”
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