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

Cissy Houston, the legendary gospel singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston, has passed away at the age of 91. Houston, a two-time Grammy winner, died in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, confirmed the news to the Associated Press.

Known for her powerful vocals and contributions to popular music and culture, Houston had a career that spanned over seven decades. She was a member of the Sweet Inspirations, a vocal group that performed with iconic artists such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Jimi Hendrix. Houston’s last performance with the group was in 1969, after which she pursued a successful solo career.

Throughout her career, Houston recorded over 600 songs in various genres and collaborated with artists like Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and Beyoncé. She won Grammys for her albums “Face to Face” and “He Leadeth Me” in the best traditional soul gospel album category. Houston also authored three books, including “Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped.”

Born in 1938, Houston started her career in music with her siblings in the gospel group The Drinkard Four. She later became the Minister of Sacred Music at New Hope Baptist Church. Houston’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time, but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and the music community. Her legacy as a pioneering gospel singer and influential figure in the music industry will continue to inspire generations to come.