Farewell to Cissy Houston, gospel legend and Whitney’s mother

She died at the age of 91 Cissy Houstongospel music legend and mother of Whitney Houston. Houston passed away yesterday, her daughter-in-law confirmed the news Pat Houston to People magazine. “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We have lost the matriarch of our family.”

Pat also said, “Mom Cissy was a strong and commanding figure in our lives.

A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared deeply about family, ministry and community. His career spanning over seventy years in music and entertainment will remain very present in our hearts. His contribution to music and popular culture is unparalleled. We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us and we are grateful for all the many valuable life lessons she has taught us. May he rest in peace, along with his daughter Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other beloved family members.”

Cissy Houstonborn Emily Drinkardbegan his musical career in 1938 as part of the vocal group Drinkard Four along with sister Anne and brothers Larry and Nicky. Then he formed a group called Sweet Inspirations in 1963 with his granddaughter Dee Dee Warwick.

Afterwards, the Sweet Inspirations they were the backing vocalists, among others, of Dionne Warwick (Cissy’s other niece), Otis Reddingthey recorded songs like “Brown Eyed Girl” Of Van Morrison, “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” Of Jimi Hendrix, “Ain’t NoWay” Of Aretha Franklin and in 1969 they supported Elvis Presley during his residencies in Las Vegas.

Emily Drinkard
he then ventured into a solo career in 1970, renaming himself
Cissy Houston
. As a soloist he quickly became a leading name in gospel music. He won two Grammy Awards in the Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album category, in 1997 and 1999. He performed backing vocals, among others, for
Chaka Khan, Paul Simon
And
Beyoncé
as well as for his daughter Whitney.