On the morning of October 7th, the world lost an icon with the passing of Emily “Cissy” Houston, the legendary gospel singer and matriarch of one of music’s most influential families. At age 91, Houston leaves a legacy that spans decades, transforming the soundscape of gospel, soul, and popular music.
A Life in Music
Born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston’s journey through music began in her earliest days singing in church. As a member of The Drinkard Singers, a family gospel group that included her siblings, Cissy’s voice quickly became one of the most powerful instruments in gospel music.
Cissy Houston’s musical scope broadened when she began working as a session singer in the 1960s. Her career took off as she became a prominent background vocalist for some of the greatest artists of all time, including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Dionne Warwick, her niece. But Cissy’s influence extended far beyond the background. In 1969, Houston launched her solo career, which showcased her capacity to embody the spirit and emotion of a song genuinely and powerfully. Her albums, such as “Presenting Cissy Houston” and “Cissy Houston,” were celebrated for their vocal sophistication and emotional depth, earning her a Grammy Award in 1996 for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for “Face to Face.”
A Legacy of Love and Loss
Of course, Cissy’s influence also lived on through her daughter, the late Whitney Houston, whose voice and talent were unparalleled in popular music. While Whitney’s life and passing were deeply intertwined with Cissy’s, their bond transcended the triumphs and tragedies they experienced as mother and daughter. Cissy’s strength, grace, and faith inspired many, as she remained a pillar of her community and a guiding light for countless people in the music industry.
A Matriarch, Mentor, and Minister of Song
Beyond her professional achievements, Cissy Houston was a mother, grandmother, and a deeply spiritual woman whose ministry extended far beyond the walls of any church. She dedicated herself to using music as a vessel for healing, connection, and worship.
Those who knew her speak of her humility and her tireless advocacy for the art of gospel music. As a mentor, she nurtured the talents of numerous artists, sharing her wisdom and passion for the craft. As a performer, her voice, filled with spirit and conviction, moved hearts and minds.
Continuing the Legacy
Though Cissy Houston has transitioned from this world, her legacy will endure. Her contributions to music will reverberate through the artists she worked with and the generations of singers she inspired.
We honor Cissy Houston not just for her monumental contributions to gospel music but also for her role as a trailblazer for Black women in the industry and as a matriarch who guided her family through extraordinary heights and deep valleys.
Rest in peace, Cissy Houston. Your voice and spirit will forever be cherished.