Cissy Houston

Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933 in Newark, New Jersey) was a pivotal figure in American soul, gospel, and R&B music whose career spanned eight decades. From singing in the family gospel group the Drinkard Singers as a child, she transitioned to a prolific session vocalist in the early 1960s, lending her powerful voice to artists such as Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Jimi Hendrix, and later co‑founding the iconic backing group The Sweet Inspirations, whose work with Franklin and other legends helped define the sound of the era. Her solo recordings, including the top‑20 R&B hit "I’ll Be There" and the disco‑era anthem "Think It Over," demonstrated her versatility across genres, while her later gospel albums Face to Face and He Leadeth Me earned her two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Gospel Album. In addition to her own achievements, Houston was celebrated as the matriarch of a musical dynasty: mother of Whitney Houston, aunt to Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, and cousin to opera star Leontyne Price, connections that underscored her lasting impact on popular music. Houston’s dedication to faith was evident through her half‑century tenure as Minister of Music at New Hope Baptist Church and her involvement in events such as McDonald’s Gospelfest. Her honors include the Stellar Award of Excellence (1990), the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award (1995), induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (2014), the New Jersey Hall of Fame (2019), and posthumous recognition in the Missouri Gospel Music Hall of Fame (2025). Cissy Houston passed away on October 7, 2024 at the age of 91, leaving a legacy of rich vocal artistry, mentorship, and cultural contributions that continue to inspire generations.