Cissy Houston died at her home in New Jersey, after a long period of hospital care for Alzheimer's disease.
“Our hearts are filled with grief and sadness at the loss of our mother. She was a strong and noble figure, a woman of deep faith, who cared deeply for her family and community. Her music and entertainment career spanning more than seven decades will always hold a special place in our hearts,” the family said in a statement to the media.
Cissy Houston's passing has left audiences and colleagues in mourning. Music producer Maureen Crowe shared: "Cissy Houston was a powerful, iconic voice who taught Whitney and generations to come how to sing. She devoted her life to her family, her faith and her music. My deepest condolences to her family."
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Whitney Houston and her mother. Photo: People . |
Cissy Houston began her singing career in 1938, when she and her sister Anne and two brothers Larry and Nicky formed a group called the Drinkard Four.
In 1963, Cissy formed a new band, Sweet Inspirations, with her niece Dee Dee Warwick. Over the years, Sweet Inspirations provided backup for such famous artists as Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Pickett, etc., and even collaborated with The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967 and Elvis Presley in 1969.
As a solo artist, Cissy Houston released her first album, This Is My Vow (1963). She also released her first solo LP , Presenting Cissy Houston (1970), which included hits such as Be My Baby and I'll Be There . In 1972, Cissy Houston sang backup vocals on Bette Midler's debut album.
Throughout her seven-decade musical career, Cissy Houston has received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, notably two Grammy Awards for Face to Face (1996) and He Leadeth Me (1998).
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