The music world is in mourning. Cissy Houston, famous gospel and soul singer, has died at the age of 91. Known around the world as the mother of Whitney Houston, the artist died at her home in New Jersey, surrounded by her loved ones. It should be borne in mind that Cissy suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and had been in palliative care for some time due to this illness. Pat Houston, daughter-in-law of the deceased, spoke in a statement shared by several media. In it, we could read the following: “Our hearts are full of pain and sadness. “We lost the matriarch of our family.”. And he added: “Mother Cissy was a strong and imposing figure in our lives. “A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared deeply for her family, her ministry and her community.”.
“His career spanning more than seven decades in music and entertainment will remain close to our hearts.”said Pat Houston in this moving statement with which she wanted to say goodbye forever and publicly to her mother-in-law, whom she loved and admired deeply. Thus, he did not hesitate for a single second to take advantage of this opportunity to emphasize how extremely important Cissy Houston was for the lives of her family and friends, but also for the large number of followers who followed in her footsteps: “His contributions to music and popular culture are unprecedented. We are blessed and grateful that God allowed him to spend so many years with us and we are grateful for all the valuable life lessons he taught us. May he rest in peace with his daughter Whitney, his granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other beloved members of his family.“.
Cissy Houston’s career path
His career began in 1938 in the group Drinkard Four, alongside his brothers Anne, Larry and Nicky. Later, more precisely in 1963, Cissy made the decision to be part of another group, known as Sweet Inspirations, with her niece Dee Dee Warwick. Throughout their career, they have managed to sing choruses for a large number of artists. Among them, Otis Redding or Elvis Presley.
That same year, the artist released his first single entitled This is my wish and, seven years later, their first album was released, which included songs like I will be there either Be my baby. It was not until 1987 that Cissy and Whitney Houston had the opportunity to record a duet which was none other than I know him so well. But this is not the only project they have carried out together, since we cannot fail to mention Family firstwhich mother and daughter released in 2006 with Dionne.
What is a fact is that, throughout his long musical career, Cissy Houston hasn’t stopped recording albums and performing in choirs. Additionally, he has won no more than two Grammy Awards. The first of these took place in 1996 by Face to face for best traditional soul gospel album and, secondly, for the album He leads me (1998). Without a doubt, his death represents a difficult loss on a personal and professional level. Rest in peace.
