Cissy Houston, one of America’s foremost and most celebrated gospel singer has passed away. She was a founding member of ‘The Sweet Inspiration’, an R and B group.
Asides being a Grammy-award winning singer, Cissy is also the mother of American singer and actress, Whitney Houston, who died in 2012.
In this article, Wrethers has gathered information about the late award-winning gospel singer, ranging from Sissy Houston’s real name, children, husband, rise to fame, net worth and many more interesting news.
Early Life, Real Name and Background
Cissy Houston, whose real name was Emily Drinkard was born on the 30th of September, 1933 in Newark, New Jersey, United States.
She attended South Side High School, where she was able to develop her already evolving interest in singing.
Emily was the last child of 8 and was born to a Native American family who were predominantly farmers.
Career and Achievements
Cissy Houston began her musical journey at a young age, due to encouragements by her father. She went on to form her first gospel group ‘The Drinkard Four’, with her siblings.
This group later expanded and became known as ‘The Drinkard Singers’.
In 1963, Cissy co-founded The Sweet Inspirations, a group that provided backup vocals for many prominent artists, including Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. A step that would greatly influence her career, and showcase her to the world.
In 1970, Cissy decided to pursue a solo career and released her debut solo album, Presenting Cissy Houston. Her solo career flourished, and she went on to win two Grammy Awards in the Traditional Gospel Album category.
Cissy Houston’s Husband, Children and Relatives
Cissy married twice. First to Freddie Garland, whom she had a son named Gary Garland, a renowned Basketball player. Their marriage however only lasted two years which both parties went their separate ways.
In 1957, after their divorce, Emily married John Russell Houston Jr., and together they had two children: Michael Houston and the legendary singer and actress Whitney Houston.
Cissy’s family is blessed with quite a number of singers as she prides herself as the aunt of singers Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, making her part of a family with a rich musical heritage.
Cause of Death
Cissy Houston passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91 at her home in New Jersey while under intensive and intimate care for Alzheimer’s disease.
Net Worth and Value
Cissy Houston’s net worth was valued at an estimate said to be around $7 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Cissy Houston?
Cissy Houston was a renowned American gospel and soul singer, best known for her work with The Sweet Inspirations and as the mother of Whitney Houston.
2. When and where was Cissy Houston born?
She was born on the 30th of September, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey.
3. What were some of Cissy Houston’s notable achievements?
Cissy Houston won two Grammy Awards in 1997 for Face to Face and in 1999 for He Leadeth Me.
4. What was Cissy Houston’s role in The Sweet Inspirations?
Cissy Houston co-founded The Sweet Inspirations in 1963.
5. Who were Cissy Houston’s children?
Cissy Houston had three children: Gary Garland, Michael Houston, and Whitney Houston.
6. What was Cissy Houston’s net worth at the time of her death?
At the time of her death, Cissy Houston’s net worth was estimated to be around $7 million.
7. How did Cissy Houston die?
Cissy Houston passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91. She died at her home in New Jersey while under old age care for Alzheimer’s disease.
8. What was Cissy Houston’s contribution to Whitney Houston’s career?
Cissy Houston played a significant role in Whitney Houston’s musical upbringing, mentoring her and providing a strong gospel foundation. Whitney often credited her mother for her vocal training and inspiration.
9. Who are some of Cissy Houston’s famous relatives?
Cissy was the aunt of singers Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, making her part of a family with a rich musical heritage.
10. What are some of Cissy Houston’s most famous songs?
Some of Cissy Houston’s notable songs include “This is My Vow,” “Be My Baby,” and “I’ll Be There.” She also recorded duets with her daughter Whitney Houston, such as “I Know Him So Well”.
