Cissy Houston: Grammy-Winning Gospel Singer and Mother of Whitney Housto

Cissy Houston was an American soul and gospel singer, choir director and session vocalist, known as the leader of the Sweet Inspirations and as the mother of Whitney Houston. Born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, she grew up singing in church and became one of the most respected backing voices in popular music.

Houston sang with the Drinkard Singers, whose 1958 album A Joyful Noise was among the first gospel albums released by a major label. As a member of the Sweet Inspirations she backed Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. She won Grammys for Best Traditional Gospel Album for Face to Face in 1997 and He Leadeth Me in 1999, and was inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2014.

Houston raised her children, including Whitney Houston, in Newark and was a lifelong choir director. Her niece was singer Dionne Warwick, and she and Whitney became one of only two mother-daughter pairs to win Grammys. She died at her home in Newark on October 7, 2024, at age 91, after living with Alzheimer's disease. Remembered for her voice and her faith, she shaped generations of soul and gospel singers.

Achievements: The Drinkard Singers recorded A Joyful Noise (1958), won a Grammy for Face to Face (1997), won a Grammy for He Leadeth Me (1999), inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame (2014).

Birth: September 30, 1933 - Newark, New Jersey.

Profession: Singer, choir director and session vocalist.

Interesting Facts: Elvis Presley often introduced the Sweet Inspirations from the stage during his shows. Her cousin is soprano Leontyne Price.