Who Was Cissy Houston? Grammy Winner Gospel Singer Passes Away At 91

Cissy Houston, the two-time Grammy-winning gospel singer and backup vocalist for some of the greatest musical acts, passed away on October 7 at the age of 91. Her family confirmed that Houston died at her home in Newark, New Jersey, due to complications related to Alzheimer's disease. Houston had been under hospice care for the condition. 

Grammy Winner Cissy Houston Passes Away At 91, Remembering Her Musical Influence

The Houston family shared their sorrow in a public statement: “In our time of deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Emily ‘Cissy’ Houston, who transitioned today, Monday, October 7, at 10:30 a.m. ET, at her home in Newark, New Jersey, while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease.”

Cissy Houston, born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, was the youngest of eight children. Her musical journey began in 1938 when she joined her siblings—Anne, Larry, and Nicky—in forming the gospel group The Drinkard Four. Her early start in gospel music paved the way for a prolific and influential career that spanned decades.

Houston's rise to prominence came in the 1960s as a member of The Sweet Inspirations, an R&B group that became renowned for providing backup vocals to some of the era’s most iconic artists. The group worked with legendary musicians, including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Solomon Burke, and Wilson Pickett. One of their notable collaborations was with Van Morrison on his timeless hit Brown Eyed Girl.

The Sweet Inspirations also worked with other major stars, including Jimi Hendrix on his song Burning of the Midnight Lamp, the Bee Gees on To Love Somebody, and Dusty Springfield on the classic 1969 album Dusty in Memphis, which featured the hit single Son of a Preacher Man. This song later gained renewed fame when it was featured in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction.

In 1969, Cissy Houston embarked on a solo career, recording her own albums while continuing to collaborate as a backup vocalist. She provided background vocals for Bette Midler on The Divine Miss M album in 1972 and for Linda Ronstadt on the chart-topping 1975 album Heart Like a Wheel. 

Beyond her contributions to pop music, Houston became one of the most respected gospel singers of her generation. She earned widespread recognition for her powerful voice and spiritual influence. In 1996, Houston received her first Grammy Award for her gospel album Face to Face. She won her second Grammy in 1998 for He Leads Me, further cementing her status as a gospel music legend.

Houston also served as the Minister of Music at Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church for over 50 years, a position that showcased her deep-rooted connection to gospel music and her commitment to faith.