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Remembering the Life and Career of Whitney Houston’s Mom Cissy Houston

As we mourn the passing of the gospel music great who gave the world Whitney Houston, we look back at her legendary life.

Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin

On Monday, we lost one of the great singers of our time, Cissy Houston. The gospel legend was a Grammy winner who inspired generations of artists, most notably her daughter, Whitney Houston. Cissy โ€” given name Emily Drinkard โ€” passed away at 90 following a long battle with Alzheimerโ€™s Disease.

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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

She leaves behind a loving family and legions of fans who will never forget how she was one of the artists that made gospel accessible and mainstream. As we celebrate her legacy, weโ€™re taking a look at the beautiful life of Cissy Houston.

Sweet Inspirations

Photo: Getty Images Ian Showell/Keystone/Getty Images Photo: Getty Images Ian Showell/Keystone/Getty Images

The youngest of eight children, Emily Drinkard originally sang in a gospel group with her sisters. Later, she joined the girl group Sweet Inspirations, replacing her niece Dionne Warwick when she left the group in 1963. Eventually, Houston left to start her own solo singing career.

Cissy and Dionne

Photo: Getty Images Michael Loccisano Photo: Getty Images Michael Loccisano

Houston and her niece, Dionne Warwick, stayed close throughout their respective careers, with the โ€œWalk on Byโ€ singer viewing her aunt as a role model.

Backing Up Legends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySZNLzo9Mew

The Sweet Inspirations backed up legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix. As a solo singer, Houston also backed up Chaka Khan. This contributed to Whitney growing up surrounded by the greatest performers of all time.

Marriage to John Houston

Screenshot: ABC News Screenshot: ABC News

Houston married John in 1964. They raised three children together: Whitney, Michael and Gary. They stayed together until 1991; John passed away in 2003.

Gospel Powerhouse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbNB-1hoZLY

She had a long successful career as a gospel singer, winning Grammys in the traditional soul album category. She also performed several duets with her daughter and Warwick.

Cissy Introduces Whitney

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmXraDD2PiY

Whitney wanted to be a singer like her mom, and ultimately it was Houston who introduced the world to Whitney during a memorable appearance on โ€œThe Merv Griffin Show.โ€ They also performed together, showcasing their beautiful bond.

Cissy and Whitney

Photo: Getty Images Stephen Lovekin Photo: Getty Images Stephen Lovekin

Though Houston was open about how strict she was with her children, she and Whitney had a close relationship, never failing to show how much they loved and supported one another.

Celebrating Their Roots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9i-HmNJq0U

The duo often highlighted their musical roots with unforgettable gospel duets. Who else would you call to celebrate Nelson Mandelaโ€™s birthday?

Whitneyโ€™s Death

Photo: Getty Images Dave Kotinsky Photo: Getty Images Dave Kotinsky

When Whitney suddenly died in 2012, Houstin showed unimaginable strength in mourning her beloved daughter in front of the whole world.

Preserving Whitneyโ€™s Legacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tGzCBzGEts

Following Whitneyโ€™s passing, it was up to Houston to keep her daughterโ€™s amazing music legacy alive for her millions of fans. She made sure her child was honored for the groundbreaking artist she was and didnโ€™t let her name get dragged through the mud.

Bobbi Kristinaโ€™s Death

Photo: Getty Images Dave Kotinsky Photo: Getty Images Dave Kotinsky

Sadly, Houstin had to endure another public loss when her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away in 2015.

โ€˜Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebodyโ€™

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAcGWKLAVbw

Actress Tamara Tunie portrayed Houston in the 2022 biopic chronicling Whitneyโ€™s rise to fame and tragic downfall. She played her as a tough yet loving mother and mentor. She did her best to prepare her daughter as a singer, but who can really prepare for that level of fame?

Cissyโ€™s Passing

Photo: Getty Images Michael Buckner Photo: Getty Images Michael Buckner

Houstonโ€™s daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, released a statement honoring her mother-in-law, saying, โ€œMother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives,โ€ Pat said in a statement. โ€œA woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.โ€

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