On October 7, the music industry lost another icon with the passing of Emily “Cissy” Houston.
Houston was born on September 30, 1933 in Newark New Jersey. She was 91 years old.
She didn’t take long to get to the stage, as she began singing with her siblings in 1938.
Houston was one of the founding members of the R&B group “The Sweet Inspirations.” She was also credited for backing vocals with many top acts in the music industry such as Roy Hamilton, Dionne Warwick, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Chaka Khan.
She went on to a successful solo career that resulted in two Grammys in the Traditional Gospel Album category.
Talent ran in the family, as she was the mother of Whitney Houston, one of the most recognizable voices in the history fo the recording industry. She was also the aunt of Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, and is also a cousin of opera singer Leontyne Price.
The following statement was released on behalf of her family:
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. Houston, who recently turned 91 years old on September 30, 2024, was surrounded by her family.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family,” says Pat Houston, the daughter-in-law of Cissy Houston. “Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A 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. Her contributions to popular music and culture are unparalleled. We are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us and we are thankful for all the many valuable life lessons that she taught us. May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other cherished family members.”
On behalf of The Houston Family, we are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief. We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time.
