Cissy Houston is an American singer, actress, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee. She is best known as the mother of the late legendary singer Whitney Houston, and for her own successful solo career. Throughout her career, she has released several hit singles and albums, and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame for her work. Her life and career are inspiring, and continue to be celebrated to this day.
Early Life
Cissy Houston was born Emily Drinkard in Newark, New Jersey in 1933. She began singing gospel music in her church at the age of 12. She later joined the Drinkard Singers, a family gospel group made up of her siblings and cousins. The group signed a contract with RCA Records in 1959, and released their debut album, “Songs Our Mama Taught Us”. The album was a great success, and helped launch Cissy’s career as a gospel singer.
Music Career
In the 1960s, Cissy began to focus more on secular music, and signed a contract with Atlantic Records. She released several singles, including the hit “Think It Over”. She also performed with other famous artists, including Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. In addition to her solo career, Cissy was a backup singer for many other artists, including her daughter Whitney Houston. In 1975, she was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame for her contributions to gospel music.
Later Years
In the late 1990s, Cissy returned to her gospel roots and released the album “He Leadeth Me”. The album was a great success, and earned her a Grammy Award nomination. In 2003, she was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 2012, she released her autobiography, “Remembering Whitney”, which detailed her life and her daughter’s life and career.
Cissy Houston’s life and career are an inspiration to many. She has achieved great success in both gospel and secular music, and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame. She is remembered for her own solo career, as well as her work as a backup singer for her daughter Whitney Houston. Her legacy continues to live on.
