Cissy Houston, the mother of the legendary Whitney Houston, has passed away, leaving a significant mark on the music world and a profound legacy tied to her daughter. Cissy, a celebrated singer and member of the renowned Sweet Inspirations, was instrumental in shaping Whitney's early career and passion for music.
- Cissy Houston has died
- She was always by Whitney Houston's side
- THIS is the statement the family put out
Cissy will be missed
Cissy’s influence on Whitney began long before the latter became a global superstar. She nurtured Whitney's talent from a young age, introducing her to gospel music and the stage. Their bond was rooted in a shared love of music, with Cissy often expressing pride in Whitney’s remarkable voice.
However, their relationship was not without its challenges, particularly as Whitney navigated the pressures of fame and personal struggles.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” she said, adding that her mother-in-law was a “strong and towering figure” in the family’s life. Houston enjoyed a decades-long successful singing career, where she performed alongside superstars like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
Born in New Jersey in 1933, Houston was the youngest of eight children. She began singing at a young age after she formed a gospel group with her siblings.
In the 1960s, she formed the R&B group the Sweet Inspirations, which sang backup for big names like Otis Redding, Dusty Springfield and Dionne Warwick. They also performed on Van Morrison’s hit song "Brown Eyed Girl".
After finding success with the Sweet Inspirations, Houston embarked on a solo career, where she sang with artists including Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, Beyonce, Paul Simon, and her late daughter Whitney Houston, who died in 2012 at age 48.
Houston won a Grammy Award for her traditional soul gospel album Face to Face in 1997, and again the following year for her album He Leadeth Me.
She also wrote three books, including one commemorating her daughter, called 'Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped'. Her daughter-in-law, Pat, said that Houston’s “more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts”.
She added that the family is “blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us”. “May she rest in peace, alongside her daughter, Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and other cherished family members.”
Mother and daughter
The dynamic between mother and daughter was deeply complex. Cissy was a guiding figure in Whitney's life, providing support and encouragement throughout her rise to stardom.
Yet, the scrutiny that accompanied Whitney’s fame often strained their relationship. Cissy struggled with her daughter’s battles with addiction, but her love and dedication never wavered. She remained a steadfast presence, always hoping to guide Whitney back to her true self.
In her later years, Cissy frequently reflected on their relationship, emphasizing the deep love and connection they shared despite the difficulties they faced. In her memoir, 'Walking in My Daughter's Shoes', Cissy provided an intimate glimpse into their lives, revealing the joys and heartaches that defined their bond.
She expressed a mix of pride and sorrow, celebrating Whitney’s incredible achievements while mourning the challenges that came with them.
Cissy Houston's death marks a poignant moment in the legacy of both mother and daughter. Their story is one of immense talent, love, and the complexities of family life under the spotlight.
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As fans and loved ones remember Cissy, they also celebrate the enduring impact of her and Whitney’s music, which continues to resonate across generations. The connection between them serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of a mother’s love and the profound bond that music can create.
