Cissy Houston

Early Life and Family

Emily "Cissy" Houston was born on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, to Delia Mae and Nicholas Drinkard, the youngest of eight children. Her family had a rich heritage, with her grandfather being a black landowner in Georgia. The family relocated to Newark during the Great Migration, where education and church involvement were prioritized. Cissy's musical journey began at the tender age of five, singing sacred hymns to uplift her family after her mother suffered a stroke.

Career

Cissy Houston's professional music career took off with the formation of the Drinkard Singers, a gospel group she joined with her siblings. They gained recognition after performing at the first-ever gospel showcase at Carnegie Hall in 1951. Houston's career flourished as she recorded several singles and toured extensively. She also had a romantic relationship with Sam Cooke during this time. Houston's contributions to music spanned various genres, including soul, gospel, and R&B, and she became known as "The Duchess of Gospel."

Personal Life

Cissy Houston was married twice, first to Fred Garland, with whom she had a son, Gary. She later married John Russell Houston Jr., with whom she had two children, including the iconic Whitney Houston. Cissy's life was intertwined with music, as she was often in the studio during her pregnancies, which she humorously recounted in her memoirs.

Legacy and Accolades

Cissy Houston's impact on music was profound, influencing generations of artists. Following her passing in 2024, she was celebrated as a Newark legend and a trailblazer in gospel music. Her powerful voice and dedication to the genre earned her numerous accolades, including the Stellar Award of Excellence and induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Houston's legacy continues to inspire artists across genres, solidifying her place in music history.