On the night of Monday October 7 to Tuesday October 8, Pat Houston, the daughter-in-law of the deceased, announced her disappearance on the social network Instagram: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of our beloved Queen Cissy Houston today! Please keep the Houston family in your prayers.” Suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the singer took her last breath at the age of 91, after a lifetime devoted to music.
A career that began at the age of five
Cissy Houston, born in September 1933 as Emily Drinkard, youngest of the eight children of Nicholas and Delia Mae Drinkard, had immersed herself, since childhood, in the bath of gospel music during the religious services at which her family attended. By the age of five, the future star had begun singing with his siblings in local churches, forming a group called the Drinkard Four, later renamed the Drinkard Singers.
…and continued with Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley
During her storied career, Cissy Houston has collaborated with several music legends. She has recorded backing vocals for iconic tracks, such asAin’t No Way by Aretha Franklin. In 1969, she was also part of the band accompanying Elvis Presley during one of his Las Vegas residencies, bringing her vocal mastery to his live performances. Jimi Hendrix and Van Morrison also recorded his voice.
Aunt of the Warwick sisters, icons of soul music
Cissy Houston was the matriarch of a veritable musical dynasty, which included not only her daughter, Whitney Houston, but also her nieces, Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, both icons of soul and pop music. The family’s exceptional musical talents also extended to their cousin, opera star, soprano Leontyne Price. As an aunt and cousin, Cissy Houston played an important role in their careers, recalls The New York Times.
Also read Les Immanquables Diverto this week: the vinyl reissue of Whitney Houston
Backing vocalist during his illustrious daughter’s concerts
During the rise of Whitney Houston, mother and daughter sometimes performed together on stage. During some concerts, Cissy Houston provided vocals on hits like How Will I Know et I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Beyoncé worked with her
In 2006, Beyoncé called on this gospel star to be part of the chorus of the title Already seenfrom the album B’Day. A proposal that Cissy Houston, then aged 72, easily accepted, to the great pleasure of the young singer.
