Cissy Houston, the legendary gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston, passed away on Monday at the age of 91.
As the world mourns her loss, fans are reflecting on the beautiful and powerful bond she shared with Whitney, who tragically passed away in 2012 from accidental drowning.
Their relationship was marked by Cissy’s early mentorship, unforgettable duets on stage, and their memorable collaboration in the 1996 film The Preacher’s Wife, intertwining both personal and public moments.
In 2013, Cissy published a memoir titled Remember Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped, offering insights into their life together.
Here, we explore some of the most heartwarming and poignant moments that defined the mother-daughter duo over the years.
Cissy Houston (R), the legendary gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston (L), passed away on Monday at the age of 91; (pictured 1986)
As the world mourns her loss, fans are reflecting on the beautiful and powerful bond she shared with Whitney, who tragically passed away in 2012 from accidental drowning; (pictured 2010)
Whitney’s TV debut with Cissy on Merv Griffin
One of their most notable moments came in 1983, when Whitney made her national television debut with Cissy on The Merv Griffin Show.
They performed a medley of Aretha Franklin hits, a significant choice given Franklin’s close friendship with Cissy and influence on Whitney’s career.
This performance marked the first time many saw Whitney’s vocal talent on a large platform, setting the stage for her rise to fame.
Cissy shared a long-standing friendship with Aretha Franklin, who was not only a close confidante but also a significant influence on Cissy’s musical career.
Additionally, Cissy formed a strong bond with Dionne Warwick, both of whom, along with Aretha, were part of the vibrant 1960s and 70s music scene,
Cissy sings backup on Whitney’s first album
Whitney with Cissy and Dionne Warwick, March 1987
Cissy provided backup vocals on Whitney’s debut album, Whitney Houston, released in 1985.
The album was a major commercial success, spawning hit singles like Saving All My Love for You, which earned Whitney her first Grammy Award.
It topped the Billboard 200 for 14 weeks and was certified diamond, solidifying Whitney’s status as a breakout star.
Cissy and Whitney shared the lead on I Know Him So Well on 1997’s Whitney.
Cissy stars in Whitney’s The Preacher’s Wife
The singer also made an makes an appearance in the 1996 film of the same name starring Whitney and Denzel Washington , playing Mrs. Havergal in the church choir
In 1996, Cissy joined Whitney for The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack, which became the best-selling gospel album of all time.
Cissy sang backup on several tracks, including the gospel-tinged hit I Go to the Rock, contributing to the album’s powerful sound.
The singer also made an makes an appearance in the 1996 film of the same name starring Whitney and Denzel Washington, playing Mrs. Havergal in the church choir.
Whitney starred as Julia Biggs, the wife of a struggling pastor played by Courtney B. Vance.
Throughout the film, Whitney’s character develops a romantic connection with the angel Dudley, portrayed by Denzel, who comes to help her and her husband.
Whitney hugs Cissy at end of Greatest Love of All music video
Cissy made a special appearance in the music video for Whitney’s hit song Greatest Love of All, which was released in 1986
The video features a poignant tribute to their relationship, showcasing Whitney’s journey as an artist and the support she received from her mother
In a heartfelt moment at the end, Whitney joyfully hugs Cissy, who stands in the wings
Cissy made a special appearance in the music video for Whitney’s hit song Greatest Love of All, which was released in 1986.
The video features a poignant tribute to their relationship, showcasing Whitney’s journey as an artist and the support she received from her mother.
In a heartfelt moment at the end, Whitney joyfully hugs Cissy, who stands in the wings.
Cissy wrote a memoir in 2013 called Remember Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped.
During an appearance on “The View” that same year, Houston said she wrote the book ‘to let everyone know that (Whitney Houston) was really nothing like they thought she was.’
She continued to say her daughter ‘was a wonderful, giving, loving kid.’
‘She did that and she was good to people and just great. Had her little faults but like everybody else,’ she said.
Houston died Monday at her home in New Jersey while receiving hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, her family said.
Before her daughter shot to stardom, Cissy was best known for her work with the backup group Sweet Inspirations, and her powerful vocals can be heard supporting soul legends including Otis Redding and Lou Rawls.
Dionne, Cissy and Whitney at the 14th Annual American Music Awards on January 26, 1987
Cissy was a Grammy Award-winning singer known for collaborations with megastars including Elvis Presley
After going solo, she won her first Grammy in 1997 for her album ‘Face to Face’, before winning her second for best traditional soul gospel album the following year with ‘He Leadeth Me.’
‘(She was) a significant figure not because she sold a lot of records, but because of the people she influenced who did sell a lot and because of her work as a sustainer and nurturer of the gospel music tradition,’ said Robert Darden, a professor of journalism at Baylor University and the author of several books on gospel music, to the New York Times.
‘Whitney Houston was trained by the best,’ he continued.
‘And though she had a once-in-a-lifetime voice, without the training and influence and experience of someone like Cissy, who knew everybody and who could sing in any style, she would not have achieved what she did.’
