Today In Black History: Cissy Houston
Today In Black History: Cissy Houston
Multiple Grammy-winning Gospel and R&B Singer
Issue #743 Today In Black History, Wednesday, October 9, 2024
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Cissy Houston was born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey. Her musical journey in gospel, soul, and R&B began in the church choir, where her powerful voice laid the groundwork for a career that would span decades. Houston's deep gospel roots would later influence the music of future generations.
She first gained recognition with The Drinkard Singers, a family gospel group that included her siblings. They were among the first gospel acts to perform at Carnegie Hall and recorded several albums still enjoyed by gospel music enthusiasts today.
In the 1960s, Cissy Houston's career took a transformative turn when she joined The Sweet Inspirations. This group provided backup vocals for some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
Houston embarked on a solo career in the late 1960s and quickly established herself as a formidable force in the music industry. Throughout her career, Houston released several critically acclaimed albums and became known for her vocal prowess and ability to convey deep emotion through song.
Cissy was known for mentoring young artists and sharing her expertise and passion for music with others. Her contributions to music and culture have earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.
Beyond her own achievements, Cissy Houston is perhaps best known as the mother of Whitney Houston, one of the most awarded and best-selling recording artists ever. Cissy was also the aunt of Dionne Warwick and a cousin of opera diva Leontyne Price. Houston was also the grandmother of Whitney Houston's only child, Bobbi Kristina Brown.
Whitney died in 2012, and Bobbi Kristina died in 2015; both of them were found unconscious in a bathtub after ingesting alcohol and drugs.
Cissy Houston died at her home in Newark on October 7, 2024, at 91. She had been in hospice care for Alzheimer's disease.
Today In Black History
In 1824, slavery was abolished in Costa Rica.
In 1841, St. Augustine Catholic Church was founded; it was the first Black church in Louisiana and the first Black Catholic church in the United States.
In 1888, Black inventor O.B. Clare received a patent for a rail trestle.
In 1961, the East African country Tanganyika became an independent nation within the British Commonwealth.
In 1962, Uganda gained independence from the United Kingdom and became a republic within the British Commonwealth.
In 1984, W. Wilson Goode became Philadelphia's first African American mayor.
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