Kaylah Walton
Cissy Houston was a celebrated American soul and gospel singer who made a significant mark on the music scene. She passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91. Houston began her career as a backup vocalist for legends like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, later achieving notable success as a solo artist. She was also the proud mother of the immensely talented Whitney Houston. Additionally, her nieces, Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, carved out their own successful careers in music.
Known for her exceptional vocal ability, Houston’s style crossed various musical genres, captivating fans globally. She collaborated with notable figures such as Bette Midler, Linda Ronstadt, Burt Bacharach, and Herbie Mann.
Beyond her solo achievements, Houston had a significant influence in the community, leading the New Hope Baptist Church Youth Inspirational Choir for more than five decades. This choir, consisting of over 200 members, reflected her deep dedication to gospel music. She was a well-known participant in the annual McDonald’s Gospelfest as well.
Cissy Houston’s life was a tapestry woven with both challenges and accomplishments. Born on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, she was the youngest child of Nitcholas and Delia Mae Drinkard, who migrated from Georgia during the Great Migration. Her parents placed a strong emphasis on education and church participation for their children.
Cissy Houston’s Net Worth at the Time of Her Passing
Looking back on her life, Houston once reflected, “My parents taught us that with hard work, we could achieve anything we wanted.” This belief fueled her passion for music.
In her younger years, Houston sang with her siblings in a gospel group initially called the Drinkard Four, later known as the Drinkard Singers. Their appearances at various churches led to their first television performance on TV Gospel Time. Furthermore, she co-founded the Sweet Inspirations in 1963 alongside Doris Troy and Dee Dee Warwick.
At the time of her death, Cissy Houston’s net worth was estimated to be $2 million. Her contributions to the music industry are immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. In her own words, “Music is my joy, my therapy, my solace. It’s everything to me.“
