(New York) American gospel singer Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston, has died at the age of 91, her daughter-in-law announced in a statement on Monday.
“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,” Pat Houston wrote on Instagram.
Real name Emily Drinkard, Cissy Houston was a soul and gospel singer and had a career as a backing vocalist for Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin in the group The Sweet Inspirations.
She has recorded hundreds of songs, in all genres of music, her voice being found on pieces by Jimi Hendrix and Beyoncé.
During her solo career, she won two Grammys for her albums Face to Face And He Leadeth Me at the end of the 90s.
His daughter, Whitney Houston, was one of America’s greatest singers. She was particularly known for her hits like I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) And I Will Always Love You. She was found drowned in her bathtub in 2012, at age 48.
Cissy Houston was also the aunt of singers Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick and a cousin of opera singer Leontyne Price.