Cissy Houston
Emily "Cissy" Houston (1933-2024) was a legendary American soul and gospel singer, matriarch of the famous Houston musical family, and mother of Whitney Houston, known for her powerful voice as a solo artist and her work with the Drinkard Singers and The Sweet Inspirations, earning two Grammy Awards for her gospel work. She began singing in a family gospel group, became a renowned session vocalist for stars like Elvis and Aretha Franklin, and later led her church choir for decades, leaving a legacy of faith, music, and family strength.
Cissy Houston, born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, was an influential American soul and gospel singer. She was part of a musically inclined family, being the youngest of eight children. Houston's mother, Delia Mae McCaskill Drinkard, passed away when Cissy was just five years old, and her father died when she was eighteen, leaving her orphaned during her formative years.
Her career initially took off as a backup singer, where she collaborated with numerous iconic artists, including Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. Houston's vocal prowess and soulful style allowed her to carve a niche in the music industry, ultimately leading to her recognition as a solo artist.
Cissy Houston's contributions to music earned her two Grammy Awards, affirming her status as a revered figure in the gospel and soul genres. Furthermore, she was the mother of the late pop icon Whitney Houston, and her influence on Whitney's career and artistry was profound.
Over the years, Houston also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "A Time to Kill" in 1996 and "The Preacher's Wife". Throughout her life, she remained a cherished figure in the music community, known not only for her talent but also for her warmth and mentorship to younger artists.
Cissy Houston passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91, surrounded by her family in New Jersey, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of music.
Cissy Houston
Written-By – Burt Bacharach, Hal David 2:15
A2 Didn't We
Written-By – Jim Webb 3:35
A3 I'll Be There
Written-By – Bobby Darin 2:45
A4 Any Guy
Written-By – Melanie Safka 3:35
A5 When Something Is Wrong With My Baby
Written-By – David Porter, Isaac Hayes 3:20
B1 Be My Baby
Written-By – Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Phil Spector 3:28
B2 This Empty Place
Written-By – Burt Bacharach, Hal David 2:38
B3 The Long And Winding Road
Written-By – John Lennon, Paul McCartney 3:05
B4 Medley He - I Believe
Written-By – Al Stillman, Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham, Jack Richards, Jimmy Shirl, Richard Mullan 3:10
Label: Janus Records – JLS 3001
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Cissy Houston's 1970 self-titled debut on Janus Records, also known by its UK title Presenting Cissy Houston, is widely regarded as a masterclass in gospel-infused soul. Released following her departure from The Sweet Inspirations, the album showcases her transition from a premier background vocalist to a "bold, righteous lead".
Critics often highlight the album's sophisticated balance of "New York class" and "southern soul".
Houston's delivery is characterized by its enormous feeling, rooted in her gospel background. Reviewers note her ability to be nuanced and beautiful in quieter registers while maintaining a "metallic sheen" that provides immense power during climaxes.
The orchestrations by Bert DeCoteaux are praised for being "state-of-the-art" for the time, allowing Houston to stand at the forefront while providing dramatic swells when needed.
While the tracklist consists largely of covers, critics argue that her "gospel-ish" interpretations make well-worn pop and soul tunes sound fresh.
The album features several standout interpretations of contemporary hits and standards:
"I'll Be There" & "Be My Baby": These tracks became minor hits for Houston during her Janus era.
"I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself": A notable Bacharach-David cover that showcases her intricate phrasing.
"He / I Believe": A soul/gospel medley often cited as one of her "deepest" performances.
In 2025, the album is celebrated as a foundational piece of soul history. A deluxe double-album reissue titled Legacy: The Complete Janus Works was released in April 2025 to commemorate her career following her passing in late 2024.
Retrospective reviews often note that while Houston "fell through the cracks" of mainstream superstardom at the time, this album remains a "must" for fans of classic soul and those looking to hear the vocal blueprint for her daughter, Whitney Houston.