September 30, 1933 – October 7, 2024
Triumph, resilience, and the power of music define the legacy left behind by Cissy Houston, New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2019.
Born as Emily Drinkard, Houston rose from humble beginnings in Newark, New Jersey, overcoming the loss of her parents at a young age to become a world-renowned gospel singer and matriarch of one of music’s most legendary families.
A pillar in both the gospel and pop genres, Houston’s extraordinary talent led her from harmonizing with the Drinkard Singers at New Hope Baptist Church to forming the Sweet Inspirations, which backed some of the most iconic artists of all time, including Otis Redding, Elvis Presley, and Houston’s niece, Dionne Warwick. As a solo artist, her powerful voice graced recordings and live performances with legends like Aretha Franklin and Bette Midler.
Houston’s legacy, however, was not just defined by her successful career but also by her unshakable faith and deep devotion to her family. She witnessed the meteoric rise of her daughter, fellow New Jersey Hall of Fame Inductee Whitney Houston, and endured the heartbreak of her untimely passing, always remaining a source of strength and guidance.
Houston remained true to her roots through it all, leading the Youth Inspirational Choir at New Hope Baptist Church and earning Grammy Awards for her gospel recordings. Her influence on generations of singers and her contributions to gospel music will endure.