Cissy Houston – born Emily Drinkard in Newark, New Jersey on September 30, 1933
– was a gospel and soul vocalist best known as a founding member of the Sweet
Inspirations and as the mother of R&B / pop superstar Whitney Houston. She was
also the aunt of Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, and cousin of ground-breaking opera
singer Leontyne Price. Cissy Houston began her singing career in 1938 as a
member of gospel group the Drinkard Four alongside siblings Larry, Nicky, and
Ann. When sisters Marie and Lee joined the group, they became the Drinkard
Singers. After releasing the album, A Jo...