
When you hear the name Cissy Houston, the first thing that might come to mind is her daughter, the legendary Whitney Houston. But let me tell you, Cissy Houston is more than just a famous mother. She's a gospel powerhouse, a backup singer for some of the biggest names in music history, and a woman who built her own financial legacy. In this article, we're diving deep into Cissy Houston's world, exploring her net worth, her career achievements, and how she managed to create a lasting impact in the music industry.
Table of Contents
Cissy Houston Quick Facts
Read also:Michael Vicks Journey From Nfl Stardom To Financial Recovery
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Emily “Cissy” Houston |
Popular Name | Cissy Houston |
Birth Date | September 30, 1933 |
Age | 91 (Died: October 7, 2024) |
Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Education | South Side High School |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Spouse | John Russell Houston (m. 1964–1991), Freddie Garland (m. 1955–1957) |
Children | Whitney Houston (daughter), Gary Garland (son), Michael Houston (son) |
Dating | N/A |
Siblings | Lee Warwick, Marie Epps, Ann Moss, Nicky Houston, Hansom Houston, Larry Houston, William Houston |
Parents | Nitcholas Drinkard (father), Delia Mae Drinkard (mother) |
Height | 1.73 meters |
Net Worth | Estimated $2 million (as of 2025) |
Source of Wealth | Music (Gospel, Soul, and Pop Singer), Songwriting, Backing Vocals |
Cissy Houston's Net Worth in 2025
As we step into 2025, Cissy Houston's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Now, I know what you're thinking—compared to her daughter Whitney's multi-million-dollar legacy, this might seem modest. But let's take a closer look. Cissy's wealth wasn't built overnight. It’s the result of decades of hard work, starting as a backup singer and evolving into a gospel music icon. She worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, and those collaborations played a huge role in shaping her financial success.
While Cissy may not have reached the same commercial heights as Whitney, her contributions to gospel music are unmatched. She carved out her own niche, earning respect and admiration in an industry that often puts the spotlight on lead performers. Her career was about more than just the money—it was about passion, faith, and leaving a legacy that would inspire generations to come.
Cissy Houston's Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did Cissy Houston Make Her Money?
Cissy Houston's journey to financial success is a testament to her resilience and talent. Her career began in the world of backup vocals, where she performed with the legendary group the Sweet Inspirations. This group provided backing vocals for some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Presley. Cissy’s early work with the Sweet Inspirations laid the foundation for her future earnings, as she earned a steady income from live performances and studio sessions.
But Cissy didn’t stop there. She went on to become a solo artist, releasing albums that resonated with gospel music fans across the country. Her ability to connect with audiences through her powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics helped her build a loyal fan base. Over time, her album sales, concert tours, and music royalties became major sources of income, contributing to her financial legacy.
Read also:Mario Carbones Net Worth In 2024 A Closer Look At His Culinary Empire
Her involvement in managing her daughter Whitney Houston’s career also played a significant role in her financial journey. Whitney’s rise to fame opened new doors for Cissy, both personally and professionally. Even after Whitney’s passing in


