What was the name of Whitney Houston's mother, a noted gospel singer?

Whitney Houston’s mother, the noted gospel singer, was Cissy Houston. Born Emily Drinkard in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy built a respected career as a gospel, soul, and session vocalist before becoming known worldwide as Whitney’s mother.

Cissy began singing with members of her family in the Drinkard Singers, a gospel group. In the 1960s she became a sought-after backing vocalist and later helped form the Sweet Inspirations, a vocal group that worked with major performers including Elvis Presley. She eventually pursued a solo career and earned two Grammy Awards in the Traditional Gospel Album category.

Her musical influence was central to Whitney’s upbringing. Whitney sang in church and absorbed gospel phrasing, vocal control, and performance discipline from her family. Cissy also helped guide her daughter’s early career, while Whitney later became one of the most successful singers and actresses in popular music.

Cissy was also related to other prominent performers. She was the aunt of singers Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, making Whitney part of a particularly influential musical family. Darlene Love and Aretha Franklin were close figures in Whitney’s extended musical circle, but neither was her mother.