Cissy Houston is a famous American singer and mother of the legendary Whitney Houston. Over the years, she has built an impressive career in the music industry. Many people are curious about her life, achievements, and how much she is worth today. In this article, we will discuss Cissy Houston’s net worth and how she earned her fortune. According to several online sources, Cissy Houston’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million.
Early Life and Career
Cissy Houston was born on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey. Her birth name is Emily Drinkard, but she later became known as Cissy Houston. Music played a big part in her early life. She started singing in the church choir and, later, became a professional gospel singer.
Cissy’s career began to take off in the 1960s when she joined a group called “The Sweet Inspirations.” This group provided backup vocals for many famous artists, including Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. This work helped her gain recognition and respect in the music world.
Solo Career
In the 1970s, Cissy decided to pursue a solo career. She signed with various record labels, including Private Stock Records and Columbia Records. Her solo career wasn’t as successful as her daughter Whitney Houston’s, but she did release several albums that were well-received. Some of her most notable songs include “Think It Over” and “Warning-Danger.” These albums and songs helped Cissy Houston earn a significant amount of money.
Backup Singer for Big Stars
Apart from her solo career, Cissy Houston is well-known for being a backup singer for some of the biggest stars of the 20th century. She worked with legends like Dionne Warwick, her niece, as well as Van Morrison. This steady work brought her not only fame but also wealth.
Gospel Success
In addition to her contributions to secular music, Cissy returned to her gospel roots in the 1990s. She won two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album in 1996 and 1998. Her success in gospel music further contributed to her fortune.
Cissy Houston’s Earnings from Whitney Houston
Cissy Houston is the mother of the late Whitney Houston, one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Whitney Houston’s success contributed to the Houston family’s wealth. However, Cissy made sure to pave her own way and not solely rely on her daughter’s earnings.
After Whitney Houston’s death in 2012, her estate was passed on to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina. Sadly, Bobbi Kristina died in 2015. Some reports suggest that Cissy Houston received a portion of her granddaughter’s estate after her passing. This could have boosted Cissy Houston’s net worth.
How Cissy Houston Makes Money Today
Cissy Houston is now in her 90s, and while she’s mostly retired, she still makes money from her music career. Her songs are still played, and she earns royalties from them. Royalties are payments that artists receive every time their music is played or sold. Given her long career and contributions to many hit songs, Cissy Houston likely earns a steady income from these royalties.
She also earns money from interviews, books, and public appearances. In 2013, she released a book titled “Remembering Whitney: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Night the Music Stopped,” which became popular among fans of the Houston family. This added to her overall earnings.
Cissy Houston’s Net Worth in 2024
According to several online sources, Cissy Houston’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million. While this amount is far less than her daughter Whitney’s net worth, it is still quite impressive for someone who had a backup singer career.
Her wealth comes from her work in the music industry, particularly her contributions to both secular and gospel music. She also benefits from royalties and other business ventures, such as book sales.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
While there isn’t much public information about Cissy Houston’s real estate holdings, it is known that she lives a comfortable life. In recent years, she has kept a low profile, focusing on her family and her faith. Cissy is deeply religious and has been actively involved in her church, New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
Given her age, Cissy Houston is likely more focused on enjoying her retirement. Her net worth allows her to live comfortably, without any major financial concerns.
Final Thoughts on Cissy Houston’s Net Worth
Cissy Houston is more than just Whitney Houston’s mother. She is a talented musician in her own right, with a career that spans several decades. Cissy Houston’s net worth of $7 million is a testament to her hard work and dedication to music. While her life has had its share of challenges, she remains a respected figure in the music industry.
Her wealth may not be as high as some other stars, but it is clear that Cissy Houston has left a lasting legacy in music, gospel, and entertainment.