Emily "Cissy" Houston (née Drinkard; born September 30, 1933) is an American soul, gospel singer. After a successful career singing backup for such artists as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin she embarked on a solo career, winning two Grammy Awards for her work. She is the mother of Whitney Houston, grandmother of Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, aunt of Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, and a cousin of opera singer Leontyne Price.