Cissy Houston Quotes

Powerful Cissy Houston for Daily Growth

About Cissy Houston

Cissy Houston, born Emily "Cissy" Boyer on July 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, is an American R&B and gospel singer, songwriter, actress, and the mother of the late singing legend Whitney Houston. Her career spans over six decades, making her a significant figure in American music history. Raised in a musical family, Cissy's love for music was fostered at an early age. She joined her first group, The Drinkard Singers, at the age of 16, and later became a member of the popular gospel group The Sweet Inspirations. In 1967, she signed with Atlantic Records, launching her solo career. Her breakthrough came in 1969 when she released "Compared to What," a powerful protest song that became an anthem of the civil rights movement. Over the years, she has recorded numerous successful albums, including "Cissy Houston" (1975), "Mean Old World" (1978), and "With A Little Help From My Friends" (1990). In addition to her musical achievements, Cissy Houston is also known for her acting roles in films such as "Sparkle" (1976) and "The Bodyguard" (1992), where she played the mother of her real-life daughter, Whitney Houston. Cissy Houston's influence extends beyond her music and acting. As a mentor to her daughter Whitney and other artists like Dionne Warwick, she played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many talented musicians. Her powerful voice, deep emotional range, and commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark on American music and culture. Cissy Houston continues to perform and record music, serving as a living testament to the power of art and faith. Her legacy endures as she passes down her musical wisdom to future generations.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The Bible says, 'Train a child in the way he should go.' That's all I ever wanted to do – train my child."

Cissy Houston's quote reflects her deep commitment as a parent towards nurturing and guiding her child with love and wisdom, inspired by the Biblical principle of raising children in a righteous way. This approach emphasizes the importance of imparting moral values, life lessons, and setting examples for the young generation, enabling them to navigate through life's complexities with integrity and purpose.


"I'm a praying woman and I believe prayer changes things. I prayed that Whitney would get better, but you can't force God to do anything."

Cissy Houston's quote emphasizes her faith in the power of prayer and the belief that it has the potential to bring about change, yet she acknowledges that God acts according to His own will, not as a result of human coercion or demand. She expresses her hope for the recovery of her daughter Whitney, but ultimately accepts that the timeline and outcome are ultimately in God's hands. This shows both her devotion and trust in her faith during a difficult time.


"I've had to learn to let go... I've learned that God doesn't call us to have the answer, He calls us to be present."

This quote by Cissy Houston underscores two essential life lessons. Firstly, "I've had to learn to let go" emphasizes acceptance of situations beyond our control. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes we face circumstances that demand relinquishment - a release from the burden of expectations or outcomes that are not within our grasp. Secondly, "God doesn't call us to have the answer, He calls us to be present" highlights the importance of being fully engaged in the here and now rather than dwelling on solutions that may never materialize. Presence implies empathy, love, and support during challenging times - qualities that bring comfort and healing. In essence, Cissy Houston's quote encourages us to embrace life's uncertainties, finding peace in our ability to offer compassion and presence amidst adversity, trusting that God will guide and provide as needed.


"The love of God brought us through a lot. We were able to lean on each other and our faith in Him during difficult times."

This quote by Cissy Houston emphasizes the importance of faith and family, particularly during challenging times. The "love of God" symbolizes the unwavering support and guidance provided by a higher power. By leaning on each other and their faith, the Houston family was able to persevere through adversity and find solace in their shared belief system. This quote underscores the resilience and strength that can be cultivated when one relies on both personal connections and spiritual fortitude.


"I always knew Whitney was special from the beginning. I just didn't know she was going to become this big, global phenomenon."

This quote suggests that Whitney Houston was extraordinary from an early age but her mother, Cissy Houston, did not fully comprehend the extent of Whitney's impact on a global scale until she achieved superstardom as a singer. It highlights the surprising nature of Whitney Houston's success and the admiration Cissy Houston had for her daughter even before she became an internationally acclaimed artist.


I'm very proud of my daughter. She accomplished a whole lot in the short time that she had here... she was a very wonderful person.

- Cissy Houston

Proud, Here, Very, Accomplished

Good mothers and good fathers and good families don't always have great children.

- Cissy Houston

Children, Always, Fathers, Mothers

You can't treat your voice badly and expect it to stay around.

- Cissy Houston

Voice, Treat, Expect, Badly

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