How is Dionne Warwick Related to Cissy Houston? Who Are Dionne Warwick and Cissy Houston?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Oct 08, 2024
How is Dionne Warwick Related to Cissy Houston?
Yes, Dionne Warwick is related to Cissy Houston. Dionne Warwick is the niece of Cissy Houston. They both come from the Drinkard family, which has a strong musical background.
Cissy is Warwick's aunt, as she is the sister of Warwick's mother, Lee Drinkard. Warwick and Cissy grew up close in age, making their relationship feel more like that of sisters. Cissy Houston is also the mother of Whitney Houston, making Warwick and Whitney first cousins. This musical lineage has created a legacy of talent in their family, spanning multiple generations.
Who is Dionne Warwick?
Dionne Warwick is an American singer, actress, and television host, born on December 12, 1940. She is known for her successful music career, having many hit songs between 1955 and 1999. Warwick is recognized as one of the top female vocalists during the rock era and has had 56 singles reach the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with 12 of those in the Top Ten.
Throughout her career, she has won six Grammy Awards and has been honored in several prestigious halls of fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2019, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Dionne Warwick is also known for her work as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization.
| Name | Marie Dionne Warwick |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Singer, Actress, Television Host |
| Date of Birth | December 12, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | East Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Age | 83 |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Arthur Lee Drinkard and Mancel Warrick |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse Name | William Elliott |
| Children | 2 |
Dionne Warwick Family
Dionne Warwick was born on December 12, 1940, in East Orange, New Jersey. Her parents were Arthur Lee Drinkard and Mancel Warrick. Her mother managed a singing group called the Drinkard Singers, and her father worked as a Pullman porter, chef, record promoter, and CPA. Dionne was named after her aunt.
She had a sister named Delia ("Dee Dee"), who passed away in 2008, and a brother named Mancel Jr., who tragically died in an accident in 1968 at the age of 21. Dionne's family is of African-American descent, with some Native American and Dutch ancestry.
Dionne was raised in East Orange and began singing gospel music at a young age in her church. After graduating from East Orange High School in 1959, she studied music at Hartt College of Music in Connecticut.
Dionne married actor and drummer William Elliott in 1966, but they divorced in 1967. They reconciled and remarried in 1967. They had two sons: David Elliott, born in 1969, and Damon Elliott, born in 1973. Dionne and William separated in 1975, and their divorce was finalized later that year.
Dionne's son David is a singer-songwriter and has performed with her. Her younger son, Damon, is a music producer who has worked with many popular artists.
Who was Cissy Houston?
Cissy Houston was an American soul and gospel singer known for her powerful voice. She was a founding member of the R&B group The Sweet Inspirations, which provided backup vocals for many famous artists, including Dionne Warwick, Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin.
In 1970, Cissy started her solo career and went on to win two Grammy Awards for her gospel music. She is also the mother of the legendary singer Whitney Houston.
| Name | Cissy Houston |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Singer |
| Date of Birth | September 30, 1933 |
| Place of Birth | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Date of Death | October 7, 2024 |
| Place of Death | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Age at Death | 91 |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse Name |
Freddie Garland and John Houston Jr. |
| Children | 3 |
Cissy Houston Family
Cissy Houston was born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, into a large family. She was the youngest of eight children, with four brothers and three sisters. Her parents, Nitcholas and Delia Drinkard, emphasized the importance of education and church in their children's lives.
After her mother passed away when Cissy was just eight years old, she moved in with her older sister Lee and her husband Mancel Warrick. Lee was the mother of famous singer Dionne Warwick. Cissy had three children: Gary, a former NBA player; Michael, a songwriter; and Whitney Houston, who became a world-famous singer and actress.
Cissy Houston was married twice. Her first marriage was to Freddie Garland, and after their divorce, she married John Russell Houston Jr. Together, they faced challenges, especially during Whitney's struggles with addiction. Cissy was a supportive mother and played a significant role in helping Whitney get the treatment she needed. Cissy Houston passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91.
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