Get Action News on your website
Winans duo releases first gospel album in 15 years
ATLANTA (AP) - October 7, 2009 CeCe Winans said she believes it's an opportunity for the duo to
follow the same message they have sung in their inspirational
lyrics: Have faith.
"It has to put be put through the test," she said. "We sang
about the answer for years. So when we experience the trials and
tribulations, we have to apply the same answer we've been telling
others for years. It's a reality. We have to make the walk and not
just talk about it."
On Tuesday, about six months after their father David "Pop"
Winans Sr. died in Nashville, BeBe and CeCe Winans released
"Still." It's the first album in 15 years for the duo, which has
won five Grammys and seven Dove Awards.
Recently, after taping a show at the Gospel Music Channel, the
brother and sister reflected on how "Pop" influenced their
careers, keeping them humble during their time of soaring success.
While recording "Still" with CeCe, BeBe said their father
often came to mind. So did their brother Ronald, who died in 2005.
"Everything we do, we think about them," said BeBe, 47. "We
had to draw on each other's strengths on this one. We'll always
remember everything we've learned from our father. He kept us
grounded no matter how successful we became."
BeBe, CeCe and their eight brothers and sisters were raised by
gospel stars David and Delores Winans in one of gospel music's
first families.
The brother-sister duo's hits include 1991's "Addicted to
Love" and the 1996 release "Feels Like Heaven (With You)." They
have turned out nine albums, going platinum once and gold three
times.
CeCe stepped out on her own as a solo artist, releasing eight
albums to win one of her seven Grammys with this year's album "The
Kingdom Come." BeBe has produced six solo albums and has won three
Grammy awards.
They were once criticized by gospel purists for their
R&B-infused gospel sound.
But many believe BeBe and CeCe's contemporary sound helped pave
the way for top-selling artists like Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin.
"They showed how gospel music can be portrayed in another
way," said Tina Campbell of the sister duo Mary Mary. "Some were
afraid to do it. But they did with excellence. So when I first
heard about them releasing their new album, I screamed with joy.
That's how much they mean to gospel music."
Although they have matured over the past 15 years, BeBe and CeCe
say they still believe songs can be inspirational without
explicitly mentioning "God" or "Jesus."
"We're offering up our praises and how we express ourselves,"
said CeCe, 45. "Most accept it now, and some are going to have
their opinion. And that's fine."
"Still" is a mixture of laid-back songs like the album's first
single, "Close To You," and uptempo songs such as "He Can Handle
It." Mervyn Warren, Mario Winans and Warryn Campbell each produced
tracks on the album.
BeBe, who wrote most of the songs, said he had to rely on his
faith when he was charged with misdemeanor domestic assault after
authorities said he pushed his ex-wife to the ground in Nashville
in March. A court date is set for Oct. 20.
The dispute came during a time when BeBe was a judge on BET's
television show "Sunday Best." When the charges were made public,
he had to learn how to endure criticism.
"I'm wiser in my purpose," he said. "You understand the
industry and how people perceive you - whether it's negative or
positive. Over the time, my skin became thicker."
BeBe believes the adversity has made the family stronger too.
"We're just like any other family that goes through the ups and
downs," he said. "But understanding who God is and how He keeps
you through, I know that everything will be all right."
