Many believe attaining success as a world-renowned, platinum-selling, award-winning artist comes with experience, integrity and a wealth of knowledge. However, for CeCe Winans, some of the elements of success stem from her heavy-duty belief system and amazing ability to keep a substantial household while maintaining a vigorous workload.
All of which has lead the 'Heaven' singer to headline this year's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, where BV Newswire caught up with her to discuss life on the road and the death of her father, gospel music patriarch David "Pop" Winans.
You have such a vast catalog of songs. How did you go about selecting which songs to perform during the tour?
Well, I'm not telling you all of that, but you know every tour is different. [Laughs] Certain ones you know you're going to do and then you just reach back. You just know how you want to flow. That kind of happens in rehearsal. You have a plan of what you want to do, and before rehearsal is over, the whole plan is totally different. So you just go with the flow.
As far as working on new material while on the road, do you really have the opportunity to squeeze time into your hectic schedule?
I have to. It's not something I really like to do, because touring takes a lot out of me. But I'm in the studio right now with my brother BeBe, so we're working on another BeBe and CeCe project. I'm really excited about that. And that's the main thing I'm working on right now, between that and the tour and the other touring I'm doing. Pretty busy!
Top-Selling Gospel Artists
CeCe Winans
The eighth of 10 siblings in the gospel-singing Winans family, CeCe recorded music with brother BeBe. The dynamic duo scored two No. 1 R&B singles, 'Addictive Love' and 'I'll Take You There.' As a soloist, CeCe has won six Grammys and her collection of R&B hits includes 'Count on Me,' her duet with Whitney Houston from the 'Waiting to Exhale' soundtrack.
(Photo: Getty)
BeBe Winans
After years as a duet with sister CeCe, BeBe Winans went solo and released a self-titled album in 1997. Featuring singles 'In Harms' Way,' 'Thank You,' and 'I Wanna Be The Only One,' the album did well on gospel and secular charts. BeBe is a two-time Grammy winner, one as co-producer of the 'Bodyguard' soundtrack.
(Photo: Pieter M. van Hattem, AOL)
Kierra "KiKi" Sheard
KiKi Sheard is a third-generation gospel artist. Her mother is Karen Clark Sheard of the famed Clark Sisters and her grandmother is gospel pioneer Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Shortly after graduating high school, Sheard released her second album 'This Is Me,' which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel charts in 2006.
(Photo: John Shearer, WireImage.com)
Mahalia Jackson
Regarded as the "world's greatest gospel singer," Jackson's spirit-filled force produced gospel classics such as 'Move On Up a Little Higher,' 'He's Got the Whole World in His Hands' (a Top 100 pop single) and 'How I Got Over.' She sang for Presidents Eisenhower & Kennedy, and for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. immediately before his "I Have a Dream" speech.
(Photo: Getty Images)
James Cleveland
A pianist, singer, composer and producer, Cleveland was revered by the music world as the King of Gospel and even taught a Queen (of soul), Aretha Franklin a few things about gospel. Cleveland is credited with writing and arranging more than 400 gospel songs, including 'Everything Will Be All Right,' 'The Love of God' and 'Peace Be Still.'
(Photo: Time Life/Getty)
Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin came up in the church, but often reworks his church messages into a hip-hop mix. Franklin's 1998 hit 'Stomp' propelled him to the best-selling gospel artist of the modern era. Moving beyond music, Franklin has hosted 'Sunday Best,' a music competition on BET, in addition to working the speaker circuit.
(Photo: Jesse Grant, Getty Images)
The Winans
The Winans, comprised of five-time Grammy-winning brothers Marvin, Carvin, Michael and Ronald, put out 10 albums from 1982 to 1995, spawning hits such as 'Let My People Go' and 'It's Time and a Friend.' Their own sons went on to form the third-generation group Winans Phase 2.
(Photo: AOL)
Yolanda Adams
Though initially criticized in the Christian community for embracing R&B and jazz rhythms and "immodest" fashion to accompany her holy music, Adams scored quickly with gospel audiences. Her 1999 album, 'Mountain High...Valley Low' earned Adams her first Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel.
(Photo: Lester Cohen, WireImage.com)
Mary Mary
Sisters Erica and Tina Atkins formed gospel duo Mary Mary, named after biblical Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of Jesus. Their debut album, 'Thankful,' boasting smash single 'Shackles (Praise You),' was a crossover hit earning the duo Grammy and American Music Awards. The single received rotation on mainstream radio and MTV.
(Photo: WireImage.com)
Andraé Crouch
After founding the Disciples in 1965, André Crouch garnered mainstream success, appearing on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' and at Carnegie Hall. The Disciples contemporary gospel sound, complete with soothing melodies of pop rather than traditional hymns, helped the group develop a racially diverse audience.
(Photo: Rick Diamond, WireImage.com)
I bet! Is there a title for the new BeBe and CeCe album?
No, we don't have one right now. I just know it's BeBe and CeCe! [Laughs] I know who else is going to be on it. That's it. But we've got some good stuff. I'm excited! We're going to have fun.
Do you feel there's a lot of pressure on recording the new project since there's such a large margin between the previous effort?
Well, it'll be a very important project cause it's been years since BeBe and CeCe have done something together. I don't know how many years it has been. Over 10, I think. So, we have to come with it! It might be [a little pressure]. We're having fun with who we are, we do what we do, we do what we love to do. But people have been waiting on it for a long time, so we want to make sure that we're doing the best we can. But we do that all the time, so God will take care of it.
When it comes to production on the album. Who have you and BeBe collaborated with thus far?
Well, Keith Thomas will be doing some of the producing. He did a lot of BeBe and CeCe stuff way back when. Warren Campbell is going to do, I think, one or two. And then we're still looking at a few other producers. So we've got about maybe half of the project done with Keith, and it's good.
If you had the chance to choose anyone from any genre to record with for this album, who would it be?
Wow! I've been blessed to do a lot of good stuff with a lot of great people. I still haven't done anything with Stevie Wonder. That would be amazing because he's just the best! I love James Taylor. Gladys Knight is amazing! We didn't do a recording with her, but we have performed live with her on some things. So there's a few people out there that would be really great.
On top of being the multitalented artist that you are, you also have written a few books. Are you currently working on any new tomes?
Right now, I'm working on a youth conference that we do every year called Always Sisters Forever Brothers, and so we put out books for that. I have a few books out now, but I'm working on a book for that conference. And I'm so excited. The first year we had like 700 kids, the second year we had 2,500. The year after that, we had a little over 3,000. So this year we're expecting about 5,000 young people. Tony Dungy is coming. It's an incredible conference. Jensen Franklin, Kim Daniels and Mary Mary will be there. So that's where my heart is right now. And I think that's the next season in my life.
And that begins July 24 in Nashville, Tenn., correct?
Yes, July 24 and 25. It's a two-day national conference. But then after that, I think we're going to start taking it all around. It's going to be international. We'll be in South Africa, it's going to be everywhere. It's awesome!
Speaking of July. You're still going to be busy touring, including an appearance at this year's Essence Music Festival.
That's right! Well, I'm coming to honor Bishop [T.D.] Jakes this year. He's an incredible man who has done incredible things, so I was just honored to be a part of honoring him. And we're just doing a few songs there. It's not like we have a huge concert that we're doing.
Now on a rather somber note, the family lost a significant figure in your father, David "Pop" Winans. How is everyone coping with his passing?
Mom is doing really good, and you know the Bible's right. People have been praying for us all over the world, and we have just been feeling it. It's been carrying us. My dad was a great man. We had a great celebration. We showed some of his videos. He was all about praising God and loving people and being happy. And we all know that he's so much happier now! He is shaking up heaven about now, but we're doing good. We know we're going to miss him. We're going to go through the crying spells, because you can't believe he's gone. But I have great memories. He was an honorable man, a great father.
Can fans expect the entire family to come together for a possible tribute album?
You know, that's a good idea! I like that you said that. I'm may have to call them up. I think we should do something. We lost my brother Ronald a few years back. Wow, still can't believe that. And now dad is gone, it's like 'oh God!' But I think we should probably tour together again. And the amazing thing with video is you can have them be a part of the concerts, so that would be great. But to do a tribute album to my dad I think it's a good idea. So I'm going to tell them you gave me that idea.
How do you manage juggling motherhood between recording, touring, writing and everything else that's on your plate?Yeah, well, if you read about me in a magazine you would think I was a bionic woman, and that is so not true. I have a lot of great people helping me. And as far as being a mom, every stage is different. When my children were babies, I would keep them with me. I wouldn't go out of town a whole lot. I would take them on the road with me when they became preteens, you know that age where they kind of lose their minds. I had them in home school for a few years, so I had to adjust my schedule, because I'm a wife and a mother first. God is first, my family and then my career. I have a wonderful husband who I've been married to for now for 24 years. He's always supported me 100 percent. And now my kids are grown. My son is 23; he's singing behind me tonight. My daughter's 21. She's about to graduate from college this weekend. So God is good. They're good kids, still happily married and again it's a tribute to God's faithfulness.
Are there any other major projects that you're working on in the immediate future?
Actually, I have a CD coming out called 'Love & Comfort.' I've been getting a lot of comments about people dealing with depression and different things like that, saying how my music has helped them. So I put together a little project that I know will target particular problems that people are dealing with. It'll come out in August.
Since the concept behind 'Love & Comfort' revolves around depression. What are your thoughts on the rapid increase of people committing suicide because of the economic crisis?
Well, the Bible tells us that when you put on the garment of praise, it will left the spirit of heaven in us. We all deal with having down times, but when you have God in your life and have a strong faith foundation you don't stay down long. That's why it's so important what we're doing tonight. It's real important that people get out and be encouraged and feed themselves encouragement. Because a lot of times you listen to the news and all you hear is depressing things, and that affects your spirits. So what you eat is what you become. So I want everybody to start speaking positive things first of all. Then you have to surround yourself with positive people. Because trouble won't last always. The sun is going to shine again, and as long as you believe that and keep going, you're going to be okay. But remember, the moment you focus in on the problem, then that's not good. We have to focus in on the God that's bigger than all of the problems. So hopefully what we do will help people to be uplifted and not to be depressed and will change their minds from taking their lives to giving life another try.
Influential Black Spiritual Leaders
Influential Black Spiritual Leaders
People around the world look to pastors, preachers, bishops and reverends for spiritual guidance and inspirational nourishment. In the black community, popular clergymen such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Rev. Al Sharpton are held in high esteem and have much influence over congregations and countless followers, alike. Take a look at them, and other influential black spiritual leaders.
FilmMagic / Getty Images
Bishop T.D. Jakes, The Potter's House
AGE: 51 HOMETOWN: South Charleston, West Virginia ABOUT HIM: The entrepreneur and chief pastor of the The Potter's House, a 30,000 member a non-denominational megachurch church in Dallas. FACTOID: Jakes, who was named among America's "Top 10 Religious Leaders" by 'Time' magazine, has recorded Grammy and Dove Award nominated music projects. He also produced the movies 'Woman Thou Art Loosed' and 'Not Easily Broken.'
Michael Loccisano, FilmMagic
Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Trinity United Church of Christ
AGE: 67 HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ABOUT HIM: For 36 years, Wright was the Senior Pastor of the Chicago megachurch -- which boasted around 8,500 members. Controversial remarks made during his sermon shed negative light on the popular church, and one of its most well known parishioners: Illinois Senator and U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama. FACTOID: Named one of 'Ebony' magazine's top 15 preachers, Wright has received a Rockefeller Fellowship and seven honorary doctorate degrees, including from Colgate University, Lincoln University, Valparaiso University, United Theological Seminary and Chicago Theological Seminary.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Juanita Bynum, televangelist
AGE: 49 HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois ABOUT HER: A former beautician, flight attendant and drug abuser, Bynum transformed herself into one of the most popular celebrity clergywomen after being introduced to the masses by Bishop TD Jakes. With a highly rated TBN show and a thriving television ministry, she gained national attention in 2007 when her estranged husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks, III, allegedly attacked her in a hotel parking lot. FACTOID: Bynum, a best-selling recording artist and author, has crossed over into entertainment; In 2008, she starred on episodes of the hit ABC Family network TV series 'Lincoln Heights' and will also appear in the big movie adaptation of the hit Off Broadway musical 'Mama I Want To Sing,' alongside Ciara, Lynn Whitfield and Patti LaBelle.
Chad Buchanan, Getty Images
Bishop Eddie L. Long, New Birth Missionary Baptist
HOMETOWN: North Carolina ABOUT HIM: He first served as pastor in 1987 for a congregation consisting of just more than 300 members. Now the Lithonia, Georgia-based mega-church's membership has totaled to over 30,000 members. FACTOID: Long has authored numerous books, including 'What a Man Wants, What a Woman Needs' and 'The Blessing in Giving.' The Bishop is also featured on rapper Ludacris' latest album 'Release Therapy' and appeared on the hit Bravo reality show, 'Real Housewives of Atlanta.'
Johnny Nunez, Wire Image
Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network
AGE: 54 HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, New York ABOUT HIM: Mostly recognized as a staunch civil rights activist for people of color, the former James Brown tour manager is the founder the National Action Network, a not-for-profit, civil rights organization with over forty active chapters nationwide. FACTOID: A 2004 U.S. Presidential candidate, the divorced father of two daughters has written a memoir (with Karen Hunter), hosted his own TV show (on TV One) and nationally syndicated radio program.
Ragozzino William, Getty Images
Bishop Noel Jones, City of Refuge Church
AGE: 57 HOMETOWN: Spanish Town, Jamaica ABOUT HIM: In 1994, Bishop Jones founded Noel Jones Ministries (NJM) (formerly known as Jesus Alternative Ministries), in an effort to address religion's inability to offer real relevance to the changing climate of the times. His Gardenia, California based church boasts 7,000 members. FACTOID: One of seven children born to Bishop Robert and Marjorie Jones, Bishop Jones attended St. Jago High School and went on to attain a Bachelors of Science in Theology from Aenon Bible College. He is the younger brother of entertainer Grace Jones.
Vince Bucci, Getty Images
Jamal Harrison Bryant, The Empowerment Temple
ABOUT HIM: Bryant founded Baltimore's The Empowerment Temple in April 2000, which became the fastest growing church in the A.M.E. denomination with over 11,000 members. Prior to his role as pastor, he served as the director of the NAACP's youth and college division. FACTOID: Despite dropping out of high school, Bryant later obtained a GED and went on to further his education receiving a degree from Morehouse College, a Masters of Divinity from Duke University and Doctorate of Ministry Degree. Today, his 'Power for Life' broadcast is heard weekly across the United States, the Caribbean, England, and throughout the continent of Africa.
Reggie Anderson, Empowerment Temple
Pastor Cynthia Hale, Ray of Hope Christian Church
HOMETOWN: Roanoke, Virginia ABOUT HER: Hale is the founding and Senior Pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia, which has an active membership of 5,000 and an average of 1,500 in worship each Sunday morning. FACTOID: In 2004, Hale established a mentorship program to assist in the spiritual as well as practical development of pastors and church leaders. She has been recognized by 'Ebony' magazine as one of the greatest black women preachers in America.
Youtube.com
Bishop Larry Trotter, Sweet Holy Spirit Church
HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois ABOUT HIM: Since 1981, Trotter has expanded his congregation at The Windy City's Sweet Holy Spirit Church from 22 members to over 5,000. FACTOID: In addition to his preaching ministry, Trotter is also an accomplished musician who was nominated for a Stellar Award in 2003 for his rendition of 'Jesus is the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me.'
Douglas C. Pizac, AP
Comments: (8)
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By: Anthony O. Vann on 5/17/2009 10:14AM
It is hard to loose someone, but when you know Christ and you know the person that passed away knows Christ...you realize that they are in a better place. I had the pleasure of meeting Ron Winanas before he passed and he told me some prophetic words and it turned my life around, and I know that they will come to pass...because I truly believe he was a man of God, and I know that God's word will not go out void. Be blessed CeCe and know that we are all praying for you and the rest of the family. You are truly an inspiration to many...it's your geniune spirit and true love for Christ that shines through in your work...and no one can touch that. This new album will exceed all expectations because the word says that your latter will be greater than your past.
Blesssings..
Minister Anthony O. Vann
www.Noireproductions.com
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By: Bill on 5/17/2009 5:28PM
Sharpton is an "influential spiritual leader?" Whom are they worshipping?
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By: Spenser on 5/18/2009 8:45AM
I have been a part of the CCM music industry since 1975. I remember playing the very first BeBe and CeCe single on the air. I have been a huge fan for years and I have all the CDS as well as the Christmas ones. I love them as artists in their own right, but there is a special anointing that comes about they sing together. I will be one of the first ones to buy it when it comes out.
Lord Bless you guys and may the Lord give your comfort thought this difficult time. I lost my mom over a year ago and it still hurts.
Lord Bless!
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By: kathryn on 5/18/2009 9:35AM
many times these are nick names that people have grown up with and that is all people call them or know them by. as they grow up, the nick names doesn't change. many times the parents give them these nick names so instead of calling them by their whole name, they just shorten it. this is not limited to only black people. many white people as they grow shorten their names or add something else to it, or change it all together.
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By: mm on 5/18/2009 11:29AM
Put on the garment of praise and it will
"LIFT THE SPIRT OF HEAVINESS."
Big difference.
Thanks for the article.
CeCe has remained constant and faitful.
God bless her tour and ministry.
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By: GEORGE K. on 5/18/2009 12:17PM
cory Daye was the lead singer of Dr. Buzzards Savannah band her solo album is unreal! Nominated for Che Chez" la Femme. Grammy & in the movie Forbidden Dance. Check Cory's website. TOTALLY AMAZING! CHECK HER OUT ONSTAGE!!!!
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By: Miss Missionary on 5/20/2009 7:22AM
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrae-Crouch/52529391635?sid=401cce48b315206b4d22eb6a407c9856&ref=search
Come visit Andrae Crouch's Facebook Fan Page.
Sign up today and send him your love and help to pray for his healing! Thank you and God bless you!!!
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