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| CeCe Winans | |
|---|---|
| Name | CeCe Winans |
| Birth name | Priscilla Marie Winans |
| Birth date | 8 October 1964 |
| Birth place | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Genres | Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Soul |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, record producer, pastor |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Labels | PureSprings Gospel, Sparrow, Atlantic Records |
| Associated acts | BeBe Winans, Winans family |
CeCe Winans is an American gospel singer, songwriter, and recording artist known for her influential contributions to gospel, contemporary Christian music, and soul. Emerging from the prominent Winans family and the Detroit music scene, she achieved crossover success on Billboard charts and earned multiple Grammy Awards. Winans has also founded a record label and engaged in ministry and philanthropic endeavors.
Born Priscilla Marie Winans in Detroit, Michigan, she is one of ten children of David Winans Sr. and Delores Winans. She grew up in the Renaissance Center era of Detroit amid a household steeped in Church of God in Christ worship music and the regional traditions of Motown and Detroit blues. Winans attended local schools in Wayne County and developed early performance experience with family ensembles at New Bethel Baptist Church and community events associated with NAACP activities and faith-based outreach. Her formative years included exposure to artists and institutions such as Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland, and touring ministry circuits linked to Gospel Music Workshop of America events.
Winans launched her recording career with duets and appearances on projects connected to Sparrow and the emerging contemporary gospel industry. She rose to prominence as part of a duo with her brother BeBe Winans, releasing albums that charted on Billboard 200 and the Gospel Albums chart. Transitioning to a solo career, she recorded albums that combined influences from R&B, contemporary Christian, and traditional gospel, collaborating with producers and musicians associated with Atlantic Records, Interscope, and independent gospel labels. Her studio albums reached audiences across United States, United Kingdom, and Nigeria, and singles received airplay on urban radio, Christian radio, and adult contemporary formats. Winans' work intersected with events such as the Stellar Awards, GMA Dove Awards, and televised programs including The Tonight Show and Oprah Winfrey Show.
In addition to the sibling duo with BeBe Winans, she has performed with members of the wider Winans family collective and appeared on recordings with artists from diverse scenes, including Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Garth Brooks, and Donnie McClurkin. She participated in ensemble projects alongside performers affiliated with Motown Records, Capitol Records, and Verity Records, and contributed vocals to soundtracks for film and television productions tied to Gospel music workshop of America gatherings and BET specials. Winans has been a featured guest at festivals and concerts produced by organizations such as World Vision, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and Christian Music Broadcasters events, and she has joined collaborative studio sessions with producers linked to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and the Nile Rodgers camp.
Winans married former NFL player and evangelical minister Marty Crabtree; they later divorced. She is the mother of twin sons, and her extended family includes siblings such as BeBe Winans, Marvin Winans, Carvin Winans, and members of the multi-generational Winans family gospel dynasty. Her family ties connect to institutions like Perfecting Church and ministry networks associated with Detroit area churches and national evangelical gatherings. Personal relationships and pastoral influences include interactions with leaders connected to Bethel Church, Elevation Church, and historic preachers who shaped the contemporary gospel movement, such as T.D. Jakes and Bishop Paul S. Morton.
Winans' career has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Stellar Awards, and GMA Dove Awards. She has been recognized by institutions like the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, BET Honors, and civic bodies in Detroit and Nashville for contributions to gospel music and community service. Her recordings have achieved RIAA certifications and chart placements on the Billboard 200 and Gospel Albums chart, and she has been inducted into halls and honored at ceremonies associated with Black Music Month celebrations and faith-based award events.
Winans founded PureSprings Gospel, an independent label and ministry outlet that supported artists and charitable programming in partnership with organizations such as World Vision, Habitat for Humanity, and local Detroit charities. She has participated in benefit concerts and evangelistic tours connected to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Promise Keepers, and faith-driven relief efforts responding to disasters in regions including Hurricane Katrina-affected areas and international missions in Nigeria and Haiti. Winans has also been active in hosting faith conferences, partnering with ministries and broadcasters associated with TBN, SiriusXM, and national religious networks to promote worship, mentoring, and music education initiatives.
Category:American gospel singers Category:African-American Christians Category:1964 births Category:Living people