Priscilla Marie “CeCe” Winans was born on October 8, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, into the renowned Winans musical family. As the youngest daughter of gospel singers David “Pop” Winans Sr. and Delores “Mom” Winans, she absorbed music and faith from a very young age. Growing up as the eighth of ten children in a household brimming with talent, she began singing in church settings during childhood.
In 1984, CeCe teamed up with her older brother BeBe Winans to form
the gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans. They released their debut album, Lord
Lift Us Up, followed by several others—most notably, the multi-platinum Different
Lifestyles. The duo achieved mainstream success with crossover R&B hits
like “Lost Without You” and “Addictive Love”, earning them
multiple Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Awards.
Solo Breakthrough: Alone
in His Presence and Beyond
CeCe launched her solo career in 1995 with Alone in His
Presence, a live worship album that achieved over a million in sales.
It earned her a Grammy and two Dove Awards, cementing her status as a vocalist
of profound impact.
She went on to release a succession of acclaimed solo records:
- Everlasting Love (1998, Gold-certified, featuring “Well Alright” and “Slippin'”)
- Alabaster Box (1999) – debut on her own PureSprings Gospel label
- Throne Room (2003) – live worship outing after recovering from illness
- Purified (2005) – featuring nephew Mario Winans and son Alvin III
- Let Them Fall in Love (2017) – earned two Grammys
Iconic Hits &
Major Collaborations
- “Count On Me” (1996 duet with Whitney Houston)
hit the Top 10 on Pop, R&B, and AC charts—2 million copies sold.
- Her albums consistently topped
Gospel and Christian charts, blending contemporary R&B, worship, and
traditional gospel styles.
Awards, Honors &
Cultural Impact
CeCe is one of gospel music’s most decorated artists:
- Grammy Awards: 17 wins - the most for any female
gospel artist
- GMA Dove Awards: 31 wins
- Stellar Awards: 19 wins
- NAACP Image Awards: 7 wins
- She’s been inducted into the Gospel
Music Hall of Fame, the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of
Fame, and owns stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Nashville’s
Music City Walk of Fame.
Recent Projects & Live Worship
CeCe remains a force in gospel circles. In 2021, she released Believe
For It (live), featuring the smash title single - spawning Dove and Grammy
wins. Her latest album, More Than This (2024), topped charts and earned
a Grammy at the 2025 ceremony—the track “That’s My King” captured
critical acclaim.
Authorship & Ministry Leadership
Beyond music, CeCe has written four books—including On a Positive Note
(2000), Throne Room (2004), and Always Sisters (2007)—sharing
lessons in spirituality and sisterhood. In 2012, she co-founded Nashville
Life Church in Brentwood, Tennessee with her husband Alvin Love II, where
she serves as co-pastor.
Personal Life &
Family
CeCe married Alvin Love II on June 23, 1984. Together they have two
children—Alvin Love III (also a gospel artist) and daughter Ashley Marie Love.
The family lives in Brentwood and leads a life deeply rooted in faith, family,
and community involvement.
Legacy &
Influence
With over 27 million albums sold worldwide, CeCe Winans continues
to be a beacon of worship and inspiration. Her
fusion of gospel authenticity with contemporary appeal set an enduring
standard, bridging cultural and musical boundaries. Beyond her music, her
pastoral work and literary voice echo her vision: uplifting lives and fostering
spiritual growth across generations.
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