The Winans: the Detroit family that changed the sound of gospel music

Their parents had ten children, and almost all of them sang. In Detroit, the Winans family became one of the most influential families in gospel music. Four brothers, performing as The Winans, began recording in the late 1970s and brought a smooth, R&B-influenced sound to gospel. Their younger siblings BeBe and CeCe went on to become international stars.

The family and Andraé Crouch

David “Pop” Winans and Delores “Mom” Winans raised their children in Detroit’s church culture. Music was part of daily life. The Winans group was made up of brothers Marvin, Carvin, Michael and Ronald. They sang close harmonies influenced by soul and R&B. The gospel pioneer Andraé Crouch helped them secure their first recording deal, and their debut album, Introducing the Winans, was released in 1981.

Success and crossover

The group won Grammy awards and released albums through the 1980s and 1990s. Their sound appealed to both church audiences and R&B listeners. They collaborated with mainstream artists, which drew criticism from some traditionalists but expanded gospel’s reach. BeBe and CeCe Winans formed a duo in the 1980s and became one of the most successful acts in contemporary gospel and Christian music. CeCe later became a solo star.

The next generation

Marvin Winans founded Perfecting Church in Detroit, where he serves as pastor. Ronald Winans died in 2005. Members of the next generation, including Mario Winans, a producer and singer, continued the family’s musical legacy. The Winans helped bridge traditional gospel and contemporary styles, influencing artists such as Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond, who played bass for the brothers.

The parents, David and Delores Winans, also recorded gospel music together, and their home was full of rehearsals and church activities.

Grammys, Detroit and faith first

The Winans won Grammy awards in the 1980s, and BeBe and CeCe added many more, making the family one of the most decorated in gospel. Detroit is also home to other gospel families and groups, and the Winans helped make it a major centre of the genre. Their albums included Tomorrow and Decisions. Despite their fame, the family has always described its music as ministry first.

Many families sing together in church. The Winans family carried that sound from a Detroit sanctuary to arenas and Grammy stages.