Born in Detroit, she worked with BeBe in a duo called the PTL Singers until 1987, when they released their self-titled debut album (with vocal contributions from nine members of the family). Four albums followed during the next seven years (two of which hit gold) plus 1991's platinum Different Lifestyles. The duo's success increased as they added more contemporary forms of production -- their two number one R&B singles, "Addictive Love" and "I'll Take You There," both treated spiritual love in fuzzy terms just as conducive to the physical.

After 1994's Relationships, CeCe began recording her first solo album. Released in 1995, Alone in His Presence found her working her way back to traditional gospel, singing standards like "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," "Blessed Assurance," and "I Surrender All." His Gift followed in 1998, and a year later Winans returned with Alabaster Box. Her self-titled follow-up album concentrated on the adult contemporary and R&B markets; it also featured a duet with brother Marvin on the stirring "Bring Back the Days of Yea and Nay." Beginning with 2003's Throne Room, Winans began focusing on worship-oriented albums released through a joint venture between her Pure Springs Gospel label and Epic Records. Purified from 2005 and Thy Kingdom Come from 2008 also benefited from this arrangement, as did 2010's Songs of Emotional Healing and best-of collection For Always: The Best of CeCe Winans. ~ John Bush