CeCe and BeBe Winans open up about what has kept them grounded for over 40 years and how gospel music still reaches hearts for Christ today.



Legacy, faith, and the power of gospel music in their decades long career spanning over 40 years.

"You navigate biblical truth by continuing to spend time in the Bible. It's a contagion," CeCe, 60, who has won 17 Grammy Awards, told The Christian Post. "You never arrive. You just continue to learn about Jesus and allow Him to mold you and shape you so that we can look like Him."

"It's an ongoing relationship with Christ that keeps you focused, helps you not to grow weary in doing well, and to make sure that your life pleases Him. Then your music will follow."

The Winans siblings will be hosting the 40th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on Aug. 16, celebrating four decades of honoring gospel music's sound and spiritual influence. Additionally, CeCe was nominated for eight awards, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.

"I'm humbled by it, but the Stellar Awards … gave us a chance," she told CP. "Years and years ago, they opened up doors for us. So to be back and to be recognized by our peers is an honor."

Reflecting on the 40th anniversary of the awards show, BeBe described the event, dubbed "Gospel Music's Greatest Night," as a spiritual milestone.

"I think with time comes not only appreciation, but understanding of what you've been called to do," he said. "You come into a maturity, such a place in your life, where you understand the importance of what you do, and that God has a plan for you for the rest of your life. And you just learn how to say 'yes' and follow."

Meanwhile, Cece contended that the future of gospel music must stay connected to its spiritual roots.

"Our prayer, and I'm sure I can speak for BeBe, is the same as it's always been," CeCe said. "That gospel music will continue to spread and to reach those who are outside of the church, to bring them in. That's the whole goal: to reach people for Christ, to reach them with the love of God, the peace of God."

When it came to the context of the church, she said that worship should be a force for unity.

"If we continue to unify and give God praise, then the world will see who He is through us. …Even if you're not a believer, you can enjoy gospel music. We just want that to continue."

BeBe also echoed the same sentiments.

"Our music and gospel music is an invitation to the world to come in. At the same time, it is an encouragement for those who are there to continue to believe, continue to trust, and continue to love God, and then go out and do the same."

The year's show also features Pastor Mike Jr., Jason Nelson, and Tamela Mann, all of whom are nominees for Artist of the Year, and performances from Adia, Donnie McClurkin, Dottie Peoples, Jekalyn Carr, Jason Nelson, Lisa Page Brooks, MAJOR., Melvin Crispell III, Pastor Mike Jr., Pastor Mike Todd & Transformation Worship, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Tramaine Hawkins and William Murphy.

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