Vickie Winans and Cece Winans are two of the most famous gospel singers in the world. They have both won multiple awards and accolades for their music and ministry. But are they related by blood or by marriage? And how did they become part of the legendary Winans family? In this article, we will explore the history and relationship of these two amazing women.
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Who is Vickie Winans?
Vickie Winans was born as Viviane Bowman on October 18, 1953, in Michigan. She is the seventh of twelve children of Aaron Bowman and Mattie A. Bowman, who were devout Christians and churchgoers. She began singing in church at the age of eight, and as a teenager, she sang with a group called the International Sounds of Deliverance. According to Wikipedia, her siblings include Beverly Bouldes, Sandi Tyler, Irma Crockett, Annette Tharpe, Aaron Bowman Jr. (deceased), Carleen Riley, Cathy Williams, Mary Sturdivant, Bryan Bowman, Lorne Bowman, and Tim Bowman.
Vickie has been married three times and has three sons. Her first husband was Bishop Ronald E. Brown of Faith Tabernacle Deliverance Temple in South Carolina. They had a son named Mario Brown, who later became a successful singer and producer under the name Mario Winans. Her second husband was Marvin Winans of the gospel group The Winans. They had a son named Marvin Jr., who is also a singer and songwriter. Her third husband was businessman Joe McLemore, who died in 2018.
Vickie started her solo career in 1987 with the album Be Encouraged, which was a major gospel hit. She has since released several albums and singles, such as Total Victory, Share the Laughter, How I Got Over, Woman to Woman: Songs of Life, and Shake Yourself Loose. She has also appeared in movies, plays, and television shows, such as The Gospel Live, The Parkers, Sunday Best, and The Rickey Smiley Show. She is known for her powerful vocals, comedic style, and inspirational messages.
Who is Cece Winans?
Cece Winans was born as Priscilla Marie Winans on October 8, 1964, in Michigan. She is the eighth of ten children of David “Pop” Winans Sr. and Delores “Mom” Winans, who were also devout Christians and churchgoers. She began singing in church with her siblings at a young age, and as a teenager, she joined a group called The Testimonial Singers. According to Wikipedia, her siblings include David II, Ronald (deceased), Marvin, Carvin, Michael Sr., Daniel Sr., Benjamin “BeBe”, Angelique Winans-Caldwell, and Debra Renee Winans-Lowe.
Cece married Alvin Love Jr., a pastor and businessman, in 1984. They have two children: Ashley Love and Alvin Love III. They are also the founders of Nashville Life Church in Tennessee.
Cece started her professional career in 1982 with her brother BeBe as part of The PTL Singers on the Christian television show The PTL Club. They later formed a duo called BeBe & CeCe Winans and released several albums and singles, such as Heaven, Different Lifestyles, First Christmas, Relationships, and Still. They have also collaborated with other artists such as Whitney Houston , Stevie Wonder , Luther Vandross , and Anita Baker . They have won several awards and accolades for their music and ministry.
Cece also pursued a solo career in 1995 with the album Alone in His Presence , which won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album . She has since released several albums and singles , such as Everlasting Love , Alabaster Box , Throne Room , Purified , Let Them Fall in Love , and Believe for It . She has also appeared in movies , plays , and television shows , such as Living Single , Doc , Touched by an Angel , VeggieTales , Greenleaf , and The Passion . She is known for her smooth vocals , elegant style , and uplifting messages .
Vickie Winans and Cece Winans are not biologically related , but they are former in-laws . Vickie married Marvin Winans in 1978 , and Cece is Marvin’s younger sister . They were both part of a group called Winans Part II , which also included BeBe Winans and Daniel Winans , who are Marvin and Cece’s brothers . However , the group never took off as BeBe and Cece left to join The PTL Singers . Vickie and Marvin divorced in 1995 after 16 years of marriage .
Despite their divorce , Vickie and Marvin remained on good terms and continued to support each other’s careers and ministries . Vickie also maintained a close relationship with Cece and the rest of the Winans family . She even performed with Cece at the 2016 Essence Festival in New Orleans . Vickie and Cece have both expressed their love and respect for each other as sisters in Christ and as gospel legends .
Conclusion
Vickie Winans and Cece Winans are two of the most influential and successful gospel singers of all time . They have both made a lasting impact on the music industry and the Christian community with their talents and testimonies . They are not related by blood , but they are related by marriage , by faith , and by friendship . They are both part of the Winans family , which is one of the most prominent and prolific gospel music families in history . They are both examples of grace , joy , and excellence in their personal and professional lives .
