Posted in: Gospel by deedee on March 23rd, 2008 | 2 Comments
Two modern gospel divas, their early years, their musical background, their beliefs, and their rise to prominence.
The Story Behind Their Music
Since the early 1950’s gospel music has been developing into one of the world’s best loved musical genres. From Tommy Dorsey (known as The Father of Gospel), to Mahalia Jackson, to The Five Blind Boys, to Albertina Walker, to the Staple Singers, gospel music has appealed to people from all walks of life. Responding to the times in which we live, modern gospel music tends to have more of a contemporary feel than the traditional gospel music of the 50’s and 60’s.
Among the most famous contemporary gospel divas are Cece Winans and Yolanda Adams. But why are they so popular, and how did they get their start? For the answers to these questions, and others you may have, read on.
Cece Winans is one of the world’s most recognized gospel divas. Best known for her sopranic vocal stylings on such albums as, “Heaven” and “Different Lifestyles” (both duets with brother Bebe); and “Alone in His Presence”, in 1995, Cece’s first taste of singing came when she sang in her church choir as a young girl. Born Priscilla Winans, Cece is the eighth of ten children born to Delores & David Winans, affectionately known as Mom & Pop Winans, of the world-famous Winans family, America’s first family of gospel.
Cece’s singing career began when as a college freshman, she and brother Bebe were chosen to sing background vocals for the PTL (Praise the Lord) Club. Bebe and Cece’s first single for the show was, “Lord Lift Us Up”. Another single followed entitled, “Feels Like Heaven with You”. The success of these singles led to four album recordings including, “Heaven” and “Different Lifestyles”. “Different Lifestyles” which included such hits as “Addictive Love”, “Its OK”, “I’ll Take You There”, and the title track, proved to be very popular, and earned the duo a Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel album in 1991.
After the duo’s split in 1995, Cece recorded her first solo album entitled, “Alone in His Presence”, which featured upbeat, traditional songs and garnered her a Grammy and two Dove Awards, including Best Female Vocalist. The diva’s next effort, “Everlasting Love” (1998), contained more of an R&B feel, due to Cece’s determination to appeal to a younger audience.
Evette June 9th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Great, informative article!
clafleur July 31st, 2009 at 3:39 pm
You picked 3 good ones to speak about. I just dropped by to check out your work.