Soul-tinged Detroit gospel duo earned crossover success in the '80s & '90s.
Although the general listening public can be inclusive and accepting, it's still a tough trick to achieve real crossover fame. Sibling singing duo Bebe & Cece Winans pulled it off, enjoying immense popularity amongst the CCM crowd for their uplifting, faith-based R&B songs, but consistently winning over fans of urban contemporary and pop music. Born in Detroit to a big, music-loving family (their four brothers are The Winans, another hugely popular gospel-soul act), the duo were something of an overnight sensation, releasing their first album in 1987 to great accolades. They were a consistent chart presence over the course of the following nine years, picking up several Grammy and Dove awards as well. In 1996, they split to pursue what would be successful solo careers.




