Biography
The Winans helped shape contemporary gospel by adapting the traditions of Black vocal ensembles into an urban contemporary framework. Although not the originators of this approach, they played a pivotal role in its mainstream acceptance, opening doors for many similar acts that followed, among them several branches of their own expansive family. Born and raised in Detroit under a devout and nurturing Christian household, the four brothers Marvin, Carvin, Ronald, and Michael later watched their parents perform as Mom & Pop Winans while other relatives launched projects such as Daniel, Vickie, BeBe & CeCe, Angie & Debbie, and the next-generation ensemble Winans Phase 2. In their twenties the brothers, having already sung together in church choirs, formed a professional quartet. Through a shared acquaintance they met Andraé Crouch, whose influence had broadened gospel’s reach, and he placed them on his Light imprint.
Their first release, Introducing the Winans, arrived in 1981 under Crouch’s production and included the enduring tracks “The Question Is” and “Restoration.” The 1983 album Long Time Comin’ expanded their audience, climbing into the gospel Top Ten and spotlighting the ballad “Long Time Comin’ (Holdin’ On).” Tomorrow, their third effort, also reached the gospel Top Ten; its title song earned the group’s inaugural Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group in 1985. Capitalizing on that momentum, the Winans joined Quincy Jones’ Qwest roster. Their label debut Let My People Go topped the gospel albums chart in 1986 and introduced a prominent duet with Vanessa Bell Armstrong on “Choose Ye.” The album’s title track secured another Grammy, while the quartet collected the first of three consecutive Dove Awards for Best Contemporary Gospel Group. Decision, issued in 1987, likewise claimed the top gospel position and yielded their initial major crossover success through the Anita Baker collaboration “Ain’t No Need to Worry,” which reached the R&B Top 20 and captured a third consecutive Grammy.
After establishing themselves among America’s leading gospel acts, the Winans reduced their output. Beyond the 1988 live recording Live at Carnegie Hall, they remained silent until Return surfaced in 1990. The set achieved gold status, peaked just outside the R&B Top Ten, and featured Stevie Wonder on “Everyday the Same” plus the Teddy Riley-produced “It’s Time,” which climbed to the R&B Top Five. Riley also contributed to the fan favorite “A Friend,” and Kenny G appeared on the single “When You Cry.” All Out, released in 1993, broadened its guest roster with Wayman Tisdale on the single “Payday,” along with R. Kelly, Lalah Hathaway, Ricky Van Shelton, and Kenny Loggins. Although it won a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Album, the project drew less attention from secular listeners than earlier releases. Perhaps in response, the group emphasized gospel roots more directly on the 1995 follow-up Heart & Soul, which returned them to the gospel Top Five. They then paused group activity to pursue separate ministries and interests, resurfacing in 2000 with the holiday collection Christmas: Our Gifts to You. In 2002 Rhino Records issued the 16-track anthology The Very Best of the Winans, prompting an extended family tour that reunited all members on stage for the first time in ten years.
Their first release, Introducing the Winans, arrived in 1981 under Crouch’s production and included the enduring tracks “The Question Is” and “Restoration.” The 1983 album Long Time Comin’ expanded their audience, climbing into the gospel Top Ten and spotlighting the ballad “Long Time Comin’ (Holdin’ On).” Tomorrow, their third effort, also reached the gospel Top Ten; its title song earned the group’s inaugural Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group in 1985. Capitalizing on that momentum, the Winans joined Quincy Jones’ Qwest roster. Their label debut Let My People Go topped the gospel albums chart in 1986 and introduced a prominent duet with Vanessa Bell Armstrong on “Choose Ye.” The album’s title track secured another Grammy, while the quartet collected the first of three consecutive Dove Awards for Best Contemporary Gospel Group. Decision, issued in 1987, likewise claimed the top gospel position and yielded their initial major crossover success through the Anita Baker collaboration “Ain’t No Need to Worry,” which reached the R&B Top 20 and captured a third consecutive Grammy.
After establishing themselves among America’s leading gospel acts, the Winans reduced their output. Beyond the 1988 live recording Live at Carnegie Hall, they remained silent until Return surfaced in 1990. The set achieved gold status, peaked just outside the R&B Top Ten, and featured Stevie Wonder on “Everyday the Same” plus the Teddy Riley-produced “It’s Time,” which climbed to the R&B Top Five. Riley also contributed to the fan favorite “A Friend,” and Kenny G appeared on the single “When You Cry.” All Out, released in 1993, broadened its guest roster with Wayman Tisdale on the single “Payday,” along with R. Kelly, Lalah Hathaway, Ricky Van Shelton, and Kenny Loggins. Although it won a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Album, the project drew less attention from secular listeners than earlier releases. Perhaps in response, the group emphasized gospel roots more directly on the 1995 follow-up Heart & Soul, which returned them to the gospel Top Five. They then paused group activity to pursue separate ministries and interests, resurfacing in 2000 with the holiday collection Christmas: Our Gifts to You. In 2002 Rhino Records issued the 16-track anthology The Very Best of the Winans, prompting an extended family tour that reunited all members on stage for the first time in ten years.
Albums
