print: Cece Winans - Interview (July 2006) on BlackGospel.com, Your Music Ministry Source!

Interview with Cece Winans
July 2006, BlackGospel.com by Christopher Heron

It’s easy to refer to CeCe Winans as a sweet songbird sent from Heaven. Her tender voice and presence are constant reminders of her anointed gift for witnessing as a psalmist. As an ambassador for Jesus, a diligent diplomat for the Kingdom, CeCe Winans has been setting the agenda for worship and praise for so many years, it’s easy to forget that she’s a veteran artist deserving of a worthy pension.

In recent times, Mrs. Winans-Love has also earned the respect and admiration of her peers in the industry as a very competent and shrewd record label owner for Pure Springs Gospel. With Gold and Platinum selling albums under her belt, Grammy awards on her shelf and a roster of anointed, uncompromising artists all working in tandem, the story couldn’t unfold much better with the help of professional screenwriters.

Still, it appears as though the First Lady of Christian music is being pulled in yet another direction, that of a conference planner. Yes, CeCe Winans is finding fulfillment and fervor as the chief coordinator of the exceedingly special Always Sisters Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee (August 4-5). This very specific conference aims to enlighten, empower and enrich the lives of women, particularly young women, through the expertise and experience of women and men who love and respect their women.

BLACKGOSPEL.COM spoke with our angel on earth whose heart for service is huge. Our exclusive conversation with CeCe revealed a range of interests she holds, from her special conference to her favorite CD last year, from her new artist – Marcus Cole – to her the disheartening loss of her brother, Ron Winans. CeCe was candid, colorful and always kind in sharing generous servings of her warm spirit. It is our hope you will be blessed by our special feature this week.

Christopher Heron: Apart from being an acclaimed recording artist, label owner, mother and wife, you have emerged on the scene as an amazing conference planner that brings together a number of impressive personalities to reach and teach women. Could you give us a little insight on what inspired you to host this kind of conference annually? And how did this become such a special ministry that you felt called to host?

CeCe Winans: Well, when I started out as a recording artist, I was quite young. I was probably about 17 years old. And over the years, I’ve always received mail from young people in general, but especially young women and young girls. It never stopped. The older I got, the more I received. And so, when you hear their stories and understand what they’ve been through, what their goals and aspirations are, they begin to look up to you and they ask for advice.

Within the last 10-15 years, I’ve been thinking about doing something for their needs. I just didn’t know what it would be and didn’t know when the time would be right. About 7 years ago, I started traveling with a wonderful organization called Women of Faith. It’s a women’s conference that’s just for two days. And it was just so refreshing to be a part of this event. Even though I was singing, I enjoyed the speakers; we laughed, we cried. You really left there with great tools to live victorious lives as women.

I knew then, that this was something I would do in the future, to start a conference, but it would be geared towards young girls, because I’ve always had a ministry that, for some reason, affected young women. After last year, I knew I didn’t want to wait any longer. I felt a heavy burden that I didn’t do this conference start last year. Even as we were planning, we decided to cancel it at first because of Hurricane Katrina. But after the hurricane, I said, “You know what, if I only get two or three girls to come, if I could change two or three lives, then it’s worth it.”

We had over seven hundred women attend. We had to refuse individuals because we only had a small conference room, but it was the most incredible two days. We had great speakers and the women were blessed. I know their lives are changed forever. We wanted each woman to realize who they were and how priceless that is. We want to give each person tools to live successful lives in matters that they are going through. The God we serve is able to give them the strength they need to accomplish what He has called them to accomplish.

This year, we have room for five thousand attendees. We took a huge leap of faith, but we’ve already surpassed the amount of registrants we had last year. We are so excited about what God is getting ready to do. We have some incredible speakers. We have great people who are just coming because they want to be a part of this event to help out. We’re going to have a great time; it’s going to be awesome.

CH: Has this event – Always Sisters Annual Conference - surpassed all your other responsibilities and interests? When you compare it to your role as artist, label owner, mother and wife?

CW: Nothing will ever surpass being a wife or a mom. That’s my first calling from the Lord, to be a good wife, a great mom, assisting all my relationships. God has called me to be that, first. When it comes to the others - singing is apart of me. I’ll always sing, but I do have to admit that the passion that I have for this conference is probably surpassing everything else. That’s what’s was so incredible. After those two days during the conference last year, I realized I could do this full-time and if God says the same, then maybe we will, as a family.

During the conference, we have concerts; so, it’s something we can do; we can always incorporate the other things that we do. Touching those girls one by one, talking about issues that will affect their lives, their future is so crucial right now with what they’re facing. Between what women have to deal with on television, the internet and peer pressure, it’s really important that we really grab each young woman and give them the tools they’re going to need to make it in this world.

CH: I’m sure that a number of the speakers you will be showcasing this year are both women and men who are friends of yours, as well as individuals you admire and who you believe would something to bring to this special conference. Could you share with us your line-up?

CW: We have Kierra KiKi Sheard, Lisa McClendon, The Katinas, Ruth Graham, Billy Graham’s daughter who is so awesome. Oh my God, she’s so rich. We have a special session for the mothers this year. My mom is going to be a part of that. We have Flex Alexander from the UPN comedy show, One on One. We always have a special session called Girls From a Brother’s Point of View. Kirk Franklin hosted it last year and he was incredible. He talked about what guys think about and how girls should carry themselves and if you don’t care, what they will think about you. It was just so real.

We are not trying to do another conference just to do another conference, but we are really trying to hit serious issues. Last year, we had Carolyn Pineda (Jenkins) speak who is incredible. If anybody hasn’t heard of her, you need to pick up her book. It’s called Preaching With AIDS. I didn’t realize that so many of our women were infected with AIDS; they are living with AIDS. We dealt with that issue and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. It was incredible. Of course, we are preaching about prevention; not to go that route, but to sustain and have hope. They need to realize that God can still work out any situation and Carolyn’s life is a testimony to that. She is coming again this year. From a Father’s Point of View, I had my pastor speak last year. We’ll also have a dynamic preacher from Ohio speaking on this topic, Pastor R.A. Vernon. So many of our women are in situations where there is no father in the home.

CH: Your label – Pure Springs Gospel – recently signed and will release a new album featuring its newest artist, former lead singer for Commissioned, Marcus Cole. Those who are acquainted with his voice will conclude that he is a special singer. But why did Pure Springs Gospel decide to add him to its roster of artists?

CW: Marcus has a heart for God. Representatives from the company met with him. My husband and I have met with him. And you can tell he’s sincere. His music really touches your heart. You know, I love female vocalists but there’s nothing like a man worshipping God. It’s a powerful testimony. He’s an awesome young man that’s going to extend the Kingdom with the gift that God has given him.

CH: Earlier this year, you were the recipient of two more Grammy Awards, which must have been very gratifying and humbling when you consider that 2005 was a banner year for album releases from many of your peers and friends in the industry. I’m curious to know what some of your favorite releases were last year. And what albums were you commonly spinning in your CD player from 2005?

CW: First of all, receiving the two Grammy awards for the album, Purified, was awesome! The album is so different from my previous album, Throne Room. Purified is what I consider an easy listening album with something on there for everyone. The album really emphasizes love relationships. So many of us say, “We love God” but we don’t love

one another. Our homes are being torn apart, there are so many divorces. The CD was aiming toward emphasizing love and to encourage people to treasure their relationships and how God feels about relationships. So, people are getting the message. I’m hearing the testimonies. And I’m excited about that.

As for last year, we had so much great Gospel music. It was incredible! May Mary had an incredible album! I think they are the best! It doesn’t come any better than that. Their CD was awesome. Kirk Franklin’s Hero CD is awesome. Donnie’s (Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs) is incredible. There were so many great albums featuring so many styles. Shirley Caesar was rapping (laughs). It doesn’t get any better than that. That’s timeless. I love to hear variety. I love to hear choirs. I loved Donald Lawrence’s last CD. There were great female and male soloists featured last year. I think there was some great music. I love it all and I have it all in my car. Juanita Bynum released her album and it was just great music. It’s exciting to see where Gospel music is headed.

CH: Last year, Gospel fans experienced the loss of one its greatest ambassadors in Ron Winans, your brother and friend. What will be some of your fondest memories about Ron Winans, the artist versus Ron Winans, your big brother?

CW: He will never be forgotten because even though he was my big brother, he was my baby. From the time I entered into this world, he always encouraged me. He would make me sing when I didn’t want to sing. He pushed me when I didn’t want to be pushed, so he has a lot to do with what I’m doing today. He attended my DVD recording even though he wasn’t feeling well, just to encourage me and tell me he was praying for me and that he was proud of me. What he meant to me as a brother is priceless and I’ll never forget it. I’ll continue to draw from the strength he gave me.

As a musician, he’ll always be remembered. The Winans (Marvin, Ron, Carvin & Michael) did something that nobody else ever did. Even today, many artists you’d never think knew The Winans are attempting to pattern themselves after that group. They had such great songs. They were embraced by the whole world. They had the crossover appeal without compromising their faith. What can I say? Ron Winans is a part of what Gospel music meant. He was an artist who sang with such passion. He didn’t have a lot of range. He didn’t do a lot of riffs but when he sang, you felt it. Things moved and shifted when he sang. I just love him. We miss him.

Some days, it hits me real hard and I’m crying and then I’m worshipping God for who Ron Winans was and what he meant in our lives. Whenever you go through a hard trial, God reveals himself in a different way. I had never lost a sibling and I never want to lose another one after Ron. But God has been faithful and carried us all through this time of grief.

CH: Finally, I wanted to know your future plans. Having accomplished the role of label exec, artist and conference planner, what are your great ambitions for the future? Are you mentoring any new artists? Are you giving any thought to being a pastor?

CW: What! (Laughs) What did you say?!

CH: Would you consider the role to shepherd a flock?

CW: (Big laugh) Oh Lord. I just want to be where God wants me to be. People have mentioned so many things to me and my husband. As far as the role of a pastor, I always have to smile when I hear that. But I’m at the point in my life where I’m just totally surrendered. I don’t know what the next thing is but I know I just want to be in the center of His will. I’m excited about the Always Sisters Conference. I know Jesus is coming soon, so whatever we do, we have to do it quickly. So, I must be in the center of His will. And that’s really how my whole life has worked. People will frequently ask me, “How did you plan this or that” but I didn’t plan it. I always sought the Lord to lead and guide me.

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Now, when I look back, I am in awe. I never used to think about even talking in front of people. Now, I’m singing and talking in front of people. I’m an example of what God will do if you say, “Yes” to His will. My talent isn’t so great. I hear people sing better than me every day but He’s anointed me to do what He’s called me to do. So, I don’t know what’s next. I’ll be touring with Donnie (McClurkin) this fall. I get to team up with my brother, BeBe at the end of the year, when we go to Africa. So, we’re hoping that the Lord will allow us to get back into the studio at least one more time, together. So, please pray for me because I don’t know what’s next (laughs).

For more information on CeCe Winans, visit her official website at www.cecewinans.com. For more information on her conference, Always Sisters 2^nd Annual Conference, visit the official website at www.alwayssisters.com.