Gospel music has played a significant role in the lives of many people since its conception. Its foundation can be traced back to a time of disparity and anguish in our nation, where it brought inspiration and hope to a people who lived a life contrary.

With its rhythmic style and lyrical content, Gospel is a genre of music that one experiences within the very core of their being. And when it is done right, it inspires hope, faith, love, salvation, and much more.

As Gospel took on a new sound in the earlier half of the 20th century, it was deemed “Church” or “Religious” music, sacred from its source; therefore, anything sounding contrary to its traditional rhythmic style and resembling mainstream Pop, R&B, Rock, or Blues was considered…let’s just say…unacceptable!

As the times evolved, younger audiences placed a demand on Gospel music to produce a sound with a rhythmic beat they could dance to. This demand was not met without resistance. For many, straying away from the traditional sound of Gospel disassembled the very fiber of its sacred foundation.

In the CCM magazine article "The History of Gospel Music," Phil Petrie asked this question: “Can [Gospel music] continue to increase its fortune in the mainstream marketplace while still maintaining its spiritual base?”

BeBe and CeCe Winans answered this question with a resounding “YES!”

For those who have no idea who BeBe and CeCe Winans are, they are a brother and sister singing duo who have perfected their harmonies to the point where you feel as though you have arrived in heaven.

Born in a family of Gospel singers, BeBe and CeCe’s lives' course appeared to be mapped out for them. Mom and Pop Winans, the parents of the duo, met in the Lucille Lemon Choir, conducted by Gospel legend James Cleveland, where they were stars in their own right. Once married, the two had ten children, who to this very day impact the Gospel arena with their passion and love for Gospel music and ministry. In many ways, the Winans as a whole could be viewed as The Jacksons of Gospel!

Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, at the peak of Motown, BeBe and CeCe were surrounded by a great deal of musical influences. They began their singing career with the PTL singers while still in high school. After a long stint with the PTL Singers, BeBe and CeCe Winans left the group and signed a recording contract with Sparrow Records to pursue the next level of their musical career. With the aid of producer Keith Thomas, this gospel duo changed the sound of "Church" music altogether. BeBe and CeCe’s debut album, BeBe and CeCe Winans, took on a sound that was more reminiscent of an R&B album than a Gospel one. With ballads of love and up-tempo harmonies, their debut album took the world by storm! The debut placed the duo on the top of the R&B and Inspirational charts. For this album, BeBe and CeCe received nominations at music’s most prestigious award ceremonies, such as the Dove Awards, the Stellar Awards, and even the Grammys!

Their new sound catapulted them into what the world of Gospel calls the mainstream, with releases such as “For Always,” “Heaven,” and “Lost Without You.” They had officially crossed over and established an audience with people from all walks of life.

I remember the first time I heard the duo. Their harmonies were perfect, carrying a message inspiring me to believe in much more. I was so inspired by the vocal style of CeCe Winans, I recall singing one of her songs during one of my pageant performances. Their lyrics and passion behind every note made it clear that they had a personal relationship with Him.

With the release of their sophomore album, Heaven, they accomplished the unthinkable. This album had twelve hit singles, two of which were #1 hits, positioning the pair to become the first Gospel artists to have an album chart at #1 on Billboard’s R&B sales chart! With every album release, BeBe and CeCe Winans witnessed their style of Gospel soar to the top of the R&B charts. And collaborating with the likes of MC Hammer for “The Blood” really got the attention of the R&B and Hip-Hop world.

During the production of their holiday release, First Christmas, BeBe spread his wings and sat in the producer’s seat, which in turn led him to working with Whitney Houston on the production of The Bodyguard movie soundtrack.

From 1987-1995, BeBe and CeCe Winans were known as THE Gospel duo. However, in 1995, the two pursued solo careers. BeBe Winans released six solo albums, while CeCe released eight, all of which earned them major accolades. During this time, BeBe Winans endured a nasty divorce, making media headlines. He also branched out as a judge with Tina and Erica Campbell of Mary Mary on BET’s Sunday Best, hosted by Gospel great Kirk Franklin.

During their solo careers, the two still worked together on a few songs. But when the news hit that the two were back in the studio creating a new album as a duo, it sparked a great deal of excitement.

Releasing Still on their own label, B&C Records, in late 2009 confirmed that BeBe and CeCe Winans still held their title as a dynamic Gospel duo. The album's first single, "Close To You," was released in June of 2009. This single remained at #1 on Gospel radio charts for several consecutive weeks, while the album reached #1 on the Gospel Album charts, #2 on the R&B charts, and #14 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, becoming a career high for the duo.

Keep watching this pair; I have a sneaking suspicion that they will continue to develop and create heavenly harmonies which will inspire many to change.

BeBe and CeCe Winans are currently preparing to tour with some of their family members later this year.