BeBe CeCe

BeBe and CeCe Winans, known for their R&B flavored brand of gospel are set to release their first new studio album since 1994's "Relationships" early next year. Known for breaking ground for R&B and Contemporary-styled Gospel, BeBe and CeCe Winans are set to pick up where they left off. "I love singing with Bebe, we have a great time on stage, in the studio. ... We have a great time, we do what we do, and so, it's not something that's weird, I think I'm more at home with that than even by myself" says CeCe Winans. Even though their albums have been certified platinum and gold over the years, the Winans' music had been scrutinized for being too close to secular, R&B and pop music. With lyrics like "I'm lost without you, so don't ever go away" the group's genre-crossing romantic ballads felt the brunt of criticism from traditional gospel singers and fans, which became accepted later in their career, ushering in a movement of Contemporary Gospel singers. Groups like Mary Mary and Trin-I-tee 5:7, in addition to solo artists like Deitrick Haddon, Tye Tribbett and Dave Hollister have all benefitted from CeCe and BeBe Winans' success. Today, the Winans' are busy putting finishing touches on their new album. Currently untitled, the effort is slated to be released early next year with a tour to follow. Though CeCe Winans says she'll be singing until she "takes her last breath," her passion for helping young women will always play a major role in her career. Last year she released a devotional journal for young women titled "Always Sisters: Becoming the Princess You Were Created to Be." "I could do these girls' conferences full-time, because it's just life-changing. When you take out time and you see those faces and you see the encouragement, and you get them to realize who they are and whose they are, it's just nothing else compared to that to me."