Monday, October 24, 2011

Gospel duo BeBe and CeCe Winans get star

The brother-and-sister gospel singing duo BeBe CeCe Winans received the 2,452nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday (October 20) honoring a career that has brought them seven chart-topping albums and singles and a combined 15 Grammy Awards.

According to reuters, both siblings spoke at the late-morning ceremony in front of The Music Box on Hollywood Boulevard. They were joined by Quincy Jones and Jazz musician David Koz. The Winans also pulled out microphones and sang for the crowd.

'This is a great honor. I thank my brother and duet partner BeBe for making great music and great memories. It's been an honor, it's been fun, it's been exciting, it's been frustrating, it's been crazy but it's been wonderful. I just thank God. I could not do it without him and the wonderful music that he has written,' said CeCe Winans.

The seventh and eighth of the 10 children of gospel singers Mom and Pop Winans made their debut in 1982 as part of the signing group The PTL Singers on the Christian television show 'The PTL Club.'

Their debut album 'BeBe CeCe Winans' reached 12 on the Billboard gospel charts. A single from the album, 'I.O.U Me,' reached No. 2 on the Christian music charts, while another single, 'For Always,' brought CeCe Winans a Grammy for best female soul gospel performance.

BeBe Winans won his first Grammy in 1988 for best male soul gospel performance for 'Abundant Life.' He won again in the category the following year for 'Meantime.'

They began pursuing solo careers in 1994, with CeCe Winans winning a Grammy in 1995 for best contemporary soul gospel album for 'Alone in His Presence.' She also won Grammys in 2001 for best pop/contemporary gospel album ('CeCe Winans'), in 2005 for best gospel performance ('Pray') and best contemporary soul gospel album ('Purified'); and in 2008 for best pop/contemporary gospel album ('Thy Kingdom Come').

The Winans reunited in 2009 to record the album 'Still,' which topped the gospel charts and won a Grammy as best contemporary RB gospel album.

~ Big Pond News