Bebe Winans Biography

Benjamin "BeBe" Winans (born September 17, 1962) is an American gospel and R&B singer from Detroit, Michigan, recognized for his significant contributions to contemporary gospel music. He is a member of the prominent Winans family, known for producing several successful gospel artists. He achieved early recognition as part of a duo with his sister, CeCe Winans, performing as background vocalists on the television series "The PTL Club." Together, they released four successful albums: "BeBe & CeCe Winans," "Heaven," "Different Lifestyles," and "Relationships."

In the mid-1990s, Winans launched his solo career, releasing his self-titled debut album, "BeBe Winans." This was followed by several other albums, including "Love & Freedom" (2000), "Live and Up Close" (2002), "Dream" (2005), and "Cherch" (2007). Among his notable singles are "All of Me," "In Harm?? Way," "Do You Know Him," and "Love Me Anyway."

His third solo album, "Dream," released in 2007, featured the single "I Have A Dream," which included samples of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech. The album cover notably depicted BeBe in front of a street sign bearing King's name. He also recorded "Miracle of Love," a duet with Angie Stone included in the soundtrack for "The Passion of the Christ."

Throughout his career, Winans has collaborated with various artists, including Marvin Winans, Sandi Patty, and country artists Willie Nelson and Toby Keith. He contributed tracks for film soundtracks, including "Stay With Me" for "The Prince of Egypt" and "I?? Going Up" for "White Men Can?? Jump." He performed at notable events, such as the 2003 "Women Rock" benefit for breast cancer, alongside Anastacia, and the Alma Awards in 2008.

In addition to his music career, Winans has been active as a radio host, currently leading "The BeBe Winans Radio Show," which is nationally syndicated. He has also starred on Broadway, notably in "The Color Purple," where he played Harpo in 2008. Winans has served as a judge on BET's gospel music competition show "Sunday Best" and participated in a remake of "We Are the World" to benefit Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

In his creative pursuits, he authored a memoir titled "The Whitney I Knew" in 2012, reflecting on his close friendship with the late Whitney Houston. As of March 2025, Winans achieved his third number-one hit on Billboard's Gospel Airplay chart with "Father In Heaven (Right Now)" alongside Gerald Albright, adding to his legacy in gospel music. He previously topped the chart with "In Jesus Name" in 2021 and "He Promised Me" in 2018, as well as with CeCe Winans for "Close to You" in 2009.