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BeBe and CeCe Winans: Welcome Back

October 17 2009, Gail Mitchell, Billboard

If the exuberant audience reaction to BeBe & CeCe Winans' recent live performance on Steve Harvey's syndicated radio morning show is any indication, the gospel duo still has the touch. And with the single "Close to You" notching its fourth week at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart (also No. 11 on Adult R&B), the welcome mat is primed for the arrival of the pair's aptly titled new album, "Still."

Released Oct. 6, "Still" is BeBe & CeCe's first album in 15 years. It also doubles as the first project on the siblings' independent label, B&C Records, in association with Malaco Records. Signed to Capitol in the late '80s, BeBe & CeCe—members of Detroit's legendary gospel family the Winans—logged several gospel and R&B crossover hits ("Lost Without You," "Addictive Love," "I'll Take You There"), gold albums (including "Heaven") and a host of industry awards.

Opting to take a break, the pair pursued successful solo careers. By the time the idea of reuniting crossed their minds, 15 years had elapsed. But with the help of manager and album co-producer Ron Gillyard of Strategic Artists Management and Lionel Ridenour, head of Malaco Records' urban music division, the reunion became a reality.

"We didn't sit down and say, 'We're coming back in 15 years,' " BeBe says with a laugh. "This wasn't planned." CeCe adds, "By the time we finally got everything [the label and album] done, we realized how long it had been."

While the industry has changed radically since 1994, the duo's natural chemistry remains intact. Working with longtime producer Keith Thomas and others including Warryn Campbell, Percy Bady and Mario Winans, the intent was, in CeCe's words, "to be who we are but also current to gain new fans." Overall, the pair followed its tried-and-true formula: heartfelt spiritual songs about life that can stand the test of time. In fact, BeBe penned the soulful "Close" several years ago.

"When I put it away, I said then that if we did another album, this would be the first single," BeBe recalls. A second single, "Grace," is being promoted to gospel radio.

To further spread the word about "Still," BeBe & CeCe are traveling the radio, TV, online and print circuit, including "The Oprah Winfrey Show" (during which BeBe introduced "Oprah's Karaoke Challenge"), AOL Black Voices, the Associated Press and the "Yolanda Adams Morning Show." A national tour is being planned for 2010.

"Our intention has always been to record the best music we can," BeBe says. "After that, we sit back and watch what God does."

Click here to purchase Still