At home with CeCe Winans

Ebony, Nov, 1998 by Lynn Norment

CECE Winans comes to the door of her home wearing blackjeans and shirt, white sneakers and a big, bright smile. Gracious and glowing, she exudes the warmth for which she is known in the entertainment industry. She's been in the spotlight since a kid in Detroit, but today there is no glitz and glamor, just CeCe at home with her husband and children.

For CeCe Winans, home holds the love and happiness that sustains her during her travels to spread her feel-good message through her passionate, soulful music. The eighth of 10 children born to David and Delores Winans, head of the Winans singing dynasty, CeCe (with brother BeBe) released her first album in 1984, and the duo became a gospel sensation whose music was embraced by pop and urban radio as well as gospel. CeCe and BeBe won eight Grammy Awards and countless accolades for expanding gospel music to new audiences. In addition, CeCe became the first Black woman to win the coveted "female vocalist of the year" Dove Award.

In 1995, CeCe got rave reviews for her solo debut, and this year her second solo CD, Everlasting Love (on the Pioneer label), reached the No. 1 spot on gospel charts and extended her reach into the urban R&B music market. The percolating "Well, Alright" appeals to diverse audiences, as do the silky smooth "Slippin'," the Afro-Caribbean-flavored "Feel the Spirit," the tender love song "Just Come," and the breezy "What About You."

Winans says her music is influenced by the gospel, R&B and jazz she grew up with. "On any album of mine, you're going to find something in each of those categories," she says while sitting at the chic glass-top breakfast table. "I just love good music, music with a positive message."

Winans and her husband of 14 years, Alvin L. Love II, made their home in Forest Hills, an upscale community in southwest Nashville, after repeated business trips to the music meccea. Their 20-room mansion is perched on a wooded hillside in a sprawling, gated community. Double glass doors open into a two-story foyer with a fabulous chandelier and double-winding stair-cases with iron rails. To the right is the dining room; to the left is a cozy study with fireplace. Straight ahead through an archway is the spacious living room with a fireplace, two-story ceiling and a spectacular wall of windows that look out onto the swimming pool, patio and woods beyond.

Through an entrance off the living room is a large, open area that includes a spacious, well-appointed kitchen, a breakfast table and a television area with a black leather sofa and love seat. The master bedroom suite and laundry room also are located on this floor.

On the lower level is a billiards room with walls covered with framed posters and photographs of CeCe and Alvin with various celebrity friends and several with President Clinton. It is dominated by a glamor shot of CeCe's good friend, Whitney Houston. ("We're like sisters," says CeCe. "We laugh forever, have a good time.") The opposite wall holds CeCes numerous gold and platinum records.

There's also an exercise room ("I don't get in there as often as I should," CeCe comments.) and a home theater. The four-car garage can be accessed from this floor. CeCe had an elevator installed to make it easier for her parents to get around the house from the guest room with private bath.

Another guest room is on the top floor, along with the children's suites and classroom. CeCe and Alvin pondered long before deciding on home-schooling for Ashley, 11, and Alvin, 13. "These are the years that I need watch them the most," says CeCe, wanted the children available to travel with her. "They're going through little [adolescent] changes; they're growing up, and it's real important I'm not away from them for long periods of time. Sometimes I want to make them go with me whether they want to or not. Home-schooling has allowed me to do that."

It also has allowed Ashley and Alvin, both of whom are bright, well-mannered and outgoing, to pursue their interests in the arts. "They love dancing, singing and acting," says CeCe. "Alvin's been doing commercials since he was a toddler. He had a part in Oliver, and Ashley was in Annie. They love being on stage."

CeCe has no problem with her children pursuing show business. "That's what they love," says the proud mother. "I just want them to have God first in their lives because I know how important that is. I'm straight-up with them. It's not an easy life; it's a very competitive life. I've never worried about my competition because I believe in what God has given me, and nobody can beat me being me. If it [show business] is in their hearts, it is important that they find their purpose and calling in life."

Winans says she loves the location of their home because it is near the airport, the mall and other places the children like to go, yet it affords privacy and has an aura of seclusion.

Home is also a short drive from Born Again Church, where she and the family are active members. The children sing in the choir and participate in church plays. Alvin is a trustee, and CeCe is part of the Praise and Worship Team. She says it was important to find a church home where she simply would be Sister Priscilla Love. "The church was an important stabilizer in my life as a young person," she says. "It was important to find a place where my children could feel that same thing."