Carvin Winans, a key member of the famous Winans gospel group, is excited about his new solo album Cool Gospel. The album, which he believes is his best work so far, features contributions from his family, including his wife and children.
Winans, who has won five Grammy Awards, says that this project was both fun and fulfilling, offering him the chance to work with talented producers and musicians while continuing his family’s musical legacy.
A New Era with Cool Gospel
Cool Gospel, which drops on June 27, blends classic R&B with modern hip-hop beats. The album is filled with spiritually uplifting messages, focusing on hope and optimism. Winans describes the central theme of the album through the song “You Gotta Believe.”
He explains that belief and faith are key in overcoming challenges. “If you doubt, you’re damned,” he quotes from the Bible, encouraging people to believe in the positive changes they desire.
The first single, “God Still Working On Me,” became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart. Winans reflects on the song’s message: It’s about personal growth, and how with God’s help, people can change and improve. He believes that if you open yourself to divine guidance, God will help you become a better person.
One of the standout tracks, “Sing Forever,” was co-written by his sons, Carvin Jr. and Juan. This song expresses Winans’ desire to continue singing as long as he is able and to pass on the gift to future generations. Winans also highlights the importance of family with the song “Family Is Family,” where he honors his family’s legacy in the music industry.
Family, Faith, and Legacy
Growing up in the Winans family, Carvin Winans was immersed in music from a young age. With ten children, the Winans family is known for their gospel music success. Carvin, along with his brothers, formed the influential Winans quartet. He reminisces about family gatherings around the piano, where music was a natural part of their lives.
Carvin credits his parents, David and Delores Winans, for recognizing their children’s talents and guiding them in their musical journey. It wasn’t until later that Carvin realized how special their upbringing was, acknowledging that God had a purpose for their music.
Singing since the age of four, Carvin didn’t always enjoy the rehearsals, but by the time he was a teenager, he fell in love with music and realized that he wanted to make a career out of it.
Iconic Collaborations
Over the years, Carvin Winans has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Carvin recalls his experience working with Michael Jackson on the 1987 hit song “Man in the Mirror.”
He fondly remembers the time spent in the studio with Michael and Quincy Jones, learning the song and having fun. He mentions how Michael reminded him of the Jackson family, and how their shared musical roots made the collaboration special.
Carvin also shares his experience working with Whitney Houston, who recorded his song “Love Is.” After Carvin wrote and demoed the song, Whitney expressed her love for it and promised to record it. Even though it took two years, Whitney kept her word.
Sadly, after her passing, Carvin was deeply moved when a tape surfaced of Whitney talking about the song, a moment he describes as both emotional and meaningful.
A Solo Career After Loss
Carvin’s journey has not been without its challenges. After the death of his brother Ronald in 2005, which marked the end of the Winans as a quartet, Carvin focused on his solo career. Despite the loss, Carvin found strength in his faith and his family, continuing to share his gift of music with the world.
He acknowledges that the Winans’ family harmony was unique and irreplaceable, but now, it is his turn to shine as a solo artist.
Looking ahead, Carvin is excited about his upcoming performances. He will be joining the Detroit Gospel Legends tour starting this October, and he feels that his voice is as strong as ever. He’s grateful for the chance to continue doing what he loves, with God’s blessing and guidance.
Carvin Winans’ new album Cool Gospel is not only a celebration of his music but also a tribute to his faith, family, and legacy. The album offers a blend of gospel, R&B, and hip-hop, and features collaborations with his wife and children, making it a deeply personal project.
With his new solo career taking flight, Carvin is dedicated to sharing his message of hope, belief, and spiritual growth with the world, continuing the Winans family’s legacy of excellence in gospel music.
