BeBe Winans

Gospel’s Benjamin “BeBe” Winans was born in 1962 in Detroit, a city that’s long generated powerhouse families with ties to faith and R&B. After much success recording with his own family members, Winans went solo in 1997. His self-titled debut featured international crossover hit “I Wanna Be the Only One,” a duet with British soul group Eternal, and established him as a voice of steady guidance. His solo career has confirmed his place as a meticulous tenor, comfortable with jazzy arrangements and a little grit but usually steering listeners toward the shelter of adult contemporary values. Need You (2019) featured a knockout version of Luther Vandross' "Power of Love/Love Power" and a collaboration with boy band Korean Soul. His comfort zone covers a lot of ground—maybe that’s why in 2021 he was invited to give moral guidance to troubled country superstar Morgan Wallen. As a mentor and a tenor, BeBe Winans has sway.