Winans Phase 2

Winans Phase 2 emerged from a new generation of one of contemporary gospel's most prominent families known as the Winans. Years ago, when Mom and Pop Winans (grandparents David & Dolores), decided to pursue music as a career, they unwittingly set the course for their children as well. First it was their older sons Carvin II, Marvin, Michael, and Ronald singing and recording as The Winans. Then there were Daniel and Vickie, followed by Be Be & Ce Ce who found success as a duet and as solo artists. Winans Phase 2 formed naturally after a Detroit NBC affiliated television station taped the group to develop a series of spots for their ongoing "Go 4 It" promotional ad campaign. Audience response was so overwhelming, the four Winans decided there was no time like the present and "officially" formed the group.

Recording under the name Winans Phase 2, Marvin Winans Jr., Carvin Winans III, Juan Winans, and Michael Winans, Jr., are now introducing the third generation of Winans to the world. Their Myrrh records debut, We Got Next, reveals more than a solid musical heritage. Mixing a broad blend of urban, r & b, pop and gospel influences, Winans Phase 2 offer up a fresh mix of stylistic innovation, youthful energy and musical maturity that skillfully blends the best of old and new. Ranging in age from 16-19, the members of Winans Phase 2 are obviously in tune with the music of their peers, but they manipulate and incorporate those sounds within the context of their rich family musical tradition. After all, the Winans family has become almost a separate musical genre within themselves.

Recognizing the need for positive role models among their generation, Juan, Carvin, Michael and Marvin, hope to give back to others the strength they have drawn from the examples of their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They want to be salt and light in their culture, offering a message of hope and redemption, and backing their words with their lives. "I don't think I ever aspired to sing before we put this group together," adds Juan. "But at some point I really started to see how much people need to be reached with the message of the Gospel, and I said, 'We've been given this gift to be able to sing, so how can we not sing?"

"We know what it's like to be young and deal with all the things in life people our age face daily," says Marvin. "But we want to encourage our peers to be strong and to be real. We want to encourage them to live what they believe wherever they are. If you feel like you should pray over your lunch at school, pray. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed. Do what you know is right."

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