We recently connected with Carvin Winans and have shared our conversation below.
Carvin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I was around 18 when I first knew I wanted to pursue a professional career as a singer. Being the 3rd of 10 children, my parents started teaching us how to sing when I was 4yrs old. I really didn’t like it at all at that age because I was more focused on being able to play with my friends. However, my parents saw a gift in their children at a young age and wanted to make a point of nourishing that gift. At the age of 13, I started to enjoy singing but it wasn’t until I turned 18 that I realized I wanted to do it professionally and I was thankful for what my parents had taught me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I first got into the music industry when my Father “Pop Winans” formed a group called “The Testimonial Singers” in 1974 with Howard Smith and my brothers Ronald and Marvin and released our album “Love Covers” on Jonah Records which was founded by my Father. I was only 16yrs old at that time.
I then signed to Light Records at the age of 20 with the release of “Introducing The Winans” which was nominated for a Grammy. Howard Smith had left my former group and was replaced by my younger brother Michael Winans.
Having been taught at a young age, it prepared my brothers and I how to harmonize properly on stage and in the studio and also how to blend our voices as singers.
I am most proud that God has blessed me to get my message that Jesus is Lord out to the masses across the world.
I want my followers to know that I appreciate them dearly and that I take what I do very seriously, and that I am all about promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to help my fans through my music. As a songwriter, you realize that many of your own personal experiences are similar to those that are listening to your songs. Through my songs, God provides me the answer to whatever problem I may be going through which is relayed to my listeners.
Also, when I wrote the song “Tomorrow” for my group “The Winans”, while we were on tour a fan expressed to me how that song helped her get off drugs and change her life around. As an artist and songwriter, that meant so much to me.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Sadly my brother Ronald passed away in 2005. It really devastated me as I had been singing with him all my life and at that time I really didn’t want to sing any more after losing him. Our group “The Winans” was over.
I had to learn to pivot and know that God gave me the gift to sing and I shouldn’t give it up. I started a solo career years later and I thank God that I am still blessed to sing and share my gift with the world. I am also blessed to have full creative control as a solo artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carvinwinans.com
- Instagram: @carvinwinansmusic
- Facebook: @carvinwinansmusic
- Twitter: @carvinwinans
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarvinWinansSr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/carvinwinansmusic
Image Credits
– Black Tuxedo (Photographer Robin Gartner, Stylist – Chérie Winans)
– Purple Blazer ( Photographer – Arnold Turner , Stylist – Jason Griffin )
– White Blazer on black leather chair ( Photographer – Arnold Turner , Stylist – Jason Griffin )
– Album cover (Cool Gospel) Photographer – Arnold Turner , Stylist – Jason Griffin