Denise Murray spoke to BeBe Winans about BEBE & CECE WINANS' crossover appeal

Despite some dissenting voices BeBe and CeCe have been bombarded with awards since 'Heaven' including Grammies, Doves and Soul Train awards. But once again BeBe takes it all in his stride.

"I see awards as a pat on the back, you know, it's a way of saying 'well done, you did a good job' - I definitely don't see it as a sign that 'we arrived', no way. It's an encouragement to do better. But I do find that it is exciting when your peers recognise your contribution and acknowledge it in the form of awards."

Another area of BeBe's endeavours that has raised some eyebrows is his involvement in writing TV jingles. Can this be true?

"Oh yeah, I just love commercials, for me to be able to write them is like a dream come true. When I was a kid I loved the commercials so much that I used to write hundreds of them, my only problem was that I didn't know where to send the finished product. It all started about two years ago when I met a guy named Joe Sicurella, he owns a commercial house in New York. Joe and I became good friends and one day he called me and asked if I would like to write and sing a commercial for him, I said yeah, and I'm still doing them - it's an enjoyable pastime."

Presumably a profitable one too.

"Yeah, it's true I have done a Coca Cola ad, it's entitled 'Buddies' - a coke classic."

Talking of classics - even though it has been two years since 'Heaven' was released it will still be a tough act to follow. 'Different Lifestyles' the new BeBe and CeCe album, is due to be released in January 1991, but the question every one will be asking is will it make the grade - BeBe seems to think so.

'"Different Lifestyles' is different from 'Heaven' but it's headed in the same direction. 'Heaven' has broken a lot of ground for us, but we are very excited about 'Different Lifestyles' and we think it will even exceed the success of 'Heaven'."

"We didn't feel that we were under pressure to copy songs which were popular like 'Heaven', 'Celebrate' or 'Lost Without You' to come up with another hit album. This album is full of heartfelt songs, songs of experiences and it's absolutely full of God.

"We started writing the material back in January, and have been in the studio since July, recording in Nashville and Los Angeles, oh and we've been recording with the London Symphony Orchestra here in London. Have you heard those guys - they're just awesome! We are featuring them on two tracks 'You Know And I Know' and 'It's Real'." How about production, can we expect the same production skills that made 'Heaven' a hit?

"Yeah, Keith Thomas and I will be producing 'Different Lifestyles', Keith's work on 'Heaven' was brilliant. Most of the songs are ready now. CeCe is trying her hand at songwriting, but as yet we haven't used any of her material; there is still one more song to do so who knows, maybe she'll break through as a songwriter on this album."

Will we be getting a sneak preview of 'Different Lifestyles' during the European tour?

"Sure, we'll be doing a few new songs on the tour, it starts on October 11 in Sweden, then Amsterdam and Finland and of course England, where we'll be doing London and Birmingham.

"We love the European audiences, they are so different from the American. Although the American audiences support us in a big way, they are so laid back - I think that's because they have been spoiled by the amount of gospel music available to them. But Europeans, especially the British, they get so excited and make you feel loved and welcome. For instance in America the audience will stand during an up tempo song, then they'll sit down - but England, last time we were in Birmingham they stood all night, singing along and they really enjoyed themselves."