Award-winning singer Vickie Winans comes from a large family of impressive gospel singers. She began her career when she was a small child, performing with family. All grown up, she completed her debut solo album, Be Encouraged, in 1985. It was the first of a long line of recordings that would bring her a number of hits and music awards. Born the seventh child of a still-growing family, Winans was raised in Detroit, MI. Her entire family was a musical one, and deeply religious as well.