Following in the footsteps of his parents who were very powerful singers, Carvin started singing at the tender age of four. The third of ten extremely talented children and a twin to his beloved brother Marvin, Carvin quickly showed an extraordinary gift for writing and singing. His love for GOD transcended in the beautiful songs that he wrote.
Happily married to his soulmate Chérie Winans, and a devoted and loving father of six children (Carvin Jr, Juan, Deborah Joy, Ian, Shanniah, Laylah), and a native of Detroit, Carvin made his professional debut as a member of The Testimonial Singers in 1974 along with Howard Smith and his brothers Ronald and Marvin with their album “Love Covers” on Jonah Records.
HE HAS BEEN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY FOR OVER FIVE DECADES.
He first debuted with his brothers on Light Records with the release of “Introducing The Winans” which was nominated for a Grammy. Then followed up with the release of “Long-time Coming” which was also nominated for a Grammy.
In 1985 Carvin was recognized with the most prestigious accolade in the industry when he won a Grammy Award for the album “Tomorrow” which he wrote the title track for. He and the brothers signed with Quincy Jones at Qwest Records in 1986 where they recorded six albums, four of which were Grammy award winners. Such as “Live at Carnegie Hall”, and “The Winans Return” which was certified GOLD. Carvin has been nominated for a Grammy a total of 11 times and has won 5 in total!
Along with the Grammy’s he received several NAACP Image awards, Soul Train awards, Dove awards, and Stellar awards, as a member of the Winans. Carvin has written songs for the incomparable Whitney Houston (Love Is) which was released in November 2024 worldwide and was first recorded by Whitney back in 1990 and held in the Sony Music vault, Regina Belle (Make It Like It Was), which held the #1 R&B single spot on the Billboard chart and also won him a Gold Record (To this day it is considered one of the greatest R&B songs of all time on Billboard), Peabo Bryson (Life Goes On) reached Billboard Top 100 in 1991, Cece Winans (All In Your Name), Winans Phase II (Too Much Heaven), Vanessa Bell Armstrong (Here’s to you), Marvin Winans (My Story), Mom & Pop Winans (I Still Have You).
Carvin sang background vocals on “Man in the Mirror” produced by the legendary Quincy Jones and iconic Michael Jackson. He sang with Kenny Loggins on “Imaginary Life”, and Michael McDonald on “Love has no color”.
Carvin also performed on “The Winans Real Meaning of Christmas” show, which aired in 1992 and 1993. He was host and Executive Producer in 2000 of “All Access with Carvin Winans” which aired for two seasons on WDIV TV with numerous celebrity guests such as Debbie Allen, Gladys Knight, Kirk Franklin, and Brian McKnight to name a few.
In 2002 Carvin performed on a sold out world tour with the Winans family in front of millions of fans which closed out in Detroit at the Fox Theatre.
In October 2007 he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee along with his brothers.
On June 18, 2008 Carvin received the President’s Merit Award from the Recording Academy in recognition of his extraordinary gifts as a passionate singer, performer, expressive communicator, and pioneer of contemporary gospel music.
After the tragic loss of his beloved friend Whitney Houston (The Voice), Carvin sang his song “Tomorrow” at her funeral which then became the #1 Inspirational Song on iTunes. A song which Whitney truly loved and sang on stage.
In August of 2013, Carvin formed a new group with his brothers Marvin and Bebe entitled “3 Winans Brothers” and released their first single “If God Be for Us”. This single was debuted at the 50th Anniversary March on Washington in Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, in front of millions of viewers. The 3 Winans Brothers album was released in 2014 and was well received. Following the release they received an NAACP award!
In September 2024, Carvin released his Blackground Records 2.0 debut single and video "God Still Working On Me" which has been described as " a poignant reflection on the journey of personal growth and spiritual transformation." The highly anticipated Gospel album "You Gotta Believe" will launch in 2025.
Carvin states:
“GOD HAS TRULY BLESSED ME WITH GIFTS TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD THROUGH MUSIC AND WRITING AND I INTEND TO USE THEM, AND I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE FANS THAT HAVE BEEN WITH ME THROUGHOUT MY CAREER”
