Marvin Winans Net Worth

What is Marvin Winans' net worth?

Marvin Winans is an American gospel singer, pastor, and educator who has a net worth of $5 million. A member of the celebrated Winans family, Marvin Winans first rose to fame in the 1980s as part of the Grammy-winning gospel group The Winans, which brought contemporary gospel to mainstream audiences. His smooth tenor voice and heartfelt songwriting helped define the group's sound, earning him acclaim across both religious and secular audiences. After achieving international success in music, Winans devoted himself to ministry, founding Perfecting Church in Detroit, a congregation known for its spirited worship and community outreach. Over the years, he has expanded his influence through education, real estate development, and media ventures, all while remaining a steadfast voice in gospel music and spiritual leadership.

Early Life and Family

Marvin Lawrence Winans Sr. was born in 1958 in Detroit, Michigan, into one of gospel music's most famous families. He was the fourth of ten children born to David "Pop" Winans and Delores "Mom" Winans, both of whom were gospel performers and church leaders. Music and faith were woven into the fabric of the Winans household, and Marvin, like many of his siblings—including BeBe, CeCe, and Carvin—was encouraged to sing from an early age. In the early 1970s, Marvin and several brothers formed a group called The Testimonial Singers, performing at churches and local events around Detroit. Their harmonies, rooted in gospel tradition but tinged with soul and R&B influences, caught the attention of audiences and set the stage for their later professional success.

Gospel Music Career

Marvin Winans rose to national prominence in the early 1980s as a member of The Winans, a quartet that revolutionized modern gospel. Discovered by gospel legend Andraé Crouch, the group released its debut album "Introducing The Winans" in 1981. Blending traditional gospel messages with contemporary production, The Winans achieved rare crossover success, collaborating with artists like Anita Baker, Michael McDonald, and even Quincy Jones, who signed them to his Qwest Records label in the early 1990s. Marvin's songwriting and emotive lead vocals became central to the group's identity. He won a Grammy Award in 1985 for Best Male Soul Gospel Performance for the song "Bring Back the Days of Yea and Nay," a highlight in a decade of chart-topping releases and awards for the group.

When The Winans stopped recording in the mid-1990s, Marvin continued as a solo artist and producer. His 2007 solo album "Alone But Not Alone" earned a Grammy nomination, and his 2012 live project "Marvin L. Winans Presents: The Praise & Worship Experience" featured collaborations with Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, and Mary Mary. He later reunited with his brothers BeBe and Carvin to form the 3 Winans Brothers, releasing the album "Foreign Land" in 2014. Even after four decades in the industry, Winans remains active in gospel music, both as a performer and as a mentor. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he and his brothers were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007.

Ministry and The Perfecting Church

Parallel to his success in music, Winans pursued his calling in ministry. In 1989, he founded Perfecting Church in Detroit, starting with a handful of members in a basement before expanding into one of the city's most prominent congregations. The church's vibrant worship services, driven by music and community engagement, attracted thousands of members and grew into a national network, with affiliate churches in cities across the U.S., the UK, and South Africa. Winans' sermons often emphasize faith through action, and he uses music as a central part of worship, believing it to be both an art form and a vessel for spiritual transformation.

His national prominence as a faith leader has led to several high-profile appearances, including delivering the eulogy at Whitney Houston's funeral in 2012. Beyond the pulpit, Winans has been a vocal figure in Detroit civic life, advocating for social responsibility and community revitalization. He spearheaded the construction of a major new church campus beginning in the early 2000s—a 16-acre complex featuring a 4,200-seat sanctuary and community facilities. The project faced years of delay due to financial hurdles and the Great Recession, leading to controversy and even legal action by city officials frustrated by the stalled construction. Winans defended the church's cautious approach, emphasizing that he refused to go into heavy debt to complete the project. After resolving disputes in 2023, Perfecting Church resumed construction, with a new completion target set for 2026. Once finished, the expanded campus is expected to include an affordable housing development on nearby lots, reflecting Winans' commitment to using faith-based institutions for tangible community improvement.

Business Ventures and Other Endeavors

Marvin Winans has extended his influence beyond the pulpit through education and media. In 1997, he founded the Marvin L. Winans Academy of Performing Arts (WAPA), a Detroit charter school designed to nurture young artists in music, dance, and theater. Over its 25-year history, WAPA educated hundreds of students and became one of the few faith-inspired arts academies in Michigan before closing in 2023. Winans often said that the school's mission stemmed from his desire to give young people the same creative and spiritual foundation that shaped his own life.

He also launched MLW Productions, his own record label and media company, which gave him greater creative control over his music and helped elevate other gospel artists. His ventures into entertainment included acting roles—most notably in Tyler Perry's 2009 film "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" and the TV sitcom "House of Payne," where he appeared as himself. Winans also authored a book titled "Image is Everything," offering spiritual reflections on self-identity and faith. In recent years, his community work has expanded to include real estate development, particularly his plan to build affordable housing near Perfecting Church's new campus. The initiative reflects his broader mission of integrating ministry, social service, and urban renewal.

Personal Life

Marvin Winans' personal and professional lives have often intertwined. In 1979, he married fellow gospel artist Vickie Winans, forming one of gospel music's most recognizable couples. The two performed together for many years before divorcing in 1995, but they remained on good terms as co-parents. Their sons, Marvin Jr. and Josiah, both followed creative paths—Marvin Jr. as a gospel and R&B artist and Josiah as a producer. Marvin Sr. is also the stepfather of Mario Winans, a Grammy-winning R&B singer and producer. In April 2022, Winans remarried, wedding Dr. Deneen Carter.

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