That Grape Juice Interviews Gospel Legend Vickie Winans

We’re certain if you’ve even heard a hint of gospel music over the last three decades then you’ve encountered at least one gem from the genre’s legendary songbird Vickie Winans. Her catalog is equipped with an arsenal of hits like ‘Already Been To The Water’, ‘Long As I Got King Jesus’, ‘Shake Yourself Loose’, and ‘No Cross, No Crown’ just to name a few.

Now, with 14 albums, a trophy case of top industry honors, comedy albums and DVDs, and fashion under her decorative belt, the belter still finds ways to venture into new territory. This time, the gospel diva follows her dreams of acting.

Making her debut aboard the Lionsgate Home Entertainment inspirational film ‘Dreams’ (available everywhere January 28th), That Grape Juice recently caught up with the hardest working woman in the gospel music industry to talk about the film, her dream of starring alongside Robert De Niro, new music, her love of pop superstar Beyonce, and so much more!

You don’t want to miss this read:

TGJ: You are quite possibly the hardest working woman in the music industry. With music, movies, and comedy to jewelry and fashion design, it seems you do it all. Is there anything Vickie Winans cannot do?!

Vickie: I cannot back my age up (laughs)! I turned 60 in October of last year. When I went to bed at 59, somebody delivered unto me ‘the old package’. When I woke up [the next morning], my knee was creaking, my tooth was loose, it was a mess (laughs).

TGJ: We love it (laughs)! Now, let’s hop right into ‘Dreams’ the movie. First off, tell us about the film overall.

Vickie: This movie is an inspirational movie, not a gospel movie. There are four different messages that are intertwined to tell one great story and the singing is unbelievable.

So many times we dream and we either forget about it or let it go. It’s something for young people that have dreams of doing things and the obstacles and obstruction that they face.

It’s not ironic it’s coming around the time of MLK’s celebration day – who probably had the biggest dream.

TGJ: What drew you to the script and want to participate in the film?

Vickie: There is some amazing talent in this film. It started when the film, written by my son [Marvin Winans, Jr.] and his friend, was just a written script about dreams. They didn’t ask me to be in the movie, I asked them!

I play Syesha Mercado‘s [American Idol] mom and it’s totally different from who I am in real life. [My character] had a lot of issues. Also, the fact that Lionsgate Home gave their stamp of approval for the movie, gets so many props from me!

TGJ: Where can we find the film when it’s released on January 28th?

Vickie: It’s coming to DVD, in stores, Video on Demand, Itunes download, RedBox, wherever you can find DVDs.

TGJ: Since this is your feature film debut, share with us some of the surprises that came along with it.

Vickie: Just the fact I was there was surprise (laughs). I’ve been in the business for 30 years, doing over 200 shows a year, but there are some things I thought I’d never get to do and movies was one of them.

Next thing I know, I was on the red carpet presenting the film in Chicago to tears. Here I am 30 years later, 14 CDS, 7 Grammy nominations, 14 Stellar Awards, NAACP Image Awards, I’m working on my next single. I’ve written scripts for plays. I’ve done radio too, but the only thing I haven’t done is movie.

TGJ: Now that you’re here, any plans to continue along the acting front?

Vickie: Yes! I’m excited to have my foot in the door. We have other movies we want to pursue because the world needs more of these types of inspirational films. I cannot wait until people see it.

TGJ: Now, as with many interviews, we have a segment called “Five From Fans” where we received five questions from our readers for you. Are you ready?

Vickie: Uh oh. Should I be afraid?

TGJ: Not at all! 1) Who is your dream collaborator (audio)?

TGJ: 2) If there was one song you wish you’d done first, what would it be?

Vickie: Marvin Gaye‘s ‘What’s Going On’. I love that song!

TGJ: 3) When should we be getting new music from you?

Vickie: I’m working on the first single. I have a sample in it, but I’m not going to give what it is away. The track is blazing! That will drop soon, then I will drop the album. I’m not supposed to say this, but it probably will be my last album. Comedy has taken over my life.

TGJ: Wow, we are saddened to hear that! 4) If you had the opportunity to have lunch with one person – dead or alive – who would your dream lunch date be?

Vickie: My mother and Michael Jackson. I would give anything for that. If this was a possible thing, I’d love one more time to laugh at her funny jokes. She had 12 kids and had the gift of making all of us feel like the only child.

TGJ: 5) With Grammy nominations, Stellars, Doves to your credit, what is a dream of yours you’ve yet to accomplish?

Vickie: A serious role in a feature film that’s in theaters nationwide.

TGJ [Bonus]: Who would you cite as dream collaborators on the acting front?

Vickie: Someone asked me if I could be in a movie with anybody, who would it be. I said Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Denzel Washington.

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Interview by: Rashad Taylor (That Grape Juice US)

(@blueeyedsoul517)

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