Vickie Winans (born Viviane Bowman on October 18, 1953) is a American Gospel recording artist. Early years The seventh of twelve children, Vickie was born in Detroit, Michigan. She began singing in church at the age of eight, and as a teenager she sang with a group known as the International Sounds of Deliverance. Later, she joined Winans Part II, a group that included then in-laws BeBe and CeCe Winans. Musical career Vickie's first solo album Be Encouraged was released in 1985. The LP included her well-known song "We Shall Behold Him", as well as "First Trumpet Sound", a gospelized remake of Gladys Knight & The Pips' "Midnight Train To Georgia." Be Encouraged netted a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, a Stellar Award for Album of the Year, and an Excellence Award for Best Female Contemporary Artist. In 1991, Winans' became the first gospel artist to sign with MCA Record