You know that feeling when a song just clicks? It’s not just the beat or the lyrics, but the whole vibe feels like a spiritual reset. In 1991, BeBe and CeCe Winans took a massive risk by covering a legendary Staple Singers track. Honestly, a lot of people thought they were crazy to touch a masterpiece like I’ll Take You There.
It worked. Boy, did it work.
The track didn't just climb the charts; it basically redefined what "Gospel" could look like in a mainstream world. By teaming up with the original voice of the song, Mavis Staples, the Winans siblings bridged a gap between the civil rights era soul and the slick, New Jack Swing-influenced R&B of the early 90s.
The Bold Move Behind the Cover
BeBe Winans has always been a bit of a disruptor. Growing up in the Detroit gospel dynasty—the seventh and eighth children of Mom and Pop Winans—he and CeCe were expected to stay in the church lane. But by the time they got to their fourth album, Different Lifestyles, they were ready to push buttons.
They weren't just singing for the Sunday morning crowd anymore. They wanted the Saturday night crowd, too.
Choosing I’ll Take You There was a strategic masterstroke. The original 1972 version by The Staple Singers was already a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It had that iconic, uncredited reggae-style bassline lifted from "The Liquidator." When BeBe and CeCe decided to tackle it, they didn't just do a karaoke version. They brought in producer Keith Thomas to give it a polished, rhythmic punch that fit right alongside Janet Jackson or Whitney Houston on the radio.
Bringing Mavis Staples Into the Fold
The "secret sauce" of the 1991 version is undoubtedly the inclusion of Mavis Staples. Having the original lead singer bless the track gave it instant credibility. It wasn't a "takeover"; it was a handoff.
You can hear the joy in the recording. There’s this specific moment where Mavis’s gritty, soulful growl meets CeCe’s pristine, airy vocals. It’s a contrast that shouldn't work on paper, but in the ears? It’s magic.
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BeBe’s production choices were smart here. He kept the "Call and Response" structure—that classic "Mercy!" and "I'll take you there!"—but layered it with 90s synthesizers and a cleaner drum pocket. It felt fresh, but it smelled like home.
Breaking the "Gospel" Ceiling
Before this era, Gospel music was often relegated to specific "Black Gospel" or "Inspirational" charts. BeBe and CeCe changed that narrative. I’ll Take You There went straight to #1 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Think about that for a second.
A song about a place where "nobody cries" and "no smiling faces lying to the races" was the most popular song on R&B radio. It proved that you didn't have to water down the message to get the world to dance.
- Chart Performance: It hit #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts.
- Mainstream Reach: It even cracked the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #90.
- The Album: Different Lifestyles eventually went Platinum, a rare feat for Gospel artists at the time.
Honestly, the industry wasn't always kind to them for this. Some traditionalists felt they were "selling out" by making music that sounded too much like the world. But if you look at the lyrics, the message never moved an inch. They just changed the packaging.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that BeBe and CeCe were trying to leave Gospel behind. If you listen to the rest of the Different Lifestyles album, it’s deeply spiritual. They even had MC Hammer on a track called "The Blood." Imagine that—the biggest rapper in the world at the time, rapping about the sacrifice of Christ.
They weren't leaving the church; they were bringing the church to the mall, the club, and the car stereo.
The song’s longevity is wild. Even now, in 2026, you’ll hear that bassline and see people of all ages start to move. It has this universal "feel-good" energy that transcends the decade it was recorded in.
The Technical Brilliance of the 1991 Version
If we’re getting nerdy about the music, the arrangement is fascinating. While the Staple Singers' version was recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studios with a very raw, live-band feel, the Winans' version is a masterclass in early 90s studio polish.
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The vocals are heavily layered. CeCe’s runs are more intricate than the original. BeBe uses the "Spread Love" remix style that was popular back then—lots of house-influenced piano stabs and a driving, consistent kick drum. It turned a soul-gospel anthem into a dance-floor filler without losing the soul.
Why You Should Listen Again
If it’s been a while, go back and play the Different Lifestyles version of I’ll Take You There. Notice how the transition between Mavis and CeCe happens. It’s like a conversation between generations.
The song reminds us that social justice and spiritual peace are two sides of the same coin. "I'll Take You There" isn't just about a physical location or a distant heaven; it’s about a state of being where empathy is the default.
Actionable Takeaways for Music Fans:
- Check out the "Spread Love" Remix: If you want to see how 90s club culture influenced Gospel, this specific remix of the song is a time capsule.
- Compare the eras: Play the 1972 original followed by the 1991 cover. It’s a great way to see how production tech evolved while the "soul" stayed the same.
- Explore the album: Don't just stop at the single. Different Lifestyles has some incredible deep cuts like "Addictive Love" that show off the duo’s vocal range.
BeBe and CeCe Winans didn't just cover a song; they built a bridge. By honoring the past with Mavis Staples and embracing the future with new sounds, they made sure that the invitation to "take you there" stayed open for a whole new generation.