CeCe Winans' musical journey has been filled with mostly highs since she came on the scene in 1987. From her beginning as a PTL singer, through the multiplatinum years with brother BeBe, to her award-winning solo efforts, this Grammy winner couldn't have predicted the curveball that life would throw her way.

	CeCe Winans uses music to help recover from a health scare and the death of her brother. Click photo for larger image. CeCe Winans Presented by the August Wilson Center for African-American Culture. Where: Heinz Hall, Downtown. When: 8 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets: $27-$57; 412-392-4900.

In 2004, she suffered a health scare that required emergency surgery, and she had to leave her tour. She was finally back into the swing of things last year, when her brother Ronald Winans (founding member of The Winans singers) died at age 48.

"Eight years ago, he had heart trouble, and the doctors literally brought him back from the dead; it was a miracle. They wanted to go back in later when he was stronger to fully repair everything else, but Ron never went," CeCe recalled.

Finally, he returned to the hospital for the preliminary testing. "During that time, we'd talk on the phone every day, and he'd say 'CeCe, when are you going to come and visit me?' I told him I'd be there before they took him in for surgery. He was very persistent. Then, my mom called and told me to hurry, he was really sick. ... He never had the surgery; before we knew it, he was gone. The entire family was at his bedside when he passed. It was shocking."

At the time, she was sending out copies of singles from her new release, "Purified," to friends who were coping with their own losses. Little did she know those tracks would become a healing balm for her. "This is one of the ways that God helps us to deal with it. His passing was incredible. Sad and rejoicing all at once. Bishop T.D. Jakes did the service and called on me to sing. People were coming out of Ron's funeral service telling me that they had new hope because they attended."

During this time, CeCe Winans' rap-infused, hip-hop track "Pray" (produced and co-written by her nephew Mario Winans) started to tear up charts. It rolled into 2006 like gangbusters, earning Grammys for Best Gospel Performance and Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. She also contributed a track to "Songs From the Music of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," which also won a Grammy Award.

The exuberant singer laughed with delight when told of Fred Rogers' Pittsburgh roots.

"Purified" reunited Winans with Keith Thomas for the first time since 1991, when he steered another Grammy winner, "Addictive Love," with BeBe. Was it any different this time? "We laughed a lot at all of the old times. He's an incredible producer and still a perfectionist, but it's a safe place for me to be. I am the same in many ways, but more mature and relaxed. I know what my purpose is now, and I enjoy the ride more."

Now that she can have fun again and enjoy her success, who would she pick to be part of her dream recording session? "Anyone I want!? Hmmm ... Stevie Wonder, the entire Winans clan, Barbra Streisand, Amy Grant, producers Babyface and David Foster, Harry Connick Jr., [singing group] Mary, Mary and Aretha Franklin. Although, last time I sang with Aretha, I asked myself, 'What am I doing here? Girlfriend has it covered.'"