The Clark Sisters
The legendary gospel vocalists based out of
Detroit, currently consist of four sisters
Jacky Clark-Chisholm,
Twinkie Clark,
Dorinda Clark Cole and
Karen Clark Sheard. Sister Denise Clark-Bradford no longer sings or travels with the group. They are daughters of
Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark, a singer, songwriter, and choir director. Dr. Moss-Clark is known for introducing three-part harmony into her chorus compositions. She has many gospel hits in her lifetime, and earned a gold record.
The Clark Sisters have been a prominent female gospel group for more than 30 years. The Clark Sisters have recorded over 13 albums as a group and are best known for their most popular single, "You Brought The Sunshine," a crossover released in the
1980s. In addition, the sisters have contributed to countless other projects.
Each Clark Sister has a distinct style that contributes to the essence of what is called the "Clark Sound". Twinkie is the creative force behind the group. In addition to writing and producing most of the Clark Sisters songs and albums, she is an extremely talented vocalist, with a wide vocal range. Jacky brings a balance to the high-energy vocals of her younger sisters. She is known for her versatile delivery, often taking the bottom portion of the harmony, while being very capable of the higher notes. Dorinda is called the "jazzy" sister, because of the scats and riffs she incorporates into each song and solo. Karen, the youngest of the sisters, was described by her sisters as being the "Michael Jackson" of the group, always blowing the minds of the audience with her skillful vocal techniques, including, but not limited to extremely high and fast
melismas, soulful "growls", and
whistle register use.
The sisters have largely influenced the music community, being acknowledged by both the gospel and secular arenas. Artists such as
Faith Evans,
Fantasia Barrino,
Kelly Price,
Mary J. Blige,
Fred Hammond,
Mary Mary,
George Huff, and so many others all list the Clark Sisters as an influence on their vocal abilities and musical careers.
All the sisters have released successful solo projects. Twinkie has recorded seven solo projects since the late 1970's. Her 2002 release "Live in Charlotte", earned her a Grammy nomination. She then released "Home Again: Live in Detroit" in 2004. Karen's debut "Finally Karen" became one of the best-selling albums of 1997, eventually achieving gold status. She received
Grammy Award and
Dove Award nominations. She won the
Soul Train Lady of Soul Award and four
Stellar Awards for "Finally Karen". Since then she has recorded three more albums, her latest project, "Its Not Over" was offered in 2006. Dorinda's 2002 self-titled debut won her many awards, including the Soul Train Lady of Soul Award and two Stellar Awards. She then released her second album in 2005 "The Rose Of Gospel". Jacky's 2005 debut, "Expectancy" offered 10 tracks with awesome deliverance, and is currently in the process of selecting songs for a second project.
The Clark Sisters just recorded their reunion album on July 8, 2006 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. There will be a Dual CD and video release.
| Album cover | Album information | | Bringing It Back Home
*Released: 1989 |
| Sincerely
*Released: 1983 |
| Heart and Soul
*Released: 1985
*Chart positions: #4 (US Gospel)
*Singles: "You Brought the Sunshine" |
| Is My Living In Vain?
*Released: 1985 |
| Conqueror
*Released: 1989
*Chart positions: #7 (US Gospel), #29 (US Contemporary Christian) |
| Christmas
*Released: 1990 |
| Count It All Joy
*Released: 1990 |
| Count It All Joy/He Gave Me Nothing
*Released: 1990 |
| You Brought the Sunshine/Unworthy
*Released: 1990 |
| Miracle
*Released: 1994
*Chart positions: #8 (US Gospel) |
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* http://www.theclarksisters.com
* http://www.stellarawards.com
* http://www.live365.com/stations/love4myclarks7
* http://clarklounge.suddenlaunch3.com/index.cgi
