The clark sister biography
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Their influence extends beyond awards, with their music inspiring artists across genres and generations.
Discography Highlights
The Clark Sisters’ discography is a testament to their enduring legacy:
- You Brought the Sunshine (1981): This album marked their mainstream breakthrough, with the title track becoming a gospel anthem.
- Sincerely (1982): Featuring the politically charged “World,” this album earned them their first Grammy nomination.
- Live – One Last Time (2007): A live recording that captured the group’s dynamic performance, it won the Grammy for Best Traditional Gospel Album.
As songwriter of "Blessed & Highly Favored," Karen Clark Sheard won the individual Best Gospel Song.
Renowned for their unique vocal stylings, The Clark Sister have been dubbed as "The Clark Sound." The sisters are also well known for each distinctive sound that they contribute. The song’s success on both gospel and secular charts signaled the group’s potential to bridge musical genres.
The sisters delivered another progressive effort in 1982, Sincerely, which included "Name It And Claim It" and the politically-charged "World." They took a break for four years, upon their return signed with Rejoice Records, a division of Word, and released the Grammy-nominated Heart & Soul (1986) featuring the mainstream single "Time Out." Next would appear another studio release Conqueror (1988) and the live album Bringing It Back Home (1991).
More recently, The Clark Sisters did a live recording on July 8, 2006 in Houston, Texas entitled Live...
1954), Dorinda Clark-Cole (b. Each sister brings a unique vocal texture: Jacky with her contralto voice, Twinkie with her mezzo-soprano range and instrumental prowess, Dorinda with her mezzo-soprano voice and scat singing, and Karen with her soprano voice and dynamic vocal runs.
Following the group's resurgence in popularity, Rhino Entertainment is releasing a greatest-hits collection sampling recordings from no less than 3 albums recorded for Word Records from the mid 80's through the early 90's, including the Grammy-nominated Heart & Soul.
Their music continues to inspire artists across genres, and their contributions to gospel music have solidified their place as pioneers in the industry.
Personal Lives
While the Clark Sisters have maintained a focus on their music careers, they have also been involved in various personal endeavors:
- Twinkie Clark: Has served in ministry and continues to be active in gospel music.
The Clark Sisters life and biography
Mattie Moss Clark Presents The Clark Sisters, released in 1974, garnered attention and laid the groundwork for their future success.
Rise to Prominence
The Clark Sisters’ breakthrough came in 1981 with the release of You Brought the Sunshine, which featured the title track that became a crossover hit.
1957), and Karen Clark Sheard (b. Their albums have sold millions, paving the way for newcomers in gospel to continue to take gospel mainstream such as Detroit's own The Winans Family, including Be Be & Ce Ce Winans, Commissioned, Kirk Franklin, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Mary Mary, and many more contemporary gospel artists. Under this association, the group released albums such as Unworthy, Count It All Joy, and He Gave Me Nothing to Lose.
Emerging from Detroit, Michigan, they are celebrated for their innovative fusion of gospel with elements of R&B, jazz, and classical music, a style that has come to be known as “The Clark Sound.
Their contributions have not only shaped the gospel genre but have also left an indelible mark on the broader music industry.
Early Life and Family Background
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, the Clark Sisters are the daughters of Dr.
Mattie Moss Clark, a renowned gospel musician and choral director. Their popularity soared with the release of the live recording Is My Living In Vain. It was not until the early 1980s that The Clark Sisters began to become the phenomenon that they are now. The recording was directed and produced by Donald Lawrence and was released as a CD on April 10, 2007 on EMI Gospel, followed by a CD/DVD Special Edition release June 19, 2007.
Their mother was instrumental in their musical development, composing and arranging songs that the sisters performed in church settings from a young age. With 16 albums to their credit and millions in sales, the Clark Sisters are the highest-selling female gospel group in history.
The Clark Sisters were honored at the 2016 Essence Music Festival.
They have been featured in various media, including the 2020 Lifetime biopic The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, which garnered significant viewership and introduced their story to a new generation. Twinkie Clark, in particular, played a pivotal role as the group’s chief songwriter, arranger, and producer, crafting many of their most iconic songs.
Major Achievements and Awards
The Clark Sisters’ impact on music is underscored by numerous accolades:
- Grammy Awards: They have won three Grammy Awards, including Best Gospel Performance and Best Traditional Gospel Album for Live – One Last Time in 2008.
The Clark Sisters have won three Grammy Awards.