The Clark Sisters

The Clark Sisters are a renowned American gospel music group from Detroit, Michigan, formed in 1966 by Mattie Moss Clark. The group consists of four sisters, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Jacky Clark Chisholm, and Elbernita Clark Terrell, who have been active in the music industry for over five decades, performing with notable artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston. The Clark Sisters have been influenced by various genres, including R&B, soul music, and jazz, which is evident in their unique sound. They have worked with prominent record labels, including Westbound Records, Sound of Gospel Records, and Word Records, and have collaborated with other notable gospel artists, such as Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

History

The Clark Sisters were formed in 1966 by their mother, Mattie Moss Clark, a renowned gospel music director and choir conductor. The group's early years were marked by performances at local churches and gospel music events, where they shared the stage with notable artists such as Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke. As they gained popularity, they began to tour nationally, performing at prestigious venues like the Apollo Theater and the Greek Theatre. The Clark Sisters' music was also influenced by their experiences growing up in Detroit, where they were exposed to a diverse range of musical genres, including Motown and rock music. They have been compared to other notable female vocal groups, such as The Supremes and The Emotions, and have been praised for their powerful vocals and energetic live performances.

Members

The Clark Sisters consist of four sisters: Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Jacky Clark Chisholm, and Elbernita Clark Terrell. Each member has made significant contributions to the group's success, with Karen Clark Sheard and Dorinda Clark-Cole being the most prominent lead vocalists. The sisters have also pursued solo careers, with Karen Clark Sheard releasing albums on Island Records and Word Records, and Dorinda Clark-Cole releasing albums on GospoCentric Records and Karew Records. The Clark Sisters have been influenced by other notable female gospel artists, such as Shirley Caesar and Albertina Walker, and have collaborated with contemporary gospel artists, including Tye Tribbett and Marvin Sapp.

Music Career

The Clark Sisters' music career spans over five decades, during which they have released numerous albums and singles on various record labels, including Westbound Records, Sound of Gospel Records, and Rejoice Records. Their early work was influenced by traditional gospel music, but they later incorporated elements of R&B, soul music, and funk into their sound. The group's breakthrough came in the 1980s with the release of their album Is My Living in Vain on New Birth Records, which featured the hit single Jesus Is the Best Thing. They have since released several successful albums, including Conqueror on Word Records and Miracle on Karew Records, and have collaborated with notable producers, such as Quincy Jones and Narada Michael Walden. The Clark Sisters have also performed at various music festivals, including the Essence Music Festival and the Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards.

Discography

The Clark Sisters' discography includes numerous albums and singles, released on various record labels, including Westbound Records, Sound of Gospel Records, and Word Records. Some of their notable albums include Jesus Has Risen on Westbound Records, Unworthy on Sound of Gospel Records, and Live: One Last Time on Karew Records. The group has also released several compilation albums, including The Clark Sisters: Live in Chicago on Rejoice Records and The Clark Sisters: Greatest Hits on Word Records. The Clark Sisters have been praised for their powerful vocals and energetic live performances, and have been compared to other notable gospel groups, such as The Winans and The Hawkins Family.

Awards and Recognition

The Clark Sisters have received numerous awards and nominations throughout their career, including multiple Grammy Awards, Stellar Awards, and Dove Awards. They have been recognized for their contributions to gospel music by the Gospel Music Association and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The group has also been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Gospel Singers' Convention. The Clark Sisters have been praised by notable artists, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston, and have been named as an influence by contemporary gospel artists, such as Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. The Clark Sisters continue to perform and record music, inspiring new generations of gospel music fans and artists, including Kierra Sheard and J. Moss.

Category:American gospel musical groups