DR. ROZ’S FAVORITE ARTIST
THE CLARK SISTERS
The Clark Sisters are a legendary American gospel vocal group from Detroit, Michigan, renowned for their profound impact on contemporary gospel music. Originally comprising five sisters—Jacky Clark Chisholm, Denise "Niecy" Clark-Bradford, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard—they are the daughters of the esteemed gospel musician and choral director Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Under their mother's guidance, they began singing together in the late 1960s, officially forming The Clark Sisters in 1973. crosswalk.com+13en.wikipedia.org+13ism.yale.edu+13. Their debut album, Jesus Has a Lot to Give, was released in 1973, marking the start of a prolific recording career. They gained national recognition with the 1981 album You Brought the Sunshine, whose title track became a crossover hit, blending gospel with elements of R&B and funk. This innovative sound, characterized by complex harmonies and dynamic vocal arrangements—often referred to as "The Clark Sound"—helped bring gospel music into the mainstream. Throughout their career, The Clark Sisters have released over 20 albums and received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards. Notably, their 2007 live album Live... One Last Time won Best Traditional Gospel Album, and the song "Blessed & Highly Favored" earned Best Gospel Performance. In recognition of their contributions to music, they were honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. Beyond their group success, each sister has pursued solo projects, with Twinkie Clark serving as the group's primary songwriter and producer. Their influence extends to artists across genres, inspiring figures like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Mary J. Blige. Their story was further immortalized in the 2020 Lifetime biopic The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, produced by Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, and Missy Elliott. For more information and updates, you can visit their official website: theclarksisters.net.
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