The Clark Sisters were an American gospel vocal group consisting of four sisters: Jacky Clark Chisholm, Denise “Niecy” Clark Bradford, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark-Terrell, and Dorinda Clark-Cole. They were daughters of gospel singer Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. The Clark Sisters are credited for helping to bring gospel music to the mainstream and are considered pioneers of contemporary gospel.
How did the Clark Sisters get started?
The Clark Sisters began singing together as children in Detroit, where their mother Mattie Moss Clark served as a minister of music for the Church of God in Christ. Their mother recognized their musical talent early on and nurtured their development as singers. By the late 1960s, the young sisters were performing together in church services and other gospel events.
In 1968, the teenage Clark Sisters recorded their first album, Jesus Has A Lot To Give, marking the start of their professional music career. Their blossoming talent and youthful exuberance made them stand out on the gospel scene. Throughout the 1970s, the Clark Sisters released several more albums and became well known within gospel circles.
What were the Clark Sisters’ biggest hits?
The Clark Sisters achieved crossover pop success in 1980 with the gospel-disco jam “You Brought the Sunshine.” The infectiously upbeat song reached #16 on the Dance charts and #27 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This mainstream popularity introduced the Clark Sisters’ exuberant gospel sound to wider audiences.
Other major hits by the Clark Sisters include:
– “Is My Living in Vain” (1980) – #1 Hot Gospel Song
– “Hallelujah” (1981) – #3 Hot Gospel Song
– “Jesus Is a Love Song” (1981) – #10 Hot Gospel Song
– “Expect Your Miracle” (1982) – #1 Hot Gospel Song
– “Blessed & Highly Favored” (1983) – #2 Hot Gospel Song
– “They Were Overcome (By the Word)” (1985) – #1 Hot Gospel Song
What was the Clark Sisters’ impact on gospel music?
The Clark Sisters are considered pioneers in blending contemporary R&B and dance elements with traditional gospel music. Their energetic performance style and use of more mainstream musical forms helped expand gospel music’s reach beyond church audiences.
In particular, Twinkie Clark is known for pioneering the “gospel jazz” style by incorporating jazz phrasing and instrumentation into gospel arrangements. The Clark Sisters’ willingness to experiment musically showed that gospel could adapt to contemporary trends without losing its spiritual essence.
Through their over 30 albums, the Clark Sisters have influenced countless artists in gospel, R&B, and pop. They paved the way for gospel singers like Kirk Franklin who would later continue bringing gospel music into mainstream success. Their creative musicianship showed that gospel music could be innovative and dynamic while still delivering uplifting messages.
What challenges did the Clark Sisters face in their career?
Despite their success, the Clark Sisters faced a number of difficult challenges over the years that tested the strength of their sisterhood and faith.
In 1982, Denise left the group suddenly to pursue a solo career. This was highly controversial at the time, as she left without the approval of the rest of her siblings or their mother Mattie. Denise’s departure disrupted the tight vocal harmony that defined the Clark Sisters’ sound.
Jacky and Twinkie also temporarily left the group in 1988 due to disputes over finances and contracts. This means Dorinda had to carry on leading the group for a couple years by herself. While Denise eventually returned in 1990, tensions lingered among the sisters.
The Clark Sisters also endured the deaths of their mother Mattie Moss Clark in 1994 and sister Denise Clark Bradford in 2011. Mattie was instrumental in nurturing the sisters’ talents from early childhood. Her loss was emotionally devastating. When Denise passed away, it meant two of the original foursome were gone.
Through all the conflicts and grief, the surviving Clark Sisters were able to come together and continue singing, choosing to honor their sisterhood and family bond. Their perseverance through adversity is part of what makes their journey so inspiring.
How did the biopic contribute to the Clark Sisters’ legacy?
In April 2020, Lifetime network aired the biopic The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. Executive produced by the remaining Clark Sisters themselves, the movie accurately depicted both their incredible rise to success as well as the disputes and tragedies they endured.
The biopic reawakened interest in the groundbreaking sister group among younger generations. The soundtrack featured new versions of Clark Sisters’ classics like “Is My Living in Vain” and “You Brought the Sunshine” redone by contemporary gospel stars. This introduced their timeless music to new listeners.
The highly rated film underscored the Clark Sisters’ status as true icons in gospel history. Their story is one of both great musical innovation as well as deep faith in the face of obstacles. The biopic reminded people that through it all, the love between these sisters always persevered.
Where are the remaining Clark Sisters now?
Though the hitmaking Clark Sisters lineup was altered by Denise’s passing in 2011, Jacky, Twinkie and Dorinda continue performing and recording gospel music today.
Jacky – The eldest sister has recorded several solo albums in addition to her work with the Clark Sisters. She is an ordained evangelist and has preached across the country. In 2021, Jacky and her husband released the book Miracles of the Clark Sisters.
Twinkie – The younger sister has written and produced numerous hit gospel songs over the years for the Clark Sisters as well as other artists. She continues to compose and perform faith-based music.
Dorinda – As the youngest sister, Dorinda took over as lead singer of the group following Denise’s death. She has toured with Lady Tramaine Hawkins and Bishop Paul Morton. Dorinda’s daughter Kierra Sheard is a popular gospel artist in her own right.
The surviving sisters have endured unspeakable loss but soldier on spreading the spiritual message of their music. Though Denise is no longer with them, her spirit lives on whenever Jacky, Twinkie and Dorinda sing the classic Clark Sisters’ hits together. They are currently working on new material that will add to their already impressive musical legacy.
How did Dr. Mattie Moss Clark influence her daughters’ careers?
Dr. Mattie Moss Clark was not only the Clark Sisters’ mother but also their mentor, manager and guiding force. Her influence shaped their lives and careers in multiple ways:
Recognized their talent – Mattie identified her daughters’ musical gifts when they were just children and nurtured their development through voice coaching and piano lessons. Her early belief in their talent gave the sisters confidence.
Strict training – She ran an extremely strict household with rigorous practice schedules where the sisters rehearsed harmonies and learned music theory. This instilled stellar musicianship.
Lessons in professionalism – Mattie prepared her daughters for the music business, teaching them how to conduct themselves professionally in recordings, press interviews and performances.
Pressed innovation – She encouraged her daughters not to be afraid of change and be willing to expand gospel music’s boundaries. This paved the way for their mold-breaking sound.
Managed their careers – Mattie oversaw the Clark Sisters’ recording contracts, booked their concerts and handled their finances early on. She made sure they weren’t taken advantage of in the industry.
Emphasized sisterhood – Knowing they drew strength from each other, Mattie continually stressed that the Clark Sisters stay unified as siblings and as vocalists.
The lessons Mattie Clark imparted to her talented girls shaped them into the icons they became. Her bold vision and dedication fueled their success.
What awards have the Clark Sisters received?
Over their long careers, the Clark Sisters have earned an incredible number of honors recognizing their artistic achievements. Some of their major awards include:
– 3 Grammy Awards
– 8 Stellar Gospel Music Awards
– 2 NAACP Image Awards
– 2005 Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees
– 2018 Rhythm of Gospel Lifetime Achievement Award
– 2021 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award
Specific Clark Sisters songs that won awards include “You Brought the Sunshine” (Grammy), “Hallelujah” (Stellar Award), “Blessed & Highly Favored” (Stellar Award), and “Is My Living in Vain” (Stellar Award).
Dorinda Clark-Cole also received a Grammy nod for Best Soul Gospel Performance for her solo work. The Clark Sisters’ mother Dr. Mattie Moss Clark became the first woman inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1995.
The honors bestowed upon the Clark Sisters recognize not just their chart successes but their foundational influence expanding the reach of gospel music through their artistic daring. Their awards are markers of their groundbreaking legacy.
What is the Clark Sisters’ musical legacy?
Few groups have made a greater impact on gospel music history than the Clark Sisters. Their remarkable musical legacy can be summed up by:
– Over 15 million albums sold worldwide
– Chart-topping gospel hits spanning over three decades
– Blending genres by incorporating R&B, jazz, disco into gospel
– High-energy, emotion-filled live performances with tight harmonies
– Earning commercial success without compromising spiritual lyrics
– Opening door for gospel music to reach wider mainstream audiences
– Inspiring and influencing generations of artists across musical genres
– Sharing their vocal gifts while preserving a loyal sisterhood
Through their undisputed talents and faith-filled music, the Clark Sisters set a benchmark for creativity, innovation and artistic excellence in gospel. Their legacy will be honored for all time.
Conclusion
For over 50 years, the Clark Sisters have been making spirit-filled gospel music that uplifts and inspires. Though the original foursome faced many challenges over the decades, their bond, faith and unmatched vocal talents endured.
From their trailblazing early hits through their recent biopic’s success, the Clark Sisters remain first ladies of gospel music. Though just three sisters remain today, Jacky, Twinkie and Dorinda continue releasing new material and performing live together, ensuring the influential Clark Sisters live on. Their story serves as a testament to how family, love and gifts from God can overcome any obstacle.