Clark Sisters

Biography

The Clark Sisters are an American gospel vocal group consisting of five sisters—Jacky Clark Chisholm (born 1948), Denise 'Niecy' Clark-Bradford (born 1953), Elbernita 'Twinkie' Clark (born 1954), Dorinda Clark-Cole (born 1957), and Karen Clark Sheard (born 1960)—daughters of renowned gospel musician and choral director Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, they began singing in their father's Church of God in Christ choir during the late 1960s, performing songs written and arranged by their mother. Following their parents' divorce in 1973, Dr. Clark formally established the group, leading to their debut album Jesus Has a Lot to Give on Billesse Records.[1][3]

The group's career gained momentum after signing with Sound of Gospel Records in 1974, releasing albums like Unworthy and Count It All Joy. Twinkie Clark took over as chief songwriter, arranger, conductor, and producer, propelling their breakthrough with the 1980 live album Is My Living in Vain?, which topped Billboard's Spiritual Albums chart. Pioneers of contemporary gospel, they blended jazz, funk, and Black church traditions, achieving mainstream crossover success with hits like 'You Brought the Sunshine.'[1][5]

With 20 albums, millions in sales, and status as the highest-selling female gospel group in history, the Clark Sisters have won three Grammy Awards (including two in 2007 for 'Blessed & Highly Favored' and Live: One Last Time), received seven nominations, and earned honors like the 2024 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and 2022 Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame induction. Despite lineup changes, including Denise's departure, they remain influential legends active since 1966.[1][2][3]

Fun Facts

• Twinkie Clark possesses a remarkable five-octave vocal range from soprano to baritone and was the group's musical maestro, writing and producing most of their hits.[1][2]
• 'You Brought the Sunshine' (1981) was their biggest crossover hit, inspired by Stevie Wonder's reggae-influenced 'Master Blaster,' and received secular radio airplay.[5]
• Their mother, Mattie Moss Clark, was one of the first gospel artists to achieve gold album status (over 500,000 copies sold) and taught choirs three-part harmony.[5]
• The group performed live at the 1985 Grammy Awards with their mother in a gospel medley, following nominations for 'He'll Turn Your Scars into Stars.'[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dr. Mattie Moss Clark - Mother, choral director, and primary musical mentor who taught them harmony, wrote early songs, and managed the group (Early choir performances, debut albums like Jesus Has a Lot to Give) [1960s-1980s]
• Aretha Franklin - Stylistic influence from fellow Detroit native, impacting their vocal style (General influence on contemporary gospel sound) [1960s-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Twinkie Clark - Core sister member, chief songwriter, arranger, producer, and musician for the group (Albums including Is My Living in Vain?, You Brought the Sunshine, Conqueror) [1970s-present]
• Dr. Mattie Moss Clark - Mother who presented and performed with them (Dr. Mattie Moss Clark Presents the Clark Sisters, 1985 Grammy performance) [1970s-1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary gospel artists - Pioneered sound blending gospel with jazz, funk, and R&B, influencing modern gospel, R&B, and rap (Innovative vocal techniques and scripture interpretations) [1980s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Blessed & Highly Favored - Live (Live: One Last Time)
2. Livin' - Live (Live: One Last Time)
3. You Brought The Sunshine - Live (Live: One Last Time)
4. Victory (The Return)
5. Jesus Is A Love Song (Finally Karen)
6. His Love (The Return)
7. You Brought The Sunshine (You Brought The Sunshine / Unworthy)
8. Jesus Is A Love Song - Live
9. Name It Claim It - Live (Live: One Last Time)
10. Medley: Is My Living In Vain? / You Brought The Sunshine / Hallelujah (Bringing It Back Home)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia