The The Clark Sisters have sold an amazing 21.5 million records worldwide. They are the top-selling female gospel group ever1. From Detroit, Michigan, this group of five sisters – Jacky Clark Chisholm, Denise “Niecy” Clark-Bradford, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard – have made a big impact on gospel music21.
Key Takeaways
- The Clark Sisters are a legendary American gospel vocal group originally consisting of five sisters.
- They are credited for helping to bring gospel music to the mainstream and are considered pioneers of contemporary gospel.
- The group has won two Grammy Awards and is the highest-selling female gospel group in history.
- They have released numerous successful albums, including “Jesus Has a Lot to Give,” “You Brought the Sunshine,” and “Miracle.”
- The Clark Sisters have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
The Clark Sisters: Pioneers of Contemporary Gospel
The Clark Sisters started in 1966 and are the top-selling female gospel group in the U.S3.. They grew up in Detroit, Michigan and sang in their dad’s Church of God in Christ choir from a young age. By the late 1960s, they sang together in church, performing songs their mom, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, wrote and arranged.
Origins and Early Years
After their parents divorced in 1973, Dr. Clark made “the Clark Sisters” official. They recorded their first album, Jesus Has a Lot to Give, on their uncle Bill Moss’ label2. The sisters – Jacky, Twinkie, Karen, and Dorinda – mixed styles like blues, jazz, R&B, and classical. This created a unique sound known as The Clark Sound3.
The Clark Sound
Dr. Mattie Moss Clark handed the group to Twinkie, who took charge of writing, arranging, conducting, and producing their music3. Their album He Gave Me Nothing to Lose hit the top 20 on the Billboard Spiritual Albums chart in 19743. The hit single “You Brought the Sunshine” reached #16 on the Billboard Black Singles chart in 1983, selling over 200,000 copies3.
“The Clark Sisters have had a significant influence on both gospel and secular artists, including Anita Baker, Bobby Brown, Mary J. Blige, and CeCe Winans.”
The Clark Sisters have kept pushing the boundaries of contemporary gospel music. They mix gospel music styles with R&B, jazz, and classical sounds3. Their impact is seen in many Detroit gospel singers and contemporary gospel music artists who have been inspired by them132.
Rise to Mainstream Success
In the early 1980s, The Clark Sisters became a huge phenomenon. Their live album “Is My Living In Vain” hit the top of the Billboard gospel charts for over a year. It also brought us hits like “Expect Your Miracle.”4
Then came “You Brought the Sunshine,” which was an even bigger hit. The title track reached number 16 on the Billboard Black Singles chart and number 27 on the Dance Club Songs chart4. This album showed The Clark Sisters’ gospel crossover hits and made them contemporary gospel artists known to everyone4.
Their success kept growing, winning eight Stellar Awards, including one in 20214. They also got two Grammy awards in 2007 for their “Live: One Last Time” album4. These awards made them leaders in the gospel crossover hits and contemporary gospel artists fields45.
The Clark Sisters faced many challenges, as shown in the Lifetime biopic “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.”5 The movie, made by Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, and Holly Carter, tells of their fight against abuse and sibling rivalry. It shows how they became the top-selling female gospel group5.
Despite the tough times, The Clark Sisters left a lasting mark on gospel crossover hits and contemporary gospel artists. They inspire new musicians and keep adding to their the clark sisters mainstream success56.
The Clark Sisters’ Grammy and NAACP Recognitions
The Clark Sisters are true pioneers in contemporary gospel music. Their hard work has earned them top honors and awards7. In 1983, they won their first NAACP Image Award for their album “The Return.”7 They kept rising, earning Grammy nominations and wins over the years.
Award Nominations and Wins
Their first Grammy nod came for “Sincerely” at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards8. Soon, they took home the NAACP Image Award for best gospel group in 19838. They kept shining, getting another Grammy nod for “He’ll Turn Your Scars into Stars.”8
In 2008, they made history with three Grammy Awards for their album “Blessed and Highly Favored.”89
The Clark Sisters have made a big mark on gospel music. They’ve won 3 Grammy Awards89, 15 Stellar Awards89, and 1 NAACP Image Award89. Their album “The Return” hit #1 on Nielsen charts and #2 on Billboard, proving their status as gospel icons89.
Their journey has been celebrated far and wide. The biopic “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel” drew 2.7 million viewers in 202089. Their music has even reached the hip-hop scene, featured by stars like Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and Kanye West8.
The Clark Sisters’ Solo Careers
The Clark Sisters became famous in gospel music. Each talented sibling then started solo careers10.
Twinkie Clark-Terrell, the main songwriter and music director, left the group in the 1970s and 80s. She became a minister11. In 1992, she released her solo album “Comin’ Home.”12
Karen Clark Sheard is known for her strong voice. She released her solo album “Finally Karen” in 1997. It got a Grammy nomination and a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award10.
Dorinda Clark-Cole, the youngest, has faced health issues. She was taken to the hospital many times due to a disease11. Despite this, she released her solo album “Dorinda Clark-Cole” in 2002. It won two Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award10.
The Clark Sisters’ solo careers have made their mark in gospel music. Each sister brought their own talents and experiences to the genre10.
Conclusion
The Clark Sisters’ legacy shows the lasting impact of their music. They’ve made a big mark on contemporary gospel music and are seen as a legendary gospel group. Their unique sound and hits have made them leaders in gospel music13.
They started with Sound of Gospel Records and won Grammys and NAACP awards. The Clark Sisters mixed traditional gospel with R&B and pop. This has influenced many artists and changed gospel music13.
Their story is now in a biopic, which got great reviews. This, along with their family’s journey of healing, has made them icons. The Clark Sisters’ work will keep inspiring people for years to come.
Source Links
- The Clark Sisters
- The Legendary Clark Sisters | Kennedy Center
- The Clark Sisters (1966- ) •
- Detroit gospel greats the Clark Sisters receiving Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige & Missy Elliott Tell The Clark Sisters’ Iconic Story in New Biopic – Sheléa Music
- 10 Things To Know About The Clark Sisters | Essence
- The Clark Sisters & Tamela Mann Takes Home NAACP Awards! – uGospel.com
- The Clark Sisters
- Clark Sisters Nominated For BET Award
- The Clark Sisters
- THE CLARK SISTERS BIOPIC
- | BandChirps
- “First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters” – Black Music Scholar