Don't take it for granted that we are here today
Just know that we are blessed and highly favored!
(from left to right: Twinkie, Jacky, Karen, Dorinda)
Just know that we are blessed and highly favored!
(from left to right: Twinkie, Jacky, Karen, Dorinda)
Influences:
- Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder
Influenced:
The Clark Sisters is an American gospel group comprised of sisters Jacky Clark Chisholm, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard. They grew up under the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC for short) in which their mother, the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, was the Minister of Music.
- Jacky Clark Chisholm: The eldest of the five sisters. Jacky sticks out amongst her sisters for her smoother and more subdued style of singing. Though more reserved than the others, Jacky is no slouch. She often sings alto, or tenor if Twinkie is leading or absent.
- Denise Clark Bradford: Denise shared soprano with Karen. Denise's voice is notable for its airy quality. Denise left the group in the eighties and has since remained somewhat distant from most of her sisters.
- Twinkie Clark (formerly Terrell): Middle sister Twinkie is the heart of the group. She is the principal songwriter, having penned all of their hits. She is the one who takes the reins when their mother, Dr. Clark, stepped away from driving the group. She has the range to sing every part but she often sings the bottom note.
- Dorinda Clark-Cole: Dorinda is noted for her raspy voice and jazzy scatting. She sings the alto line in the group's harmonies. She is affectionately known as
The Rose of Gospel. - Karen Clark Sheard: The youngest sister. Karen is known for her shy demeanor which contrasts with her flamboyant soprano. She is the mother of fellow singer, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, and producer, J. Drew. Both of her children have seen success in the gospel industry just like their mother. She is also First Lady of the COGIC Church via her husband, Bishop John Drew Sheard Sr., who has been Presiding Bishop since 2021.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Jesus Has A Lot To Give (1973)
- Mattie Moss Clark Presents the Clark Sisters (1974)
- Unworthy (1976)
- Count It All Joy (1978)
- New Dimensions Of Christmas Carols (1978)
- He Gave Me Nothing to Lose (1979)
- You Brought The Sunshine (1981)
- Sincerely (1982)
- Heart & Soul (1986)
- Conqueror (1988)
- Miracle (1994)
- The Clark Sisters' Family Christmas (2009)
- The Return (2020)
Live Albums
- Is My Living in Vain (1980)
- Bringing It Back Home (1989)
- Live - One Last Time (2007)
For the love of the people, He gave His tropes:
- Aerith and Bob: Jacky, Denise, and Karen against Twinkie and Dorinda. Then you remember Twinkie's real name is Elbernita.
- Affectionate Nickname: Twinkie earned her nickname because, as big sister Jacky states, she always had a certain twinkle in her eyes from childhood.
- "Niecy" for Denise.
- "Do" for Dorinda.
- Amazing Freaking Grace: On Miracle.
-
Career Resurrection: After embarking on their own solo careers, Live - One Last Time and The Return has served as their return as a singing group. This was especially helped by a TV movie biopic that aired on Lifetime in 2019. - Church Lady: All of them apply but especially Karen. Since 2021, her husband, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, has served as Presiding Bishop of the COGIC Church. This makes her the First Lady of the COGIC Church.
- Fan Nickname: Dorinda is called "The Rose of Gospel."
- Lisp: Aside from Dorinda, all of the sisters possess a lisp. Denise's was the most prominent.
- Massive Numbered Siblings: There's five of them. They have an older brother as well, Leo.
- Denise went on to have seven boys of her own.
- Melismatic Vocals: A staple of their singing style. Dorinda and Karen are especially fond of using melisma to accentuate their singing.
- Put on a Bus: Denise. She elected to leave the group herself. Fans are hoping for a reunion of all five sisters one day.
- Scatting: Dorinda is known as the "jazzy sister" for this reason.
