The Clark Sisters: Icons of Gospel Music

By Russell Lee Central ⎸Arts, Literature and Sports Department, Central Library 

The Clark Sisters is one of the most versatile and legendary female gospel groups alive today. Jacky Clark Chisolm, Denise Clark Bradford, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Karen Clark form this dynamic sisterhood of God-given talent. Denise Clark Bradford is no longer a part of The Clark Sisters due to her own personal choices that she made years ago. They have changed with the times as gospel music has evolved from choirs or singers being accompanied only by piano, organ, lead guitar, bass guitar, and drums. The sisters are known for tight, complex jazzy-style singing but are at home singing traditional gospel and other genres of music.

Their mother was world renowned Dr. Mattie Moss Clark (Mattie Juliet Moss) who was born in Selma, Alabama, and attended Selma University where she received more training in choral singing and classical music. She later moved to Detroit in 1947 to be with her sister and eventually became a member of Greater Love Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. Later she became Minister of Music for both Southwest Michigan Jurisdiction and Bailey Cathedral Church of God in Christ (COGIC). She was soon in demand to train choirs at churches throughout the brotherhood of COGIC. She was a firm and devout disciplinarian who took her religion and choir directing very seriously, and she was known to hurl a shoe or hymn book at heads for singing parts incorrectly or for breaking rules of conduct, such as chewing gum while singing or rehearsing. She recorded over 50 albums and wrote and arranged hundreds of songs. She founded The Clark Conservatory of Music and was State Minister of Music for Southwest Michigan Jurisdiction Number One.

Mattie Moss Clark was married twice. Her last husband, whom she ended up divorcing, was Elder Elbert Clark. Clark started training her daughters at a very young age to fear God, work hard towards vocal perfection, and to always sound like one voice when they sing together. Dr. Clark formally created “the Clark Sisters” in 1973 and they recorded their first album, Jesus Has A lot To Give. The following year, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark Presents the Clark Sisters was released and their notoriety became more prevalent. Mattie Moss Clark passed away in 1994 from diabetes complications.

The two biggest hits early in their career were “Expect Your Miracle" and “You Brought the Sunshine,” which proved to be a monster smash and became a hit in churches and dance floors, including New York’s Studio 54. “You Brought The Sunshine” was inspired by Stevie Wonder’s "Master Blaster (Jammin).”

Jacky Clark-Chisolm, the eldest sister, tends to sing the tenor part. She also has as established career as a nurse.

Dorinda Clark-Cole’s alto voice is closest to the sound of her mother's and she is known for jazzy runs and riffs, but she can also preach any preacher under the pew. Dorinda also plays organ and is a world-renowned evangelist.

Twinkie Clark is a musical prodigy and was trained by her mother as a musician and later became leader of the group. She studied music at Howard University and is known as “Queen of the Hammond B-3 Organ.” Twinkie’s contralto-type voice can be heard singing lead on many hits.

Karen Clark-Sheard is probably the most talented singer of the siblings. She can sing dazzling mind-boggling riffs in various ranges and probably has the highest voice (soprano) in the group. Karen also plays piano and drums.

All the sisters have completed solo projects over the years. The solo albums of Karen Clark-Sheard and Dorinda Clark-Cole have by far been the most successful of the siblings' individual projects.

The Clark Sisters are still very viable in today’s gospel market. Their last two albums have been successful. Live…One Last Time was released in 2007. A new album, The Return, was released in April 2020. The very successful biopic The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel aired on Lifetime in April 2020, garnering high television ratings. The Clark Sisters have also been featured in the Unsung series on TV One.

This famous group of talented sisters continue to break records and be trailblazers for those who have been influenced and touched by their gifts. What is more spectacular about their story is the connection to Alabama. Please check the catalog or music databases such as Freegal or Hoopla for recordings. (Sources: Wikipedia, Unsung television series, Lifetime Biopic – The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel)