Friday, May 19, 2006

Clark Sisters: Hit Me One More Time



Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Twinkie Clark and Jacky Clark-Chislom will be united one more time for a special live recording session as the Clark Sisters; after fans have prayed and requested for the legendary group to tease today's generation with their classic brand of contemporary gospel covered with their very own traditional R&B ointment. For years, the Clark Sisters have been hailed as being one of the chief innovators for female groups in both R&B and gospel circles and helped launch the success of groups such as EnVogue, Xscape (who also re-recorded one of the Clark Sisters' hits, "Is My Living In Vain?"), SWV, the Anointed Pace Sisters, Witness and Virtue. Their sophisticated Detroit style, heavily influenced by the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, along with their strict spiritual upbringing helped to mold the crop into Gospel's latest sensations during the late 1970s and 80s.

After recording a series of albums beginning from 1973 to 1979 on the Sound of Gospel (SOG) label, the Clark Sisters had already proved that they were definitely a force to be reckoned with. They began to share equal billing at concerts with Rev. James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar and Walter Hawkins. The Clark Sisters finally left the small, local based SOG with a bang with the heavy-dance hit, "You Brought The Sunshine" in 1983. The cut was so huge that even SOG needed help, using Westbound (their secular label) and serious distribution from Elektra to meet the massive demands. Word Records, along with the Rejoice! music label, signed them immediately releasing "Sincerely", "Heart & Soul", "Conqueror" and "Bringing It Back Home". In 1994, the Clark Sisters recorded their last project, "Miracle" and provided the opportunity for the group to go their separate ways to achieve their lifelong dreams in ministry, music and in their personal lives. Twelve years later, the Clark Sisters reunite once again to finally end their wonderful musical career as a group with grace. Many may not want to hear of this being a farewell - maybe they will continue to record together on one another's projects like they have during the last couple of years. But we all are grateful to know that this will be a live recording...and probably the Who's Who in gospel, R&B and mainstream music will be there ready to experience history in the making.

You probably may need to mark your dates and plan ahead for this one; even if you are COGIC. The world will be watching and waiting.

RECORDING INFORMATION:
DATE: July 8, 2006
PLACE: Annual Church Of God In Christ AIM Convention, George R. Brown Convention Center
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: $12.00
SPECIAL GUESTS: Kierra "KiKi" Sheard, others to be announced
ALBUM PRODUCERS/MUSICIANS: Not available



1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading the Clark Sisters' commentary...actually though, wasn't it Xscape that recorded "Is My Living In Vain"? I LOVE Envogue (wish they'd reunite), but I don't remember their version of the Clarks' tune. I could be wrong, but I was wondering...