The Belle Report

Clark Sister Farewell Concert

By Sheilah Belle

Brentwood, TN --The Gospel Music Channel & EMI Gospel recently wrapped up the taping for the farewell concert for the legendary diva's of Gospel, The Clark Sisters.

Recorded live for CD and DVD with a delivery date in June, the crowd included family, friends and fans, with some traveling from as far away as Los Angeles.

Alvin Williams, Gospel Music Channel's Senior Director of Music Industry Development, stated that he and the rest of his team have been working on putting this production together since before Christmas.

In the end, the fruits of their labor were not in vain. Williams said, "I am ecstatic about the outcome. We became apart of a historical and legendary moment. Still though, we have much more work to do, with following up the project with its release."

The group performed six new songs, including their new single, BLESSED & HIGHLY FAVORED, which apparently some in the audience were already familiar with as they sang along.

Not forgetting some of the hits that helped make the sisters who they are today, the ladies took a trip down memory lane as they also performed a few old favorites like You Brought The Sunshine.

While their history remains rich, with a growing list of accolades and awards, the ladies are still beautiful from the inside out. Their bond as sisters seems to only get stronger over the years. With their newest project, each share in singing the lead, from Twinkie on the organ, to Jacky, Dorinda and Karen sharing center stage.

However, much of the credit for this strong union dates back quite a few years with their mother, Mattie Moss Clark.

Under her guidance, the immensely talented Detroit natives fashioned a successful livelihood with eight highly successful albums, including 1980's Is My Living In Vain and the 1981 hit You Brought The Sunshine.

They exemplify style and class in everything they do from praying before hitting the stage to allowing God to have His way as they minister in song.

When asked about their newest look including teased high hairdos, Larry Blackwell, EMI Record's Vice President & General Manager, said, "It's part of their image and right now we want to keep it consistent with what the public is familiar with."

What the public is also becoming familiar with is this, still young vehicles, the all new Gospel Music Channel. It is the first 24 hour, all music entertainment network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse Gospel music. From CeCe Winans to Michael W. Smith, to Kirk Franklin and Jars of Clay...the Gospel Music Channels includes everyone and leaves out no one, when it comes to singing praises to God.

This accomplishment alone speaks volume, with a growing audience and cities that carry Comcast including Washington, D.C., Detroit, Salt LakeCity, Baltimore, Richmond, Augusta, Chattanooga, Little Rock, Chicago, Memphis and Portland, OR.

Because of the Gospel Music Channel, artists now have another vehicle to use for showcasing their talent, along with ministering the word of God. Families can tune in during any time of the day to be uplifted or simply hear their favorite Christian and Gospel singers.

As for the Clark Sisters, you can catch their live recording on the Gospel Music Channel on April 10, 2007.

Special guests stopping by W 274 in Franklin, TN for the taping yesterday, included Dr. Bobby Jones, Bishop Sheard (Karen Clark Sheard's husband) Michelle Duffie, Phyllis Caddell, Derrick Lee, Benita Bellemy, Sunny Hawkins, and many others.

In the meantime, look for more great productions to come out of the Gospel Music Channel camp. Williams says, "In May we will be doing it again with Gospel recording artist, Myron Butler and a host of others."