UB First Look: The Clark Sisters ‘The Return’
“The Return” is The Clark Sisters first collective release in over 10 years. The album will be released digitally March 13th and physically April 10th via Motown Gospel. UB has your First Look at the cover art and tracklist.
The production harks back to the formative sound of their early productions, incorporating original instruments and a 70’s and 80’s R&B/Soul sound. This is one of the most highly anticipated releases from The Clark Sisters, as they surpass 50 years of music ministry with their inspirational and uplifting songs of faith, joy and perseverance.
Lead single, “Victory,” is currently Top 15 at Gospel Radio. Production on the album by Rodney Jerkins, Warryn Campbell, Jermaine Dupri, Mano Hanes and more.
The album release will coincide with their biopic, executive produced by Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah. The film will premiere nationally on Lifetime Networks Saturday, April 11th at 8 pm EST.
UB spoke to Karen Clark Sheard in 2006, in support of her “It’s Not Over” release. During that interview we asked her about Mary J. Blige — Tell us about when Mary J. Blige invited you to her show? And what do you think of her current success?
“How did you know about that?“ Karen laughed and went on to say, “It was an experience, a different experience. It was a Sunday night and we were going to Church. Then I got this invite. I told my Husband, I got invited to this Mary J. Blige concert tonight, I don’t know how you are going to react, but I want to go. He was like how is that going to look, but he understood and let me go. She was performing and then she invited me on stage, I didn’t know she was going to do that,” she stated.
“So I go up there, I can’t think of the name of the song right now but one of hers. I just got on stage and took it to Church! I turned it into a gospel song (laughs). Not too long after, Mary started crying, people told me later people in the audience were crying. I was like wow! I mean it just proved you don’t have to compromise, I did what I do. She looks up to me, which is something she told me and that’s a blessing to have that. It’s very encouraging. When God gives me something, I am led in the direction to make the right decision. Church folks were at the concert, saying what is she doing here? But I did what I do and didn’t compromise who I am and you should be able to do that.”
It’s so amazing to see this relationship come full circle, with Mary being an executive producer for The Clark Sisters biopic.
The Clark Sisters have won three Grammy Awards. With 17 albums to their credit and millions in sales, the Clark Sisters are the highest-selling female gospel group in history. The Clark Sisters are a gospel vocal group consisting of five sisters: Jacky Cullum Chisholm , Denise “Niecy” Clark Bradford, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Karen Clark Sheard.
The Clark Sisters are the daughters of gospel musician and choral director Mattie Moss Clark. They are credited for helping to bring gospel music to the mainstream and are considered as pioneers of contemporary gospel. Their biggest hits include: “Is My Living in Vain?”, “Hallelujah”, “He Gave Me Nothing to Lose”, “Endow Me”, “Jesus Is A Love Song”, “Ha Ya”, “Pure Gold”, “Expect a Miracle”, and their largest mainstream crossover gold-certified hit, “You Brought the Sunshine“.
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