Karen Clark Sheard
"Karen's voice is the only one I've ever tried to mimic. She is one of the most distinct vocalists of our time."
High praise coming from one of music's most popular superstars, none other than Faith Evans - talking about gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard. It's not that surprising of a complement when you consider that Karen has been working at her craft since she was six years old. Now, as she readies her much-anticipated Elektra Records debut, 2nd Chance, she stands as a towering influence not only within the gospel community, but also throughout the pop and R&B worlds as well, respected and revered by her peers as a sublime vocalist and exquisite interpreter of the inspirational lyrics.
Rejuvenated by her new album, and backed by stalwart producers as diverse as PAJAM (Paul "pda" Allen and J. Moss) and Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott, Karen declares that this project is a dream come true. Stirring songs such as "Brand New Day," produced by Mike City, "Be Sure," helmed by PAJAM, and the mesmerizing "It's Not Over," which Karen wrote and produced herself, set the tone for an album filled with inspirational gems. "I've overcome a lot of hurdles says," Karen. "It's been seven years since my last album and I have a lot to say. Mainly, I've been focusing on my testimony and I wanted to take the album there as well."
Karen's entire life has been nothing but testimony. Gospel is literally in her blood - her mother was the late Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark, a gospel pioneer of the 1960s and 1970s, and one of the first gospel artists to receive a gold album. Karen emerged as her own spiritual and vocal force to be reckoned with the renowned gospel group, the Clark Sisters. For more than two decades, Karen, along with her four siblings, have remained one of the genres most popular and beloved singing sensations. It was the Clark Sisters who brought contemporary gospel a hearty taste of mainstream success with their 1983 crossover hit "You Brought The Sunshine (Into My Life)."
Karen set the stage for her solo career in 1996, when she contributed the song "Don't Give It Up" to the gold-selling Don't Be A Menace To South Central... soundtrack. The memorable album also included gospel stalwarts such as Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker and Donald Lawrence. Proceeds from the single went to the Anti-Defamation League and its efforts to rebuild black churches destroyed by arson.
With the blessing of her sisters, Karen released her first solo album in 1997, Finally Karen. The album featured the gospel smash "Balm In Gilead" (which was also featured on the certified gold WOW Gospel 1999 compilation album), and included collaborations with Faith Evans ("Nothing Without You"), and Donald Lawrence ("Heaven"), as well as a little family assistance from the Clark Sisters on songs such as "Jesus Is A Love Song." Karen's daughter Kierra also kept up the family tradition on "The Will Of God," and Karen's cousin and longtime collaborator, producer J. Moss of PAJAM, contributed his talents to four songs on the disc, including "Praise Festival" and "Gotta Right."
Karen kicked off 1998 in style, receiving a Lady Of Soul Award for Best Gospel Female Vocalist. In 1999 she received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, as well. The crowning achievement came at that year's Stellar Awards, when Karen picked up four awards. She also joined the cast of David E. Talbert's play Mr. Right Now in a national tour. Along the way, she appeared on such television programs as Motown Live, The Lady Of Soul Awards, The Soul Train Christmas Special, BET's Gospel Celebration and The Salute to Aretha Franklin, at the personal request from the "Queen of Soul."
The year 2001 marked a turning point for Karen in more ways than one. She suffered a near-fatal health setback during minor surgery, lapsing into a devastating coma. Given only a two percent chance at recovering, Karen miraculously pulled through, and now credits the near-death experience for instilling a renewed sense of purpose in her. "I wanted to share with people my exuberance for life," she says. "There's a song written and produced by Donald Lawrence called 'If I Can't Say A Word,'" she says.
"That song embodies what's it's like to be so sick you can't move. But you can still wave your arms for the Lord. That's what I'm doing with this album." More determined than ever, Karen knew it wouldn't be long before she transformed her new-found inspiration into her life's work, her incredible musical legacy and ministry.
Karen's much anticipated Elektra debut reflects her passion and commitment to the heart and spirit with unmistakable power and emotion. The album also features tracks produced by gospel legend Richard Smallwood, PAJAM, Walter Milsap, Donald Lawrence and Tim & Bob. "It was great working with all these different talented people," she says. "I felt so comfortable. It just made the whole experience a joy." |
