Some artists gain gravitas among their peer with the years of longevity, and as Contemporary Gospel music ambassadors for over five decades and 2022 inductees into The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame, The Clark Sisters’ (Elbernita ‘Twinkie,’ Karen, Dorinda, Jacky, and Denise thru 1986) certainly fall into that category.
The Clark Sisters’ greatest hits have been covered by superstars such as Al Green and Xscape, and their recordings have become more treasured over the years. The Detroit natives’ scriptural messages were backed by an extraordinary vocal arsenal - guided by their mother and famed choir director Mattie Moss Clark. And their abilities to fuse jazz, soul and in between, sometimes with crossover success, brought attention to churchgoers and anyone who wanted to be touched by the Holy Spirit.
Some artists gain gravitas among their peer with the years of longevity, and as Contemporary Gospel music ambassadors for over five decades and 2022 inductees into The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame, The Clark Sisters’ (Elbernita ‘Twinkie,’ Karen, Dorinda, Jacky, and Denise thru 1986) certainly fall into that category.
The Clark Sisters’ greatest hits have been covered by superstars such as Al Green and Xscape, and their recordings have become more treasured over the years. The Detroit natives’ scriptural messages were backed by an extraordinary vocal arsenal - guided by their mother and famed choir director Mattie Moss Clark. And their abilities to fuse jazz, soul and in between, sometimes with crossover success, brought attention to churchgoers and anyone who wanted to be touched by the Holy Spirit.
One of their trademark pieces from The Clark Sisters is “You Brought the Sunshine (Into My Life).” The title track from their 1981 Sounds of Gospel release, eventually charted in 1983 on Billboard in gospel, R&B, and dance. Besides reliable vocals led by the track’s songwriter ‘Twinkie’ and Karen, the conga-driven grooves are suitable for an energetic praise party and for a steppers crowd. Yet, the testimonials can never be overlooked: “Cast your cares upon him/Find him today, He will brighten up your day/And He'll bump your wing/And He'll hear you when you pray.”
In 2020, the song returned for an encore on several Gospel charts via the album, Live – One Last Time. Now the time has come to revisit what the sunshine can really do.
By Peggy Oliver