Music / Religion
Karen Clark Sheard
born 1960 · singer, songwriter
Youngest of the Clark Sisters, a Detroit gospel singer whose solo debut Finally Karen (1997) made her one of the genre's leading voices; Grammy winner for "Blessed & Highly Favored".
- Born
Detroit, Michigan
age 65- Birth name
- Karen Valencia Clark
- Also known as
- Karen Clark-Sheard
- Detroit years
- 1960–
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Karen Clark was born in Detroit, the youngest child of Elbert Clark and Mattie Moss Clark, and began singing with her sisters at five; she attended Mumford High School. Known for a wide range and fast, intricate runs, she sang lead on many Clark Sisters records. During the group's hiatus she joined the 1996 all-star single "Don't Give Up" and signed with Island, releasing Finally Karen (1997), with "Balm in Gilead" and "Nothing Without You" featuring Faith Evans; it was one of the year's best-selling gospel albums. Her 2006 album It's Not Over was mostly recorded at her home church in Detroit, Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, where her husband, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, is pastor; he became Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ in 2021. She won Grammys for writing "Blessed & Highly Favored" (2008) and for "Wait on the Lord" with Donnie McClurkin (2010).
Highlights
- Youngest member of the Clark Sisters
- Solo debut Finally Karen (1997), Grammy-nominated
- Grammy for Best Gospel Song, "Blessed & Highly Favored" (2008)
- Grammy for "Wait on the Lord" with Donnie McClurkin (2010)
- Founded her own label, Karew Records (2010)
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 2
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Studied here · 1970s
Mumford High School
She attended Mumford High School; the original building was demolished in 2012 and replaced by a new one on the site.
Related place · 1980s–
Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ
Her home church, where she recorded most of It's Not Over (2006); her husband is senior pastor.