Living the Dream
By Lisa Collins, senior music editor, GospelMusicChannel.com
She is one-fourth of one of gospel's most successful family brands, The Clark Sisters, but Karen Clark-Sheard has just as clearly proven herself a singular force in an industry that has changed dramatically since she and her sisters made their recording debut in 1973 under the watchful eye of their famed mom, Mattie Moss Clark. But what was supposed to be a final recording – Live…One Last Time – gave Karen not only three GRAMMY awards, but also the genesis of a lifelong passion.
The timing could not have been better for the youngest Clark sister, with the overwhelming success of the 2007 release, which landed her and her sisters – Dorinda Clark-Cole, Jacky Clark-Chisholm and Twinkie Clark-Terrell – at the top of the gospel music charts with the biggest record of their careers.
EMI had made an enticing offer to Karen and her husband, successful Detroit pastor J. Drew Sheard (of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ), to become investors in the project. While they entertained the notion, the timing was off as Sheard’s pastor-husband was focused on denominational leadership.
No one – including Karen, who admits having fears about the acceptance of the project given the group's 12-year hiatus from recording – could have predicted its success.
It was going to be their last record. That is, until her husband and an enthusiastic audience of record buyers said, “not so fast.”
“He has always been our spiritual advisor and leader,” says Karen. “He always told us, ‘You cannot predict what God has ordained. You guys have to keep going.’”
Also noted for his business savvy, Pastor Sheard knew a great opportunity when he saw one, and suggested moving forward with plans to start their own label. Becoming more than just an advisor, Karen’s husband was now a key force in the direction of the group, helping to establish Karew Records.
