When you think about legends in the gospel music industry, you immediately think about “The First Ladies of Gospel” Grammy Award-winning artists, The Clark Sisters Jacky Clark Chisholm, Denise “Niecy” Clark Bradford, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, Dorinda, Clark Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard. Under the direction of Gospel music legend, choir director and mother, the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, the Clark Sisters were accredited for bringing Gospel music to mainstream radio and thus pioneered the Contemporary Gospel.
The lineage continues to stand strong within the Clark Family. National Gospel recording artist, producer and playwright son of Denise Clark Bradford, Larry Clark, continues to hit the world of gospel with his melodious gospel hits! Right On Digital Gospel’s brand-new contributing writer Tameka J. got the exclusive interview with Larry to talk about his new album, “Medicine in Music” feat. Antidote in Audio and his Gospel Stage Play, “Hallelujah the Journey of Larry Clark.”
By Tameka J
Tameka J photo courtesy MNS Media
Right On!: Being born into a multi-award-winning musical family such as the Clark Sisters, who were your musical influences?
LC: Naturally, my family’s example gave me an up close, behind the scenes demonstration of what is required to do what I am doing now. Mattie Moss Clark and Twinkie Clark are my greatest influences within the family. Outside of the family, the world at large were my teachers. Some examples are Teddy Riley, Marvin Winans, Jodeci, Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, just to name a few.
Right On!: Who was instrumental in teaching you to write, sing, and play on your albums?
LC: Actually, I learned so much through trial and error. Playing piano and organ for many churches served as my training ground in my singing and musicianship. Songwriters include Twinkie Clark, Stevie Wonder, Kevin Bond, John P. Kee, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Teddy Riley, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, and Tye Tribbett.
Right On!: Let us talk about your new album, Medicine in Music feat. Antidote in Audio, Tell us about the purpose behind the creation of this album.
LC: This is my latest production. I assembled a four-guy singing group. This body of work is my pride and joy. My desire is for every listener to experience an encounter with God. The album has a range of genres, while giving you a solid foundation. Gospel, jazz, neo-soul, urban pop, traditional and even some country. From beginning to end, the project must be experienced. A couple of the clips from the project have gone viral on social media.
Right On!: God is opening so many doors for you, Let’s talk about your Gospel Stage Play “Hallelujah the Journey of Larry Clark. When will you be taking the play back on the road?
LC: Thank you; casting is underway. We are resuming production in March 2024. This is one of two plays that will be traveling nationally, the other play is “Will You Marry Me?” This is also a book and soundtrack. “Hallelujah” spans from 1959 to 2024, seven decades and four generations of Gospel Music’s Clark Family. These are all the events that birthed Larry Clark. Mattie Moss Clark, Pastor Elbert Clark, The Clark Sisters, my albums produced by Twinkie Clark leading into my debut. The Grammys, the humble beginnings, the national explosion, and the gold records etc., we do all of this in a two-hour span!
Right On!: What advice would you give the next artist or playwright that is following in your footsteps?
LC: In order to fulfill your destiny, faith is required. Yes, you can accomplish things without God by attaining status and material things, but you will still be unfulfilled. The essence of being complete comes from being obedient in becoming what He destined you to do and be.
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TWINKIE CLARK PREVIEW’S LARRY CLARK’S CD HERE:
