Dorinda Clark-Cole facts for kids

Dorinda Grace Clark-Cole (born October 19, 1957) is an American gospel singer, songwriter, and evangelist. She has won Grammy Awards for her music. Dorinda is best known as a member of the famous family singing group, The Clark Sisters. She is also the daughter of the well-known music director, Mattie Moss Clark. People in the music world often call her the Rose of Gospel Music.

About Dorinda Clark-Cole

Her Early Life

Dorinda Clark-Cole was born on October 19, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up there with her parents, Elbert and Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark. Dorinda started singing at a very young age with her sisters: Karen, Twinkie, Jacky, and Denise.

The sisters sang in their father's church. Their mother usually wrote the songs they performed. Dorinda is known as the "jazzy sister" in the group. She helped create "The Clark Sound." This special sound often includes quick, high notes (called melismas), short musical phrases (riff), and vocal improvisations (scats).

Dorinda says her strong singing style comes from her mother. Her mother saw her talent for singing and preaching early on. When other kids were playing, Dorinda and her sisters were practicing their harmonies. Dorinda shared that they made many sacrifices. Their mom made sure they rehearsed a lot before any performance. She helped them develop their gifts and taught them discipline.

Her Music Career

Dorinda Clark-Cole released her first solo album, Dorinda Clark-Cole, in June 2002. This album won two Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award. It included the popular song "I'm Coming Out."

Her second album, The Rose of Gospel, came out in August 2005. This album quickly became one of the top 5 gospel albums on the Billboard charts. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award. She won Stellar Awards in 2007 and 2009 for Best Female Artist of the Year.

In April 2008, Dorinda released her third solo album, Take It Back. She also released a smaller album (called an EP) with six songs in September 2009, titled In The Face of Change. This EP included songs like "Change," written by her son Jay Cole.

Her album I Survived was released in August 2011. It featured a duet with her sister, Twinkie Clark, called "Thank You." Dorinda also sang on the title track of Kirk Franklin's album Hero. In 2009, she performed "Nothing but the Truth" for First Lady Michelle Obama.

As part of The Clark Sisters, Dorinda won three Grammys in 2008. Their album Live – One Last Time won Best Traditional Gospel Album. The song "Blessed & Highly Favored" won Best Gospel Performance and Best Gospel Song. With her group, she appeared on many TV shows. These included The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The View.

Her Personal and Religious Life

Dorinda Clark-Cole has been an evangelist and speaker for over 30 years. An evangelist is someone who travels to share religious messages. She balances this with her singing career and being a wife and mother.

She married Gregory Cole on December 2, 1978. They have two children, Nikkia Cole-Beach and Gregory "Jay" Cole Jr. Dorinda also has two grandchildren. She shares her message both in the United States and in other countries. She has visited places like England, Japan, and South Africa. In South Africa, she was the first woman to preach to over 4,000 people.

Dorinda is an important leader in the Church of God in Christ. She is a licensed National Evangelist and holds other leadership roles. She also taught at the Clark Conservatory of Music in Detroit.

Other Things She Does

Dorinda Clark-Cole is also a TV host for "The Dorinda Show" on TCT Network. She used to be a host for the Stellar Awards. She was also a judge on Verizon's "How Sweet The Sound" competition.

She has worked in fashion, creating "The Rose Collection" and "The Bloom Collection" with designer MR. SONG. Dorinda also hosts a national radio show called Serving Up Soul with Dorinda Clark Cole.

She is the founder and CEO of Lifeline Productions Inc. This company hosts an annual Singers & Musicians Conference. Her goal is to teach new musicians the importance of "keeping ministry in the music." She offers workshops and worship services at this conference. In 2004, she received an honorary Doctorate degree.

Dorinda once said that if she wasn't in music, she would want to be "dancing on Broadway." She also dreamed of singing with famous artists like Bette Midler, Cher, and Celine Dion.

Discography

Solo Albums

Singles

As a Lead Artist

As a Featured Artist

Guest Appearances

Dorinda Clark-Cole has also appeared on songs by other artists, including:

• "Hero" by Kirk Franklin
• "Higher Ground" by Missy Elliott (with other gospel singers)
• "It Will All Be Worth It" by Mary Mary
• "I'm Wrapped in You" by Bishop Eddie L. Long
• "Still Mighty, Still Strong" by Youthful Praise
• "Who's On The Lord's Side" by Byron Cage

Videography

Filmography

Dorinda Clark-Cole has appeared in:

• The Marriage Lover (2011)
• The Dorinda Show (2008–2011)
• How Sweet The Sound (2009)
• The Gospel According to Dorinda (2014–2016)

Awards and Honors

Dorinda Clark-Cole has won many awards for her amazing music and talent.

BET Awards

She has received 2 nominations for the BET Awards.

BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards

She was honored once at the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards.

Dove Awards

Dorinda Clark-Cole has won 2 Dove Awards from 10 nominations.

Grammy Awards

Dorinda Clark-Cole has won 3 Grammy Awards from 10 nominations. This includes a special Lifetime Achievement award.

NAACP Image Awards

She has won 2 NAACP Image Awards from 4 nominations.

Soul Train Awards

Dorinda Clark-Cole has received 1 Soul Train Music Awards.

Stellar Awards

Dorinda Clark-Cole has received 12 Stellar Awards and 1 honorary award.