Dorinda Clark-Cole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorinda Clark-Cole
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| Birth name | Dorinda Grace Clark |
| Also known as | The Rose of Gospel |
| Born | October 19, 1957 Detroit, Michigan, U.S |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan |
| Genres | Gospel |
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| Years active | 1966–present |
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Dorinda Grace Clark-Cole (born October 19, 1957) is an American singer, songwriter, and evangelist who has won multiple Grammy Awards. She is famous for being a member of the family singing group The Clark Sisters and the daughter of the famous choir director Mattie Moss Clark.
Because of her beautiful voice and contributions to music, she is known as the Rose of Gospel Music.
Contents
Life and Music Career
Growing Up in Detroit
Dorinda Clark-Cole was born in Detroit, Michigan. Her parents were Elbert and Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark. From a young age, she sang with her sisters Karen, Twinkie, Jacky, and Denise. They often performed songs written by their mother in their father's church.
Dorinda is known as the "jazzy sister" of the group. She helped create the unique "Clark Sound." This style includes fast and high vocal tricks like melismas (singing many notes on one syllable) and soulful growls. Dorinda says her powerful singing style comes from her mother, who saw her talent for singing and preaching early on.
Instead of playing outside, Dorinda and her sisters spent their childhood practicing their harmonies. "We made a lot of sacrifices," she said. "My mom was a stickler for making sure we rehearsed... She saw the gifts and talents within us and started shaping and molding us."
Solo Music Success
In June 2002, Dorinda released her first solo album, Dorinda Clark-Cole. It was a big hit, winning two Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award. The album included the popular single "I'm Coming Out."
Her second album, The Rose of Gospel, came out in 2005. It was also very successful, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Gospel charts. This album earned her a Grammy nomination.
Over the years, she has released several more albums, including Take It Back (2008) and I Survived (2011). She has worked with famous producers like Rodney Jerkins and has performed with other major artists, such as Kirk Franklin.
As a member of The Clark Sisters, Dorinda has won three Grammy Awards. The group's album Live – One Last Time won for Best Traditional Gospel Album. Their song "Blessed & Highly Favored" won two Grammys.
Ministry and Personal Life
Besides her music career, Dorinda Clark-Cole is a licensed evangelist in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). An evangelist is someone who travels to preach and share their religious beliefs. She has been speaking and preaching for over 30 years in countries all over the world, including England, Japan, Germany, and South Africa.
In South Africa, she made history by being the first woman to preach to a crowd of over 4,000 people. She holds important leadership roles in her church and teaches at the Clark Conservatory of Music in Detroit.
Dorinda married Gregory Cole on December 2, 1978. They have two children, Nikkia and Gregory Jr., and two grandchildren.
Other Projects and Achievements
Dorinda Clark-Cole has had a busy career outside of singing. She has hosted TV shows like The Dorinda Show and has been a guest judge on the TV competition "How Sweet The Sound."
She has also been involved in fashion. She was a spokes-model for a clothing line and later partnered with a designer to create her own collection of fashion accessories.
Dorinda also hosts a national radio show called Serving Up Soul with Dorinda Clark Cole. She founded Lifeline Productions Inc., which holds a yearly conference for singers and musicians to help them grow in their craft. In 2004, she received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree for her work.
Discography
Solo Albums
| Title | Album details | Chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US |
US Gospel |
US Christ. |
US Indie |
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| Dorinda Clark-Cole |
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— | 5 | 14 | |
| Live From Houston: The Rose of Gospel |
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159 | 3 | 4 | — |
| Take It Back |
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104 | 3 | — | — |
| I Survived |
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120 | 3 | — | 23 |
| Living It |
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— | 2 | — | 14 |
| Determined |
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— | — | — | — |
Singles
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | "I'm Coming Out" | Dorinda Clark-Cole |
| 2005 | "Great Is The Lord" | Live From Houston: The Rose of Gospel |
| 2008 | "Take It Back" | Take It Back |
| 2011 | "Back to You" | I Survived |
| 2014 | "Bless This House" | Living It |
Major Awards
Dorinda Clark-Cole has won many awards for her music, both as a solo artist and with The Clark Sisters. Here are some of her biggest wins.
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards are one of the highest honors in music. Dorinda has won 3 Grammys.
- 2007: Best Gospel Performance for "Blessed & Highly Favored" (with The Clark Sisters)
- 2007: Best Traditional Gospel Album for Live: One Last Time (with The Clark Sisters)
- 2024: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (with The Clark Sisters)
Stellar Awards
The Stellar Awards specifically honor Gospel music artists. Dorinda has won more than 10 Stellar Awards. Some of her wins include:
- 2003: Female Vocalist of the Year
- 2007: Female Vocalist of the Year
- 2008: Artist of the Year (with The Clark Sisters)
- 2009: Female Vocalist of the Year
- 2020: James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award (with The Clark Sisters)
Dove Awards
The Dove Awards are presented by the Gospel Music Association. Dorinda has won 2 Dove Awards.
- 1987: Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for Heart & Soul (with The Clark Sisters)
- 2020: Traditional Gospel Album of the Year for The Return (with The Clark Sisters)
