Twinkie Clark facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Twinkie Clark
Twinkie in 2024
Background information
Birth name	Elbernita Dionne Clark
Also known as	Twinkie Clark-Terrell Queen of the B3 Hammond Organ
Born	(1954-11-15) November 15, 1954 (age 70) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Origin	Detroit, Michigan
Died	Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day
Genres	Gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter producer arranger organist pianist
Instruments	Vocals organ piano
Years active	1966–present
Labels	Sound of Gospel Tyscot Crystal Rose Tribute Verity EMI Gospel
Associated acts	The Clark Sisters Dorinda Clark Cole Kierra Sheard Karen Clark Sheard Mattie Moss Clark Jacky Clark Chisholm

Elbernita "Twinkie" Dionne Clark (born November 15, 1954) is an American Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and musician. She is best known as the main songwriter and a member of the famous gospel group, The Clark Sisters. People often call her the "Mother of Modern Gospel Music" because of her huge influence.

Twinkie Clark has an amazing singing voice, able to sing very high and very low notes. NPR even named her one of the "50 Great Voices." She is also famous for playing the Hammond organ, earning her the nickname "Queen of the B3 Hammond Organ." In 2014, she was honored by being inducted into the Hammond Hall of Fame.

Many artists, like Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey, have said that Twinkie Clark greatly influenced their singing. They have even used parts of her music in their own songs. She has received many awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and continues to inspire musicians today.

Twinkie Clark's Life Story

Growing Up and Learning Music

Twinkie Clark was born in Detroit, Michigan. Her mother was Mattie Moss Clark, a very important gospel musician and choir director. Twinkie started learning music from her mother at a very young age.

When she was just thirteen, Twinkie began traveling all over the country with her mother. They taught choirs how to sing in three-part harmony. In 1967, she first recorded music with her mother and sister, Denise Clark, on an album called A Closer Walk with Thee. Twinkie also studied music at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Twinkie was inspired by her mother's ability to write music. Soon, she began writing her own songs. Her mother then passed on the leadership of The Clark Sisters group to Twinkie. Twinkie became the main writer, producer, and arranger for the group. She also played the Hammond Organ, synthesizers, and piano on their albums.

While traveling with her mother, Twinkie also served as the national organist for the Churches of God In Christ. Her mother was the international president of the music department for the churches. Twinkie played a huge part in creating the special "COGIC Sound" in gospel music. This sound is known for its unique chords, rhythms, and organ playing. It often makes people want to "shout or dance" while praising God.

The Clark Sisters Group

Twinkie Clark has been the leader, main songwriter, and producer for The Clark Sisters since they started in 1973. The group includes her sisters Jacky Clark-Chisholm, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Karen Clark-Sheard. (Their sister Denise Clark Bradford left the group in 1986.)

The group became very successful with their song "You Brought the Sunshine (Into My Life)" in 1983. This song was a big hit on the Billboard Gospel and R&B charts. Other popular songs written by Twinkie include "Is My Living in Vain," "Expect Your Miracle," and "Jesus is a Love Song."

The Clark Sisters have received many Grammy Awards nominations. In 2007, they won three Grammys for their song "Blessed & Highly Favored" and their album Live: One Last Time. This album was number one on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

In 2020, The Clark Sisters received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the Stellar Awards. Also in 2020, a movie about their lives, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, was released. It was produced by famous artists like Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, and Missy Elliott. This movie became the most-watched original movie on the Lifetime TV network in four years.

Twinkie Clark's Solo Music

Twinkie Clark has also released several albums on her own. Her first album, Praise Belongs to God, came out in 1979. In 1996, she released The Masterpiece. That same year, she released a live album with the Florida A&M University Gospel Choir, which became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

In 2002, her album Twinkie Clark & Friends...Live in Charlotte was nominated for a Grammy Award. Her 2004 album, Home Once Again: Live in Detroit, was her highest-charting album on the Gospel Albums chart. She has continued to release music, including a collaboration with her nephew, Larry Clark, called The Generations in 2020.

Who Inspired Twinkie Clark?

Twinkie Clark has been inspired by many different types of music, including jazz, reggae, classical, funk, and blues. She looks up to artists like Stevie Wonder, Walter Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, Andraé Crouch, Aretha Franklin, and especially her mother, Mattie Moss Clark.

Twinkie Clark's Legacy

Twinkie Clark is known for creating "The C.O.G.I.C. Shout Sound," a special style of gospel music. She has been honored as a BMI Gospel Trailblazer and has won multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. She also has an honorary doctorate degree in sacred music. Her music and unique style continue to influence many artists around the world.

Twinkie Clark's Family Life

Twinkie Clark married John Terrell in 1987. They had one son together before they divorced in 1994.

Awards and Honors

Twinkie Clark and The Clark Sisters have received many awards for their amazing contributions to gospel music.

BET Awards

Twinkie Clark has been nominated for two BET Awards.

Dove Awards

Twinkie Clark has won two Dove Awards from eight nominations.

Grammy Awards

Twinkie Clark has won 3 Grammy Awards from 8 nominations, including a special Lifetime Achievement award.

NAACP Image Awards

Twinkie Clark has won two NAACP Image Awards from four nominations.

Soul Train Awards

Twinkie Clark has received three nominations for the Soul Train Music Awards.

Stellar Awards

Twinkie Clark has received 8 Stellar Awards and 1 honorary award.