Denise "Niecy" Clark-Bradford (born Denise Darchell Clark; September 10, 1953)[1] is an American gospel singer. Clark–Bradford is best known as an original member of family vocal group The Clark Sisters and as a daughter of pioneering choral director Mattie Moss Clark. As a member of The Clark Sisters, Clark–Bradford has been honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Denise Clark-Bradford | |
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| Birth name | Denise Clark |
| Born | September 10, 1953 Detroit, Michigan, U.S |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan |
| Genres | Gospel |
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| Years active | 1966–1986 |
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Biography edit
Clark-Bradford was born in Detroit, Michigan to world-renowned gospel choir director, gold-certified singer, and musician Mattie Moss Clark and Pastor Elbert Clark. Clark-Bradford was taught to sing alongside her sisters at a young age, with the goal of forming a powerful group of female evangelists who would win souls for God with their voices. By 1966, Clark-Bradford and her sisters were performing behind their mother at church services, usually singing her songs. Clark-Bradford shared the soprano note with her sister Karen Clark-Sheard, until her departure from the group in 1986. You can hear Clark-Bradford showcasing her lead vocals on Who Can I Turn To?( 1973), Something Worth Living For (1973), Count It All Joy (1978). Clark-Bradford also shared lead vocals on the Original There Is a Balm In Gilead with Sisters Dorinda Clark-Cole and Karen Clark Sheard. However, her lead vocals were not featured on the album version. Clark-Bradford’s voice also was featured on Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and The Michigan State Community Choir 1972 release entitled That’s Christ. Where she sung a duet along with Dr.Mattie Moss Clark entitled Steal Away To Jesus.
Clark-Bradford left The Clark Sisters in 1986 and began her own ministry in California. Her last contribution to the group was that year's Heart & Soul album, which was released after a four-year gap.[2]
Awards edit
Dove Awards edit
The Dove Awards are awarded annually by the Gospel Music Association. Clark-Bradford has received 1 award.[3]
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Heart & Soul | Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year | Won |
Grammy Awards edit
The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Clark-Bradford has earned a Lifetime Achievement award as well as 2 competitive nominations.[4]
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Sincerely | Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group | Nominated |
| 1987 | Heart & Soul | Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus | Nominated |
| 2024 | The Clark Sisters | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | Honored |
NAACP Image Awards edit
The NAACP Image Awards are awarded annually by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Clark-Bradford has received 1 award.
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | The Clark Sisters | Outstanding Gospel Artist | Won |
Soul Train Awards edit
The Soul Train Music Awards are awarded annually. Clark-Bradford has received 1 nomination.
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Heart & Soul | Best Gospel Album – Group or Choir | Nominated |
References edit
- ^ "The Clark Sisters". Retrieved January 25, 2024.
- ^ "The Clark Sisters Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More / AllMusic". Retrieved January 25, 2024.
- ^ "Past Winners". Dove Awards. Enter 'The Clark Sisters' into the 'Search:' field to see list of awards. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ Greg Evans (January 5, 2024). "Gladys Knight, N.W.A, Laurie Anderson & Tammy Wynette Among 2024 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees". Retrieved January 6, 2024.
External links edit
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