Past Event: An Evening with The Clark Sisters

On April 14, 2023, ISM hosted an evening with the legendary Clark Sisters, a group that has been on the vanguard of gospel music for more than half a century! Along with their distinctive combination of fiery vocals, spiritual fervor, and sonic innovation, the concert also featured an organ solo from Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, and a performance with a community choir composed of singers from New Haven and surrounding areas.

The Clark Sisters are an American gospel vocal group consisting of four sisters: Jacky Clark Chisholm, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark-Terrell, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard. They are the daughters of gospel musician and choral director Mattie Moss Clark. They are credited for helping to bring gospel music to the mainstream and are considered pioneers of contemporary gospel. Their biggest crossover hits include: “Is My Living in Vain?”, “Hallelujah”, “He Gave Me Nothing to Lose”, “Endow Me”, their hit song “Jesus Is A Love Song”, “Pure Gold”, “Expect a Miracle”, and their largest mainstream crossover gold certified, “You Brought the Sunshine.”

The Clark Sisters events were co-sponsored by the following schools and departments at Yale University:

Andover Newton Seminary, Yale School of Art, Belonging at Yale, Chaplain’s Office, Degraffenreidt Resource Fund and 320Y Fund, Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office, Yale Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Yale Divinity School, Yale School of Drama , Yale School of the Environment, Film and Media Studies Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale School of Nursing Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Department of Religious Studies, Program in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.