An Interview with Twinkie Clark

I recently had the privilege to chat briefly with the talented singer, songwriter, and musician, Twinkie Clark, of the legendary Clark Sisters. Twinkie Clark has been a gospel icon for many years. And with the recent release of her new CD entitled “Home Once Again…Live in Detroit,” that debuted on Billboard Magazine’s Top 40 Gospel Chart at #9, she is right where she belongs, back at the top of the charts. After listening to “Home Once Again…Live in Detroit”, I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with this CD because it has something for everybody. It was recorded live earlier this year at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ right here in Detroit. Here’s what Twinkie had to say about what her fans and gospel music listeners can expect from her hot new CD.

DG.com: What did it mean to you to come home and record here in Detroit?
Twinkie: It is always special; there is no place like it. Being around hometown folks and family. It’s very, very exciting.

DG.com: Where is home for you now?
Twinkie: Muskegon, Michigan. It’s about 3 hours from Detroit. It is a nice small town. I am working in the music ministry at Holy Trinity Institutional COGIC where my pastor is Bishop Nathaniel Wells.

DG.com: What can we expect from your new CD?
Twinkie: Listeners can expect something outstanding from this CD. Alex Ward was the producer, and he did a great job. He produced Dorinda’s last album. He presented a song, I presented 4 songs, there’s a song with my sisters, and an organ solo. There is a funky gospel and upbeat gospel on there. Things didn’t start out so great with this project – but in several weeks things really came together. We had to go into the studio to do some work but I was really happy about what came out of this project. It all came together very fast.

DG.com: Who are you trying to reach with this CD?
Twinkie: I am trying to reach the praise & worship audience with this CD. That’s a group that I feel I haven’t done real well reaching in the past.

DG.com: Do you have a favorite song on the album and why?
Twinkie: “In Your Presence”. That’s my favorite if I had to pick one. Just because of the kind of person I am. Really seeking the Lord’s face and presence. However it is not the track that I think will really take off on the CD. “Everything You Need is Right Here” will be a big hit with the listeners. I have been getting really good feedback from the CD.

DG.com: Who were your biggest musical influences?
Twinkie: First there is my mom (Dr. Mattie Moss Clark), and then it would have to be several R&B singers – Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and of course Pastor Shirley Caesar.

DG.com: Who are some of your favorite gospel artists today?
Twinkie: Some of the artists that I like are John P. Kee, Richard Smallwood, Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, and Kim Burrell.

DG.com: Who are some of the up-n-coming artists today that you like?
Twinkie: Virtue, Mary Mary, Tonex, and of course I have to add my niece Kierra Sheard to that list, and my cousin J Moss.

1. Twinkie’s Organ Prelude (The High Place)
2. Everything You Need Is Right Here
3. Let Your Anointing Be In This Place
4. Let Your Anointing Be In This Place Reprise
5. Intercession
6. I Made It (Featuring The Clark Sisters)
7. He Lifted Me
8. In Your Presence
9. He Was Hung Up For My Hangups
10. For Whatsoever A Man Soweth
Bonus: I’ll Hide Your Word

PRODUCED BY: “Big Al” Asaph (Alex)ander Ward for Miralex Productions Inc.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Max Siegel
“I’ll Hide You Word” Produced by Drei-Flex (Ondrei Edwards) for Audiee Music

©2004 Verity Records / Zomba Label Group. All Rights Reserved