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| The Clark Sisters cradle their award at the 2008 Grammys. |
By Mona Austin
Wendy Williams caused an uproar among music fans when she shaded the iconic gospel act, the Clark Sisters on her show this week.
Williams was complimenting Snoop for his chart-topping gospel album, but the comment went left when she called out the ladies, who are gospel royalty saying,"You know the Clark Sisters. They've been doing gospel forever. Have they gotten number 1? Oh Well. They need to step up their game." Williams was not cognizant of the fact that the multi-Grammy winning group has been chart-toppers numerous times. In fact, they swept the Grammys in three categories with wins from their reunion album, "Live: One Last Time."
Gospel elders from Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond -- among many fans -- were not having it. They clapped back with praise for the Clark Sisters. The list of defenders also included Clark singing offspring, Kierra (daughter of Karen Clark Sheard) who pointed out Wendy may have benefitted from their godliness.
She tweeted: "These women have done more than number 1 on the charts. Their lives have matched what they sing about . . .They managed to genuinely pray for you when YOU passed out and the world waited for your demise."
Mom Karen posted receipts, politely listing the lead single from their reunion album, "Blessed and Highly Favored." The singing siblings have influenced such artists as Xscape, Coko Clemons (SWV) and Fatih Evans and hoards of gospel acts for most of their lives.The Clark Sisters were sampled on Jay Z's latest (4:44), have been featured on a Missy Elliott track and are featured on Snoop's #1 Billboard Gospel album (Bible of Love) to which Wendy referred. With a resume like their's Wendy chose the wrong group to pick on.
If Wendy thought for one second that all gospel artists would meekly turn the other cheek, fellow Detroiter and gospel singer Lexi Allen changed the stereotype with a tit-for-tat clapback Allen asked, "You got the number 1 talk show? Oh, okay. . ." Allen proceeded to talk about Williams' bulging eyes, problemed marriage and health.
But in the end, it was not the words from man that covered the Clark Sisters. God made the enemy their footstool. Not only did the publicity help the album they recorded eight years ago climb to #1 on iTunes once again, but also the buzz put them in front of a wider audience. As their hit song goes, "Ju-u-u-st knooow" that they are blessed and highly favored.
Perhaps the greatest silver lining to this cloud is that Williams posted an Instagram video inviting the sister act to perform on her show with all expenses paid. She said she likes the Clark Sisters and did not mean any harm by her comments. It's a win/win for both parties. The Clark Sisters will continue to bless the masses with their voices before a different audience and Wendy' will reap more viewers.
By the way, note to Wendy Williams show producers: Snoop does not have the top gospel album of the year. No award show has recognized the project with that distinction. The album, however, did land in the #1 spot on the Billboard gospel chart.