The Coko Clemmons Interview: Veteran R&B star addresses the perceived conflict in singing in the mainstream and gospel music
Source: www.eurweb.com - By Mona Austin (October 30, 2009) *For many R&B singers who record gospel CDs, success in the mainstream does not beget success in gospel. An exception to the rule, Coko Clemmons -- lead singer of popular 90s girl group SWV (I’m so Into You, Weak In the Knees) and gospel soloist -- is enjoying the best of both worlds. "I don’t like to put myself in a box," she says about her decision to maintain a dual musical identity. I’m an artist who sings positive music." Her musical influences?: Patti Labelle, Shirley Murdock, Freddie Jackson, Tramaine Hawkins and The Clark Sisters. Following in her mother's footsteps and singing in a local gospel group in the early years, the Brooklyn-born artist released “The Winner in Me,” her second solo gospel album on July 14 (landing at #4 on Billboard), a follow up to the Grammy and Stellar Award nominated “Grateful” she released in 2005. The top of the charts was like home for th...