Jacqueline Lenita Clark-Chisholm (née Clark; December 29, 1948),[2] known professionally as Jacky Clark-Chisholm, is an American Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and licensed practical nurse who is best known as the eldest member of the American gospel singing group The Clark Sisters.
Biography
Early life and career
Chisholm was born December 29, 1948, in Detroit Michigan, , first daughter of gospel music innovator Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark and her first husband Leo Henry Cullum, Sr. This union also produced her older brother Leo Henry Cullum, Jr. When Chisholm was young, her parents divorced and her mother married Elbert Clark (d. 2001). This union produced her four younger sisters; Denise, Elbernita, Dorinda, and Karen, the group that would one day become The Clark Sisters. She attended Mumford High School in Detroit, Michigan, graduating in 1967. Their mother, who served as the Church of God in Christ's International Minister of Music and taught them to sing together in their father's church, created the gospel singing group The Clark Sisters with Chisholm and her sisters, and they released their first album, "Jesus Has A Lot to Give" in 1973. The group flourished and became known for their live performances and classic songs, including "Is My Living in Vain" and their biggest hit, "You Brought the Sunshine".[3]
Solo career
On March 29, 2005, Chisholm released her first solo album, Expectancy, on the Entheos Records label. On this album, she teamed up with songwriter/producer Carnell Murrell, Autun Foster and Doreonne Stramler. Recorded live at the Cathedral Center in Detroit, the album's background vocals were supplied by a special assembly of vocalists, which included two of her children, Angel and Aaron Chisholm, as well as Lorenzo Clark, her sister Denise Clark Bradford's son. The choir was directed by Bryon Stanfield. Her vision for the album is simply meant to “minister to the heart and soul, to restore the people of God who’ve been hurt working in the church.” [4] Her signature vocals can be heard on “Oil of God,” “We Are Overcomers” featuring her sister Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark, and the urban Gospel tune “My Soul Says Yes.” The album also features a duet with Jacky and Ron Winans and a special appearance by the Clark Sisters together on “Blessing Me.” [5] On March 25, 2014, Jacky released a single "My Season", accompanied with the song "On My Mind". This was the first release of new material since her 2005 solo debut. In 2020, she released a new single, “Feel Good” featuring Mary J. Blige and rapper Tia P. On November 10, 2023, Jacky released her long-awaited follow-up solo album titled “Jacky?” with 14 tracks and produced by B. Slade and Autun Foster. [6]
Stage performer
As a performer, Chisholm has often taken major roles in nationally touring gospel stage plays such as Lawd Have Mercy, Mama Don’t, Can A Woman Make A Man Lose His Mind, and The Man of Her Dreams.
While her sibling counterparts are known for their impassioned vocals, Chisholm in contrast is known as the "sweet-voiced" sister. "I feel there is a need for more music that allows the listener to enter into praise and worship for the Lord," she asserts. "People have a need to meditate upon their own personal relationship with God, and I think that the kind of music I wish to perform will give them the space to reflect on God from their own points of view."[8]
Other ventures
Chisholm is a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, and has done radio and television commercials for New York Life Insurance. Moreover, her stature provided her a platform as a motivational speaker for fundraisers such as H.O.P.E. South Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa. Professionally, Chisholm has been an instructor for the American Red Cross for 10 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in Family Life Education and Psychology and plans to open a counseling center for battered women and children.[9]
Personal life
Chisholm was married to Glynn Chisholm from May 5, 1973, until his death on November 28, 2019. Together, they had three children: Aaron, Michael, and Angelyn (Angel), and three grandchildren.[10]
The NAACP Image Awards are awarded annually by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Jacky Clark Chisholm has won 2 awards from 4 nominations.
