JACKY CLARK CHISHOLM
The eldest of the legendary Clark Sisters, Jacky Clark Chisholm often serves as the spokeswoman for the group whether it concerns their national involvement with the American Diabetes Association or developments in their collective ministry. As lead vocalist on such Clark classics as “Wonderful Counselor,” the silky smooth “I've Got An Angel,” the Gospel/R&B synthesis of “No Doubt” and “So Much Joy,” her soft and mellow voice is just the right ingredient to add to the mix, the fourth indispensable element that completes the unmistakable “Clark sound.” Her maternal role among her siblings reveals at the core just how similar she is to her mother, the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. “Jackie would be more of our mother back in the day and now,” says Dorinda of her sister’s watchful eye and protection. “She was always getting ready to tell on us! But we’ve always looked out for each other because my mother raised us like that. We support each other, we’re there for each other; the family that prays together stays together.”
In addition to her music ministry with her sisters and her contributions to Gospel music overall, Jacky is also a wife and mother of three. She played an essential role in establishing the Clark Conservatory of Music in her home town of Detroit, Michigan along with her mother and her younger sister Twinkie. She served as an administrator at the school and became responsible for developing a curriculum and organizing workshops that have trained hundreds of students over the years. While juggling a family and a demanding career, Jacky earned a nursing degree and served as an instructor for the American Red Cross. She recently earned a second degree and has already begun a new career path in grant writing.
As a performer, she has had major roles in the Gospel stage plays Mama Don't; Lawd Have Mercy; and Can A Woman Make A Man Lose His Mind? In media outlets, she has also appeared in television commercials for New York Life Insurance and can be heard on radio commercials, announcements and advertisements. She has been a keynote speaker all over the world including Johannesburg, South Africa where she participated in a fundraising event for the H.O.P.E. SOUTH AFRICA organization. Closer to home, she has been a featured keynote speaker for special programs, meetings and graduation and commencement ceremonies.
As a member of St. Paul COGIC she was very active in the music department at her former home church. Now an active member of Greater Emmanuel Institutional COGIC, she serves faithfully under the leadership of her brother-in-law Reverend J. Drew Sheard. Jacky has also been appointed president of the national youth choir of the Churches of God in Christ. She also works as an advocate for women’s groups within her local church circuit. Jacky is dedicated enthusiastically to serving the Lord and his people in any capacity possible.
Jacky’s debut solo album entitled Expectancy, allowed her to team up with songwriter/producer Carnell Murrell along with 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, and also Lorenzo Clark, her sister Denise Clark-Bradford's son. The choir was directed by Bryon Stanfield. Expectancy showcased Jacky in a total new light as she continues to build upon the legacy set forth by her mother. 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.” Her warm, melodious vocals can be heard in perfection on the worship-oriented “Oil of God,” the island groove of “We Are Overcomers” featuring Twinkie Clark and the urban Gospel tune “My Soul Says Yes.” The album also features a rare duet with Jacky and Ron Winans and a special appearance by the Clark Sisters altogether on “Blessing Me.”