Dorinda Clark Cole Interview (2006) - Articles

Dorinda Clark Cole

Dorinda Clark Cole has never been busier, her 'in-demand' quotient sky-high for concert appearances. Fresh off her sophomore album, The Rose of Gospel (read album review), on GospoCentric Records, the Clark Sister with jazz-inflected vocals continues to dominate the Gospel airwaves as well.

GOSPELflava.com spent some time with her to discuss some issues.

GOSPELflava.com: You appeared at OSU to minister to over 1,100 students, who with your CD in their hands, knew all the words to your songs. How does that make you feel?

Dorinda Clark-Cole: It's always an honor to minister to God's people. What a privilege it is to actually be the mouthpiece for God, and to speak into the lives of people from all different walks of life. Ministering here at this university, with an auditorium full of students who really have a heart for God is an honor. They need encouragement to endure the hardships, the oppositions, and the lack of self-esteem, sometimes feeling distressed, oppressed, and even depressed, giving them a word to lift them up is a blessing to me. There's nothing like coming and seeing for yourself, the impact that your music has, and to see that it has inspired them to stick it out. To see the audience singing the lyrics, and moving to the tune with the beat is their way of showing me that they are connected to me, and my performing for them is my way of connecting with them. Oh what a great feeling, I was overwhelmed.

GOSPELflava.com: Everyone is loving the new album, The Rose Of Gospel, which debuted at #3 on Billboard. Congratulations on that! We hear there is a DVD set to come out, can you tell us about that?

Dorinda Clark-Cole: Oh thank you so much. Yes, there is a DVD for The Rose Of Gospel. Be looking for it to come out soon this year (2006). I'm really looking forward to it. I need those who have the CD to go pick up the DVD because you will be so overwhelmed with the footage that was captured that night. It will make you feel like you were right there in the audience.

GOSPELflava.com: When its all said and done, when the life story of Dorinda Clark-Cole has been written, what would you want the readers to walk away remembering?

Dorinda Clark-Cole: That I was a survivor. I've survived suicide attempts, I've survived the nay-sayers, the lies, sickness, and a period of what could have almost been death but THANK GOD "I'm Still Here" and it’s really by the grace of God. Even through situations that seem to be impossible he has shown me that NO ONE has done these things BUT GOD.

GOSPELflava.com: Your mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, was of course one to the top Gospel artists in her day, and delivered numerous albums, many of which are very hard to find these days. Can you tell us what your top Mattie Moss Clark music selections are?

Dorinda Clark-Cole: "Salvation is Free", "That's Christ" and "On My Way to Heaven" (the one I re-recorded on Carlton Pearson's Azuza CD).

GOSPELflava.com: What's next for you?

Dorinda Clark-Cole: I'm looking into writing a book, to be called I'm Still Here. I've had some real episodes based around that concept. A lot of people don't know that I actually died when I was two or three years old, but God brought me back and also, I was hit by a car. GOSPELflava.com: What??

Dorinda Clark-Cole: Yes I got hit by a car, but God brought me back! And of course, everyone knows my testimony about wanting to commit suicide. I also want to touch on being called to the ministry, being a wife and a mother, and just give you all the real life info about Dorinda Clark-Cole. Also, I am working on a compilation album with new artists, and recently we did a live praise and worship conference with noted praise and worship leaders across the USA, and that will be out soon.

Below are Dorinda Clark-Cole's answers to a few short questions we put to her:

Question	Answer
What CD are you trying to find?	A CD by Stevie Wonder. You know the Clark Sisters, we love Stevie and his music!
Which artist is spinning in your CD player now?	DeNetria Champ, MMMYY God, she has such a great gift.
What food will you never eat?	Hmm, I wouldnt say NEVER EAT, but I do try to stay away from red meats.
What is the best piece of advice and from who?	It was probably from my mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, in regard to recieving the call on my life to preach.
Who is your favorite cartoon character and why?	Popeye!! The whole story line, you know how Popeye would be weak and he would use his spinach for his strength, ya know like we use the Holy Spirit!
Which Clark Sister* is the best cook, in your opinion?*	Jacky! She's the best cook in our family!!
Whats your favorite meal to cook?	I love to make roast beef for the family.
What is your favorite song on the Rose of Gospel* CD?*	Its like Pringles, you can’t pick just one!

Email This To A Friend

— interview by Steven Jones —