Karen Clark-Sheard

Karen Valencia Clark-Sheard is an African-American gospel singer who was born in Detroit, Michigan. She is the youngest sibling of six children by Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, gospel pioneer, and Pastor Elbert Clark. She is known for her experti

Karen Valencia Clark-Sheard is an African-American gospel singer who was born in Detroit, Michigan. She is the youngest sibling of six children by Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, gospel pioneer, and Pastor Elbert Clark. She is known for her expertise in vocal melismata, and is often regarded as "the" queen of melismas and vocal acrobatics.

She started singing with her four sisters when she was a toddler and they were known as the Clark Sisters. While in the group Karen, and her sister Denise, sang soprano on almost all of the group's songs including "Is My Living in Vain", "You Brought the Sunshine" "My Mind is Made Up", and "Jesus is a Love Song". She led such Clark Sister songs as "Endow Me", "Pure Gold" and Hallelujah". For over four decades her and her sisters inspired everyone with their God-given anointing, vocal ability, and powerful ministry.