Denise Darchell "Niecy" Clark-Bradford (born Denise Darchell Clark; September 10, 1953)[1] is an American Grammy Award-winning gospel singer. Clark–Bradford is best known as an original member of family vocal group The Clark Sisters and as a daughter of pioneering choral director Mattie Moss Clark. As a member of The Clark Sisters, Clark–Bradford has been honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Denise Clark-Bradford
Birth nameDenise Darchell Clark
Also known asDenise Clark Morrison
Born (1953-09-10) September 10, 1953 (age 71)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S
OriginDetroit, Michigan
GenresGospel
Occupations
  • Evangelist
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • organ
Years active1966–1986
Labels
Formerly of

Biography

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Clark-Bradford was born in Detroit, Michigan to world-renowned gospel choir director, gold-certified singer, and musician Mattie Moss Clark and Pastor Elbert Clark. Clark-Bradford was taught to sing alongside her sisters at a young age, with the goal of forming a powerful group of female evangelists who would win souls for God with their voices. By 1966, Clark-Bradford and her sisters were performing behind their mother at church services, usually singing her songs.

Clark-Bradford left The Clark Sisters in 1986 and began her own ministry in California. Her last contribution to the group was that year's Heart & Soul album, which was released after a four-year gap.[2]

Awards

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Dove Awards

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The Dove Awards are awarded annually by the Gospel Music Association. Clark-Bradford has received 1 award.[3]

Year Nominated work Award Result
1987 Heart & Soul Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year Won

Grammy Awards

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The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Clark-Bradford has earned a Lifetime Achievement award as well as 2 competitive nominations.[4]

Year Nominated work Award Result
1983 Sincerely Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group Nominated
1987 Heart & Soul Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus Nominated
2024 The Clark Sisters Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Honored

NAACP Image Awards

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The NAACP Image Awards are awarded annually by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Clark-Bradford has received 1 award.

Year Nominated work Award Result
1983 The Clark Sisters Outstanding Gospel Artist Won

Soul Train Awards

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The Soul Train Music Awards are awarded annually. Clark-Bradford has received 1 nomination.

Year Nominated work Award Result
1988 Heart & Soul Best Gospel Album – Group or Choir Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "The Clark Sisters". Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  2. ^ "The Clark Sisters Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More / AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  3. ^ "Past Winners". Dove Awards. Enter 'The Clark Sisters' into the 'Search:' field to see list of awards. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  4. ^ Greg Evans (January 5, 2024). "Gladys Knight, N.W.A, Laurie Anderson & Tammy Wynette Among 2024 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees". Retrieved January 6, 2024.
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