History of Karen Clark Sheard in Timeline

Karen Valencia Clark Sheard is a renowned American gospel singer and songwriter. Best known as the youngest member of the legendary Clark Sisters, a gospel group formed in 1973, she has significantly contributed to the genre. In addition to her work with the group, she has established a successful solo career. Clark-Sheard has recorded five solo albums and participated in seventeen albums with the Clark Sisters. Her daughter, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, is a contemporary gospel singer and actress, with whom she often collaborates. This family connection has further cemented her place within the gospel music community.

November 15, 1960: Birth of Karen Clark-Sheard

Karen Clark-Sheard was born on November 15, 1960.

1973: Formation of the Clark Sisters

The Clark Sisters, a gospel group, was formed in 1973, with Karen Clark-Sheard as the youngest member.

1978: High School Graduation

Karen Clark-Sheard graduated from Mumford High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1978.

June 16, 1984: Marriage to J. Drew Sheard

Karen Clark-Sheard married Bishop J. Drew Sheard on June 16, 1984.

1987: Birth of Kierra "Kiki" Sheard

Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, daughter of Karen Clark-Sheard and J. Drew Sheard, was born in 1987.

1989: Birth of John Drew "J. Drew" Sheard II

John Drew "J. Drew" Sheard II, son of Karen Clark-Sheard and J. Drew Sheard, was born in 1989.

1996: Collaboration and Record Deal

Karen Clark-Sheard's collaboration on "Don't Give Up" in 1996 led to her signing with Island Records.

1997: Release of "Finally Karen"

"Finally Karen", Karen Clark-Sheard's debut solo album, was released in 1997.

1997: Debut Album Release

Karen Clark-Sheard's debut solo album, "Finally Karen", was released in 1997.

1998: Release of "Finally Karen"

Karen Clark-Sheard released her debut solo album, "Finally Karen", in 1998. The album garnered significant success, including a Grammy Award nomination and a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award.

2001: Hospitalization and Near-Death Experience

In 2001, Karen Clark-Sheard experienced a life-threatening medical emergency during surgery, from which she miraculously recovered.

2001: Karen Clark-Sheard's Near-Death Experience

In 2001, Karen Clark-Sheard faced a life-threatening medical crisis during a bariatric surgery when a blood vessel burst. Doctors estimated her survival chance at a mere 2%, and after the clot's removal, she slipped into a coma for about 3 1/2 weeks before making a remarkable recovery. Her daughter, Kierra Sheard's song "You Don't Know" narrates this ordeal.

2002: Release of "2nd Chance"

Inspired by her near-death experience, Clark-Sheard released her second album, "2nd Chance", in 2002.

2002: Signing with Elektra Records and Release of "2nd Chance"

Karen Clark-Sheard became the second gospel artist, after Yolanda Adams, to sign with Elektra Records. She then released her album "2nd Chance" in 2002.

2003: Release of "The Heavens Are Telling" under Atlantic Records

"The Heavens Are Telling" was released in 2003 under Atlantic Records after Elektra Records was dissolved.

2003: Release of "The Heavens Are Telling"

Karen Clark-Sheard released her third album, "The Heavens Are Telling," in 2003.

November 15, 2005: Planned Release of "It's Not Over"

"It's Not Over" was initially planned for release on November 15, 2005, Clark-Sheard's 45th birthday.

2006: Release of "It's Not Over"

Clark-Sheard's fourth album, "It's Not Over," was released in 2006.

February 10, 2008: Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song

On February 10, 2008, Karen Clark-Sheard won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song for "Blessed & Highly Favored," performed by the Clark Sisters.

October 2009: Launch of Karew Records and Clark Sisters' Christmas Album

Karen Clark-Sheard and her husband J. Drew Sheard launched Karew Records in 2009, with the Clark Sisters' Christmas album being the label's first release in October.

January 31, 2010: Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance

Karen Clark-Sheard won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance for "Wait on the Lord" with Donnie McClurkin on January 31, 2010.

April 6, 2010: Release of "All in One"

"All in One", Karen Clark-Sheard's fifth studio album, was released on April 6, 2010 under her own label, Karew Records.

2010: Release of "All in One"

"All in One," Karen Clark-Sheard's fifth solo album, was released in 2010, reaching number two on the Billboard Gospel Chart.

2014: Release of "Sunday A.M."

Karen Clark-Sheard released the single "Sunday A.M." in 2014, which received a Grammy nomination.

2015: Release of "Destined to Win"

Karen Clark-Sheard released her sixth studio album, "Destined to Win," in 2015. It became her highest-charting and fastest-selling solo album.

2019: Considered for Role in "Respect"

In 2019, Karen Clark-Sheard was considered for the role of Kitty Parham in the Aretha Franklin biopic, "Respect".

April 11, 2020: Portrayal in "The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel" Biopic

Kierra Sheard portrayed her mother, Karen Clark-Sheard, in the Lifetime biopic "The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel," which was released on April 11, 2020.

March 2021: J. Drew Sheard Elected Presiding Bishop of COGIC

J. Drew Sheard was elected Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in March 2021, making Karen Clark-Sheard the First Lady of the denomination.