She's a legend in the music industry. Some would even consider her to be a vocal icon. Without question, Karen Clark Sheard is one of the most recognizable talents within music today. Adored by secular and Gospel contemporaries alike, Clark Sheard has become a household name among music lovers.

After a five-year absence, Clark Sheard is back with a new project and a new vision. Recently, Gospelflava.com caught up with the talented vocalist to ask about some differences between her solo debut Finally Karen from 1997, and her sophomore effort in 2002, 2nd Chance on Elektra Records (see album review).

"I think what makes the difference is that this album really relates to my testimony," shares Clark Sheard. "Each song really talks about how God brought me through. The title of the album [2nd Chance] just speaks for itself, of how close I was to death and of God bringing me out, delivering me, and giving me a second chance to do another album. It's more passionate and more personable."

Clark Sheard has undergone a number of significant changes since her hiatus. In addition to a near-fatal illness in early 2002, the Detroit native has found a new musical home. She now finds herself signed to Elektra Entertainment, home of fellow gospel divas Yolanda Adams and Kim Burrell. The youngest Clark Sister is excited about this new direction.

Album Review: Second Chance

Elektra works out a formula that keeps Karen Clark Sheard balancing the weight of the contemporary crossover and the strength, fiber and necessity of her Gospel roots. A crew of R&B hard hitters join with Gospel chart toppers and producers in working hard to make the impossible possible...... See full album review.

"I'm loving what their doing. I believe that they're going to take me to different arenas that I haven't been in. Of course, that's where I'd like to go. Not taking anything away from the church and what I've been doing, but, of course, my job is to reach the lost. If that's a tool for me to do what I need to do to make ministry happen, then I'm open for it."

Through all of the changes, Clark Sheard still maintains very close ties to her family unit, and although she is a seasoned professional, she still relies on the many lessons learned from her legendary mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark.

"My mother taught all of us how to really breathe and maintain even while we're doing long concerts. She's taught us how to hold up and how to deliver," states Clark Sheard.

"Most of all, she taught us to make sure that your life reflects what you say and what you do on stage. I admire her for that because she was a great example in front of us. I respected her for that because what she instilled in us back then helps me now, even as my career takes its peak. It was like a foundation." (see Clark Sisters Tribute)

The Detroit native is looking to continue spread the musical wealth as she anticipates a future within the industry for her children, Kierra and J. Drew.

"I'm looking forward to working my daughter [Kierra]. We're working on a project, and we're working with Elektra right now, so it's in the making. Of course, my son [J. Drew], he's about to be the next producer in the family, other than J. Moss. I'm very proud of my children."

More Karen Clark Sheard Photos

Click on the links below to take you to the several more photos of Karen Clark Sheard, as well as Kierra Sheard. These are from the Elektra Records showcase at the GMWA in August 2002 in Detroit. Karen Clark Sheard (1) Karen Clark Sheard (2) Kierra Sheard Photos

"I can just see that God has showered upon on them the legacy that was left here by my mother. The music and the gift that she left here is like all in the family now. Both my son and my daughter doing their own projects. We are definitely blessed."

Kierra Sheard was musically introduced to the world on the highly acclaimed Finally Karen project, singing on the song "The Will of God" and garnering Kierra a Stellar Award (for Children's Performance). Kierra joins her mother again on another outstanding duet on 2nd Chance titled "Sacrifice". Karen notes a significant growth in her daughter.

"I think it was phenomenal. It's even shocking me now because of the way her voice developed," admits Sheard. "On the Finally Karen album, I was literally shocked because what we rehearsed was not what she did on the video. I could just think of myself sometimes because I used to shock my sisters. They used to be like 'well, we didn't rehearse that so how do you get on stage and go totally opposite of what we rehearsed?' It all turned out to be good and that's when we were being taught how the anointing really deals with us on stage. A lot of times, we've always been known for being spontaneous...having the sisters together.

"I've seen that in my daughter. I think that's what makes the difference from the last album, hearing her voice develop. Even spiritually, I've noticed that she's working in the church. It's like an uphill journey and another level that she's going to."

2002 has seemingly been the year for classic reunions. We've seen the highly heralded Commissioned Reunion album and tour, as well as the Winans Family tour, which reunited one of gospel's most recognizable families. Clark Sheard is optimistic about the possibilities of a Clark Sisters reunion.

"We're trying to work on that now. Everybody's career is blossoming, it seems like, at the same time. I think it would be a good idea since it's in such demand from the audience. For my fans, I think it would be a great idea to make it happen," states Clark Sheard.

One might say that timing is everything. If this is true, it can safely be said that the summer of 2002 is the summer of the Clark Sisters. With Dorinda, Karen, and Twinkie each releasing solo project during the summer months, the sisters Clark are infiltrating the marketplace (see Twinkie's album review).

Karen doesn't cite any pressure in all of the sisters releasing solo projects so closely to each other.

"I actually felt like it's almost good for all of us," states Clark Sheard. "I believe that people will go to the store and say 'Karen's project is out and Dorinda's is out so I'm going to get both of them at the same time.' I think that we're giving them what they'd like to hear. Of course, my album is all studio and Dorinda's album is live (see album review). So we're giving them actually all ends of the Clark Sister vibe yet in a different way. It just brings out our versatility. That's how I can respect what is going on now."

Clark Sheard has been cited as a major vocal influence and inspiration to many of today's most popular female vocalists and performers. The list of her supporters are a virtual "Who's Who" of music. On Finally Karen, Sheard worked with Faith Evans. On this new project, two of her secular supporters, Missy Elliott and Tweet, connect with her. Clark Sheard's dealings with Missy was nothing short of an honor and privilege for the gospel diva.

"It all stemmed from the project that I did with Missy," says Clark Sheard. "Our being signed to Elektra Records began when Missy asked me to sing the 'Higher Ground' song with her on her own project. Elektra Records personnel had accompanied her when she came to Detroit, and I was asked then to be signed to Elektra. That's when Missy, Dorinda and I had a chance to sit down and chat and talk. To hear Missy say that she grew up on our music and was inspired by our music really encouraged me and my sister. It showed us that we were doing was something right and all eyes were on us and we didn't even know it."

"It just goes to show you that it's good to have your thing together because you never know who's watching you. I was so honored to be asked to sing and to work with her as well as Timbaland. I respect them for what they do. They've done well in the music industry and I consider it an honor and a privilege to have them on my project."

While Clark Sheard is not a stranger to the urban side of gospel music, 2nd Chance has a much heavier urban vibe and does require a great deal of vocal flexibility from the Detroit native. As one would expect, this is not a problem for the vocally acrobatic talent.

"These songs relate to my testimony," declares Clark Sheard. "Even when I'm singing the contemporary songs, I try to set my voice in a way for how a contemporary song should be sung. Then I try to do what is expected from the traditional song. So if folks want to got to church, I'll take them to church. When I do the contemporary, I'll put a little church in there. I'll mix it as well."

Clark Sheard's traditional arrangements have that 2002 edge, thanks to the craft of Ivan Powell. The former music director for John P. Kee has found a way to tap into an avenue that inspires, challenges, and propells Clark Sheard to new heights for her traditional efforts.

"His organ arrangements are so phenomenal," exclaims Clark Sheard. "I was so attracted to his playing when I first heard him. He just has a phenomenal and different chord progression which really brings out a different vocal ability in me. I like that because it's a challenge as opposed to me doing the regular [presentation] the way that everyone expects for me to do a hymn. That's what I wanted to bring out."

"Even though we can do hymns, we can do it in an up to date form and fashion. He brought that out of me and that's exactly what I wanted."

Through every challenge and storm, Clark Sheard has found success and has been given a second chance to live and bless the world. She is certainly thankful and is using this opportunity to reach the masses in a new and exciting way.

We join Karen Clark Sheard in thanking God as we benefit musically and spiritually from her 2nd Chance.