Interview with American Gospel singer Linda Clark

 was born to sing! Without the ability to enlighten the hearts and minds of others through song, life for her would take on new meaning. This remarkable mezzo soprano with a phenomenal voice range was born in Detroit, Michigan, raised in Alabama, and currently resides in Virginia.

Linda is an anointed vocalist and Psalmist with a voice that goes where beyond this physical plane. Although particularly passionate for inspirational and gospel music, Linda has a sincere appreciation for all genres of music, having regularly performed such genres as Country, R&B, Jazz, Pop, and even Rock.

Artists worked and performed with and opened and sang backup include: Al Jarreau, Morris Pleasure, Maurette Brown-Clark, Cherie Marie, Patrick Davis, Israel Houghton, Vicki Winans, CoPastor Elena Robertson, James Bignon, and Pam Frierson. In addition to pursuing the call to sing and act, Linda also composes, arranges, plays piano and provides vocal coaching.

Linda particularly has a heart for Praise and Worship which has been displayed while serving in ministries around the world as Worship Leader, Music Coordinator and/or Musical Director for more than 25 years. She gives much credit and thanks to her parents who groomed her and her siblings in the way of singing from the heart and soul. Linda earned a full music scholarship to attend Lurleen B. Wallace College in Andalusia, Al, becoming the first African-American to join the ranks of the Jazz Performance Ensemble. Thereafter, Linda joined the U.S. Army where she served diligently as a missile maintenance tech and also had the distinct honor of performing with the 6th Infantry Division (Light) Army Jazz Band. She is still often requested to render her soul-stirring rendition of the “National Anthem”.

In addition to solo singing engagements at weddings, receptions and special events, Linda also makes regular appearances with Richmond local jazz band, NPursuit featuring Gus Gordon. It’s obvious to all who hear and see her that music is truly where her passion lies. Currently Linda serves as Overseer and Worship Leader under the pastoral care of Bishop Daniel Robertson Jr. and CoPastor Elena Robertson, Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries, Richmond, VA.

Additionally, Linda earned her MBA, HR Management, Troy University and Bachelor of Science, Human Services, Upper Iowa University.

KAPA: Tell us about yourself.

 lINDA CLARK: I am a wife, a mother, a servant and psalmist all for the glory of the most High God. I have been singing all my life. I grew up in a singing family my Mom and Dad are ministers of music, so as a young child that was all that I knew. All I wanted to do was sing!   

KAPA: What first drew you to Praise and worship?

lINDA CLARK:When I first got saved in 1993, the church that I joined had a Praise Team. This was new to me, since I was accustomed only to Deacons leading devotion back at my home church.  The way Praise and Worship set up the service and invited the presence of God in was liberating to me. I was and still am in awe of how pure worship can change an atmosphere and the disposition of one’s heart.

KAPA: When did you decide that gospel music was something you wanted to pursue seriously as opposed to secular music?

lINDA CLARK:When my walk with Christ become lifestyle!

KAPA187: You spent time in the U.S Army. What did you learn about yourself during this period?

lINDA CLARK:I learned that I’m stronger that I think; I was pushed to limits that I’d never dreamed of. Not much different than this faith walk. 

KAPA: What has been the best and worst moment of your career? 

lINDA CLARK:The best thus far has been the release of both albums, both produced by me! I haven’t had a worst; it’s all working for my good!

KAPA: What do you think is the biggest misconception about gospel artists? 

lINDA CLARK:That we’re perfect and have it all together!  The only difference between gospel artists and anyone else is that we have an audience.

KAPA: What challenges have you faced in the music industry and how did you overcome them.

lINDA CLARK:Exposure is the toughest of them all; as an independent artist, I have to work 10x harder for airplay, pay out of my pocket for advertisting, sell cds out of my trunk for profit.  I’m still overcoming and enjoying the ride one obstacle at a time. God keeps making the provision.

KAPA: Tell us about your new album, what you fans can expect from it. 

lINDA CLARK:New Beginnings is a self arranged and produced album that I released earlier this year, it is a diverse piece of work; it is a diverse collection of Linda.  When listening to New Beginnings album people will be able to receive encouragement, hope and knowledge that there is love and victory in God.

KAPA: Which song from your album means the most to you ?

lINDA CLARK:New Beginnings is a benchmark song; it represents fresh starts for any and everyone who desires a fresh start. It’s a constant reminder of God’s abounding grace. He “is” a God of another chance!

In Christ there is a new beginning.

KAPA: Do you feel that music truly brings people closer to God?

lINDA CLARK:Absolutely! The message that is conveyed in a song, can take hold and be the difference between life and death; winning and quitting! and it does not take a lot of words to get a message across.

KAPA: Apart from music, what do you do in your spare time?

lINDA CLARK:I spend time with my husband and children watching movies, traveling or just chilling on the couch. I also work full time and serve in the local ministry full time.

KAPA187: What is your definition of heaven and what do you think it is like?

lINDA CLARK:Oh wow….  Heaven must be every single thing good and beautiful far above what my little mind can even imagine!

KAPA: What would you like to say to your fans? 

lINDA CLARK:Stay true to yourself in all you do and simply “do you”! God has put something in you, stay true to that one thing and let it shine! Always remain open, teachable and avail yourself to grow. Do not be defined by your past, mistakes that you have made move forward where there is life, there is hope.