Karen Clark-Sheard

Karen Clark-Sheard was born into gospel royalty and was pretty much expected to continue the reign. The child of gospel matriarch Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark and one third of the crossover gospel trendsetters the Clark Sisters, she branched out with her first solo effort, Finally Karen, in 1997. Her vocal prowess was undeniable, with heavy jazz/R&B influences, amazing runs and some serious soprano gospel chops. But in case there was any question about her prodigious talent, the attention her debut received answered it, garnering a Grammy nod for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album and four Stella awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, and Children's Performance of the Year.