Claudelle Clarke

Claudelle Clarke

The past four decades have marked the rise of Christian fundamentalist “The Queen of Reggae Gospel”, Claudelle Clarke. This period manifested the distinctive and pioneering talent encapsulated in Ms. Claudelle Clarke, who hails from the parish of Kingston, Jamaica. Claudelle attributes her musical talent and initial musical socialization to her family, particularly, her parents Linda and Joslyn Clarke.

In spite of her talent being girded in the pedigree and bequest of her lineage, at the age of 60, Claudelle insists that the gift she possesses transcends the fictional silhouette of just fame and fortune. Indeed, her sojourn reflects those earlier periods in Claudelle’s life which were merely a ritualistic practice of Christianity until she came into a deeper intimacy with her God. As a result, to date, Claudelle carries a mantle of over 41 years of ministry, but quickly enlightens us that she started her career as a secular artist. Her secular experiences date back to her hanging out at Studio One with Bob and Rita Marley, Peter Tosh, Alton Ellis to name a few. Additionally, she sang back-up for the song “Sweet Beat Rocking Down Orange Street” by Prince Busta.
Truly, Claudelle Clarke is remarkable. Like so many of her contemporaries, Claudelle began her public singing platform in the church choir. At six years old she sang on the Sunday School Choir of the New Testament Church of God, in Yallahs St. Thomas (Jamaica) along with her sisters Millicent and Carol Clarke. It is no surprise therefore, that given the natural talent she was imbued with and the range of singing experiences she gained among her family and within the church community, that Claudelle recorded her first hit single at the age of thirteen years old. The hit was “Seven Days Make One Week”.
In reminiscing, Claudelle gives description to experiences she has had in earlier years of her ministry. She recounts an incident where she was the “guest artist” of a concert; yet was
commissioned to pay her admission as a patron of
the same gospel concert. Additionally, she recalls being thrown off stage by a recognized Clergy who felt she was unworthy to perform because of her inappropriate hair style(Afro), which did not reflect the tenets of Christian virtue. These experiences has honed her as a
minister and as shaped her character with resilience.
Thereafter Claudelle’s musical career catapulted and has been unstoppable since. After being re-commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ in 1968, Claudelle produced six songs “Just As I Am”, “He Touch Me”, “I Saw The Light”, “After All”, “God Is A Mountain” and “Not My Will”. These songs popularized her work and talent and have made her a household traditional Jamaican Gospel singer.
Her calling, however, was not geographically bound; consequently, between 1983 and 1993 Claudelle’s ministry spanned the parameters of the Canadian landscape. During this period, her ministry focused on live performances. However by 1997, she reconvened her work in the recording studio. This occurred after Derrick Morgan spoke with Lloyd Campbell of the Joe Frasier Production Label. The product was the dynamic and historically significant album “Reggae Songs of Praise”. This album featured collaboration with Denzel Dennis. The “Prayer” and “Reggae Songs of Praise Vol. 2” were both distributed by VP Records. Additionally, Claudelle later produced solo albums “The Best of Claudelle Clarke” and “Live for Jesus”. As a result of her hit songs, she has received numerous incontestable awards such as the Life Time International Award and also was inducted into the IRAWMA Hall of Fame.

World, brace yourself for Claudelle’s newest
work of art “The Journey” produced by Hugh Campbell
from the Studio Max Record Label. Showcased amongst
the hits on this album is “It took a Miracle” featuring Leroy Smith, former member of The Grace Thrillers. Helping to create sounds
resplendent of the reggae gospel genre with an African grounding is former Third World Drummer and Percussionist, William Stewart featured in “Freedom of Speech” and also renowned singer Paul Watson from the Ambassabors giving a fantastic vocal collaboration in “Lord unto you”.

Her music is spiritually motivating and uplifting. It has the power to get audiences on their feet every time, singing, clapping and praising the Lord together in unison. More importantly however, it acts as a catalyst that convicts the sin sick soul to be transformed and motivates individuals to deepen their relationship with the Lord. Evangelist Claudelle Clarke continues to avail herself to the work of the Lord through her inimitable style of music. She will continue singing in her unique original style, spreading praises throughout the world.

claudelleclarke@easylinkup.com
www.claudelleclarke.com
www.easylinkup.com

Written by Simone Williams