By Weekly Press Staff Writer
GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, songwriter, and recording artist Donald Lawrence has once again graced the music scene with his latest full-length album, titled "Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark." In this carefully crafted 8-track project, the legendary producer and music director pays homage to the iconic Twinkie Clark's early solo works.
With a trailblazing approach, Lawrence infuses these timeless classics with bold and resonant sonic melodies, creating an album that stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Twinkie Clark in gospel music. The focal point of this tribute is Clark's classic 1981 Power album, a foundational work in gospel music.
The album boasts an impressive lineup of special performances, featuring the voices of gospel legends and musical greats. Collaborators on this project include stars like The Clark Sisters, Kierra Sheard, Yolanda Adams, Sir The Baptist, PJ Morton, and J Moss, among others. The album's lead singles, “In Him There Is No Sorrow” (featuring Yolanda Adams) and “Fix Me Jesus” (featuring Sir The Baptist, Jason Ferdinand & The Jason Ferdinand Singers), offer listeners a taste of the rich musical experience Lawrence and his collaborators have curated.
Accompanying this musical treasure trove is a lyric video for the song “Awake O’ Zion” (featuring J Moss & Daniel Weatherspoon), further enhancing the auditory and visual journey for fans. This video premiered on the popular platform YouTube.
Donald Lawrence's dedication to creating this tribute album stems from his deep respect for Twinkie Clark's unparalleled contributions to gospel music. The project is not just a homage to her historic artistry but also a recognition of her continued impact on the genre today.
One standout track is the title track, "Power," where Donald Lawrence joins forces with the history-making gospel group, The Clark Sisters, and Mr. Talkbox. This reinterpretation communicates a compelling message of faith, empowerment, and the profound significance of the Holy Spirit, embodying the essence of gospel music.
The collaborative effort on this album bridges generations of gospel music, presenting fresh interpretations of Twinkie Clark's timeless songs. The hope is to pave the way for her music to resonate with the next generation of gospel artists and fans. Songs like “My Soul Loves Jesus” (featuring Shirley Murdock, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr & Kelontae Gavin), “Praise The Lord” (featuring PJ Morton), and more, provide a glimpse into the legacy of Twinkie Clark and the everlasting impact of her work.
Beyond this tribute, Donald Lawrence boasts an illustrious career that encompasses various facets of the music industry. As a producer, songwriter, recording artist, music director, and choir master, his influence stretches far and wide. The impact of his work has earned him multiple prestigious awards, including GRAMMY, Stellar, and Dove Awards. With over 200 million career streams, chart-topping songs and albums, and visually-stunning performances, Lawrence has cemented his place in the gospel music landscape.
His involvement in shaping the distinctive sound of The Clark Sisters and serving as the music director for the highly acclaimed 2020 Lifetime movie biopic, “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel,” showcases his passion and dedication to the genre. Collaborations with renowned artists in gospel and R&B, and his role in molding vibrant styles in choir music through groups like The Tri-City Singers and Company, underscore his multifaceted talent.
With celebrated gospel albums and hit tracks like “Encourage Yourself,” “The Blessing of Abraham,” “Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus),” and “The Gift,” Donald Lawrence continues to elevate the gospel music experience. His current role as the music supervisor for the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour reaffirms his commitment to sharing the transformative power of gospel music, ensuring its impact on audiences across cities from September to December.