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Biography
Born in South Carolina, but raised in Long Isand, New York City, Donnie McClurkin had a childhood rougher than many could imagine. Rife with loss, substance abuse and a sexually abusive great uncle, McClurkin found solace in the church and in singing, forming the group the McClurkin singers when he was a teenager among others. However, his first calling was in the church, and he was ordained as an associate minister in 1989, however, he kept in contact with friends that he’d made while he was singing, and one of them became an executive at Warner Alliance, the Christian wing of the Warner Music Group. He sent this friend a demo CD on a whim, and found himself signed to the label in 1996, the same year that his self-titled debut album was released.
The record sold slowly to start with, but after a plug from Oprah Winfrey herself, it was certified Gold with aplomb. Ever since then McClurkin has released several succesful studio albums and toured the world while remaining a minister at the same time. Both his 2000 album “Live In London And More…” and 2004’s “Psalms, Hymns And Spiritual Songs” have been certified Platinum by the RIAA and he continues to have hits on the gospel charts to this very day. For that, he comes highly recommended.
Live reviews
I think it's obvious to say that any gospel singer has a good voice, but Donnie McClurkin has a mesmerising one. During his career he's gathered up 3 Grammy Awards, 2 BET awards, 10 Stellar awards and a NAACP Image award amongst others. He sold over 10 million albums worldwide and it's obvious why when you watch him perform. Donnie sings with so much passion it's evident in every movement and every sound he makes when he's on a stage. Although he has a beautiful voice, he hasn't had a beautiful upbringing, which maybe why he's so good in some aspects because he pours his emotion into music. He lost his brother at a young age when he was hit by a car and during that already horrific time he became a victim of sexual abuse as a child to his great uncle and then by his great uncle's son, with no one left to comfort him he turned to the church and began singing gospel music. He went on to join 2 different choir groups in his teenage years and focused his attention on church and singing. Although he had an extremely rough start, which makes you appreciate this brave man even more, he went on to release albums such as 'Live in London and More' in 2005 and 'We All Are One: Live In Detroit' in 2009. He could bring a tear to everyone's eye in a huge stadium and I have a lot of respect for this man and his ability. Even if you're not a fan of gospel singers, I still think he could change your mind.
ehubb93
Music has always been an integral part of religion and worship and although there is a healthy genre known as christian music, very few musicians can boast to being an artist and a minister. Step forward Donnie McClurkin. Over a twenty year career the man has become one of the most successful performers in Gospel Music after picking up three Grammy awards and ten Stellar music awards.
Splitting his time between his pastor and his other following, he performs regularly to hundreds of fans who are equally excited to hear him talk as they are sing. He is known to be a passionate spokesman and between tracks he addresses the crowd on the topics of faith, humanity and unity as they listen on in complete engagement. It is a pretty difficult thing to do during a concert yet Donnie manages it easily thanks to his forceful persona and kind demeanour. With a variety of albums in his discography, he chooses some fan favourites tonight and finishes on the soulful and aptly hymnal 'We Fall Down' from way back in 2000 and has the whole audience clapping and singing along.
sean-ward
