:: Official Web Site  ::  www.kierrakikisheard.com

The unforgettable ‘live’ recording of Karen Clark Sheard’s breakout, solo album - Finally Karen (Island) - back in early ’97, marked the beginning of two brilliant solo careers under the same roof. 

Karen Clark Sheard, the master of improvisation, expression and worship finally launched her much-anticipated solo venture on the strength of her dazzling debut album, which would become both a commercial and artistic hit.  But what was even more startling was the emergence of her 10-year old daughter (at the time), Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard. 

Her professional debut with mom on the dramatic duet selection, The Will Of God, was described as chilling, awe-inspiring and completely unexpected.  After all, here was Karen’s little daughter paired up with an icon on the grand finale of a star-studded album which also featured Faith Evans, Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers and J. Moss, to name just a few.  In the midst of them all, Kierra would capture the crowd using trademark runs and riffs first demonstrated in C.O.G.I.C. services by her relatives, the legendary Clark Sisters.

Kierra’s cameo would spark a whirlwind of curiosity around the youngster and rekindle an interest in Gospel’s first royal family.  In fact, Kierra was instantly designated a child prodigy, not seen since the days of Kim McFarland of the Soul Children of Chicago and Brian Wilson of the Mississippi Children’s Choir. 

The gentleness of her tone and the strength of her vocals drew instant comparisons to Twinkie, Dorinda, her mother, Karen, and even the matriarch – Dr. Mattie Moss Clark.  It was clear.  Kierra was off to an impressive start.

Karen Clark Sheard would again present her daughter, Kierra, on follow up releases 2^nd Chance (Elektra) and most recently, The Heavens Are Telling (Elektra).  Kierra’s unforgettable ad libs on Aunt Dorinda Clark Cole’s DVD release would reaffirm Kierra’s undeniable gift and maturity as a complete and marketable artist.

It’s been seven years since the world first heard Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard support her mother’s ministry.  But now, seven years later, Kierra appears ready to take her own testimony to the people.  On September 7^th, Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard will release her highly-touted debut album, I Owe You (EMI Gospel)…an album, demonstrating her undeniable presence as one of today’s most formidable voices. 

SINGLE You Don't Know/Praise Offering June 29, 2004 FULL PROJECT I Owe You September 4, 2004

BLACKGOSPEL.COM spoke with the young lady who’s been making quite a splash in such a short span of time.  After our revealing conversation with Kierra on her motivation for singing, carrying the Clark family torch and being a very young professional Gospel artist, it’s clear...Kierra Clark Sheard will probably extend an already rich legacy that’s destined to continue for at least another generation.

Christopher Heron: I was first introduced (like so many others) to your tremendous gift of singing, when you teamed up with your mother on the song, The Will Of God, nearly eight years ago.  Way back then, did you sense a calling on your life to sing, even as a child?  And if so, did that sense for a singing ministry set in at your mother's recording or was it even earlier?

Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard: I didn't know that I was called to do this (singing thing) back then, it took me a while to realize it.  My mother encouraged me and pushed me out front, which allowed me to begin to actually feel and enjoy what I was doing.  When I realized that I was doing God's work for His people, it was a learning process.  We think it's an honor to work for people, but we never realize and take advantage of the opportunity to work for God.  It was an honor to do God's work and a big position.  I kind of saw it later on around the ages of 12 and 13.  It took me a while to realize it. I really didn't even want to sing at first.

CH: You come from a huge family of singers...aunts, uncles, cousins and a legend in your grandmother - Dr. Mattie Moss Clark.  Tell me a few professional and artistic things you've learned from some of the folks in your family, in recent years.

KKS: My Aunt Twinkie's squall, Aunt Dorinda's energy, all the crazy notes my mother hits, my cousin's J Moss' "quick-runs", and my Aunt Jacky's sweet tones.

CH: I understand that prior to joining the great team at EMI Gospel, you were solicited by a certain familiar, secular label to sing R&B music.  Is it true?  And if so, what prevented you from going in that direction?

KKS: No, that's not the truth at all.

CH: As you can imagine, fans of Kierra Sheard and the Clark family are very excited about the imminent release of your debut album -   What can they expect to hear?  And how would you describe your own style and ministry?

KKS: People can expect to hear a variety of gospel musical styles.  I see myself as a Contemporary Gospel Hip-Hop artist with a traditional "churchy" flair.  I want my music to relate to the hearts of the youth. One of My messages to the youth is that you can still be young, have fun, and serve God.

CH: Although you've been singing all your life, you're still a very young woman.  As you see it, what are the greatest advantages and challenges of being such a young artist who already has established a familiar name and following among Gospel fans, as a member of the Clark family?

KKS:  I feel that it's a blessing and an open door, because I could have come up the hard way.  Although, I have been through many things in my walk with God, I appreciate God giving me such a wonderful family to learn from in the ministry of music.  Being a part of the Clark family has taught me a lot.  First of all, I learned that you must keep God first when doing His work, and allow Him to lead you in whatever it is that you are doing.  You must stay humble and not allow self to get in the way. You must have a prayerful life. When you're doing God's work, it's very easy to allow the enemy to come in when you're not watchful.  You must continually seek the Lord for strength.  People always compare me to my mother and my aunts, and people expect me to do what they do, but a lot of those things I just cannot do right now; although I really try hard sometimes, but mainly I just go ahead and be myself, and do what I believe the Lord has given me to do, and that's it. Some people may also think I'm big-headed, but I've learned to just trust in God and not even try to please everyone else.

CH: As the release of your album quickly approaches, what are some of the thoughts and feelings you're internally experiencing, as an artist and Christian?

KKS: Some of the things going on in my head at this time in my life regarding my new project are, "will I make it, are my dreams really going to come true, will the young people be able to relate to it, will my project minister to people?”  Most of all I just truly hope that it will actually benefit people and cause them to realize all that God has done for us.