You know the funny thing is the first one was for the contemporary, and then it shows how you grow old. Four years later, it was for traditional. So, wow! Four years before that I was contemporary and now I'm old.
Why do you think that was the case?
Because that's the truth, I think. The music changes so quickly. The next generation that comes up makes the generation before antiquated. It's funny. I'm sitting here with a GRAMMY for contemporary and a GRAMMY for traditional. Now, I'm in the traditional category. It's like for those 21 and over. All these young kids are coming up. I'm a great-grandfather [laughing].
You talked about certain styles becoming antiquated. What traditional elements would you like for the younger Gospel acts to keep intact?
In all honesty, I believe that they've kept it intact because they've been raised up in the church. You can hear Kiki Sheard, 20-21 years old, singing Beyonce-type songs, but always keeping the Gospel traits true to her ancestry, as Mattie Moss Clark's granddaughter, Karen Clark Sheard's daughter. Kiki still has the essence of traditional that she can add in anytime she wants. Beyonce can sing all that stuff if she wants to. I think the generations are still linked to "Amazing Grace" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." They can still sing it. I believe this is with us as it is with them. They've taken it further than we've taken them but we're making sure that they hold on to the traditions.
One of my favorite songs out of your catalog is "Great Is Your Mercy." Every time I hear it, tears come to my eyes. What are your thoughts on that song and the recording experience?
That recording alone is just for me just what I believe in – Psalm 27. It was a whole experience; that Live in London was a whole experience. Each song contributed to that experience. It was a moment in time that God literally sat in the room with us and said: "sing to me." You can feel the presence. You can feel that He touched everybody that was present. Now, I find out almost 2 million CDs later around the world that out of everything that I do, everybody goes back to Live in London. It impacted a globe and it wasn't my intention; it was of God.
Even though it wasn't your intention, do you ever, on a personal level, try to compete with yourself?
Article comments
1 - Evelyn Elaine McBride
HI PASTOR DONALD (DONNIE) McCLURKIN,I LOVE THE INTERVEIW BE BLESS IN THE LORD.
2 - Bigheart
I have enjoyed reading this interview. Pastor Donnie is the new definition of humility. I look up to you Sir.
3 - Olusola
You re a wonderful vessel God is using. I hope he will continue using you for the rest of your life and, you ll always hera him, not falter or fall and keep your faith strong him because, he is more than able to do all that you desire and beyond.