For gospel singer and preacher Donnie McClurkin, music and spreading the word of God are one and the same. His concerts mix gospel standards, stirring originals, impromptu medleys, covers of secular hits and joyful discussions about the power of faith. McClurkin’s style is smooth and sophisticated, but he can still get crowds amped up with his genuine passion and unwavering devotion. It makes for a celebratory live experience, which was perfectly captured on his most recent album, the 2008 live recording We Are All One, which led to the single “Wait On The Lord.” McClurkin’s devotion is also evident in his weekly television show, Perfecting Your Faith.
Music and religion were also the two forces that helped save McClurkin from a childhood filled with trials. He joined his church choir at a young age and was soon doing backup vocals for gospel legend Andraé Crouch. In 1989, he was hired as an associate minister at Detroit’s Perfecting Church, working under another gospel star, Marvin Winans of The Winans Family. McClurkin released his self-titled debut album in 1996, and buoyed by popular single “Stand” and a plug from Oprah Winfrey, the album went gold. He sold tickets around the world, and his UK-recorded live album, 2000’s Live In London and More went double platinum. Its followup, Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs, also went double platinum and earned McClurkin his first of three Grammy Awards. He also earned 10 Stellar Awards, two BET Awards, two Soul Train Awards and one NAACP Image Award. When McClurkin is not touring around the country, he shares his devotion preaching as the senior pastor of the Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York and on the television show Perfecting Your Faith.
