Twinkie Clark | Bio, Age, Health, Parents, Songs, Son, and Net Worth
Twinkie Clark Biography and Wiki
Twinkie Clark is an acclaimed American gospel singer, songwriter, composer, musician, record producer, and evangelist. Best known as the leader and principal songwriter of the legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters, Twinkie has been dubbed the “Mother of Contemporary Gospel Music” for her groundbreaking contributions to the genre. She is also a proud inductee of the Hammond Organ Hall of Fame, recognized for her virtuosity and innovation on the instrument.
Twinkie Clark Education
Twinkie Clark studied at Howard University, a historically Black university known for producing trailblazers in various fields. Although specific details about her academic focus remain limited, her training and education helped shape her distinctive musical style.
Twinkie Clark Age and Birthday | Real Name
Twinkie Clark was born Elbernita Clark on November 15, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan. As of 2025, she is 70 years old. She celebrates her birthday annually on November 15.
Twinkie Clark Parents
Twinkie is the daughter of Mattie Moss Clark, a renowned gospel choir director, and Elder Elbert Clark. Her mother, Mattie, was instrumental in shaping the sound of gospel music and served as the longest-standing International Minister of Music for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Twinkie inherited much of her musical talent and spiritual foundation from her mother’s legacy.
Husband
She was previously married to Johnny Terrell, though the marriage eventually ended in divorce. While the details surrounding their separation remain private, Twinkie is currently unmarried.
Twinkie Clark Son | Kids | Children
Twinkie and her former husband Johnny Terrell share a son named John Terrell. He contributed to her solo work, including rapping on her first solo album, Live in Charlotte.
Son
Twinkie Clark has one son, John Terrell, from her previous marriage to Johnny Terrell. John is known for making a brief musical appearance on her live album Live in Charlotte, where he performed a rap verse. Despite his involvement in that project, John has remained largely out of the public eye, and very little is known about his personal or professional life today.
Accept What God Allows – Twinkie Clark
“Accept What God Allows” is one of Twinkie Clark’s most emotionally powerful and spiritually resonant songs. Recorded by The Clark Sisters and written by Twinkie, the song emphasizes faith in the face of suffering, urging believers to trust God’s will even when life doesn’t make sense. It has become a gospel staple and is frequently performed in churches and at memorial services, praised for its deep theology and poignant delivery.
Larry Clark and Twinkie Clark
Larry Clark, a gospel artist and producer, is Twinkie Clark’s nephew, the son of her sister Denise Clark-Bradford. Larry and Twinkie have a close musical and familial relationship. In 2020, they released a collaborative album titled “The Generations”, a project that celebrated the blending of old-school gospel with a modern touch, showcasing the legacy of gospel excellence passed down through the Clark family. Larry has also spoken publicly about his admiration for Twinkie, crediting her as a mentor and inspiration in his music ministry.
Did Twinkie Clark Have a Stroke
There has been no official confirmation that Twinkie Clark suffered a stroke. However, speculation about her health, including concerns of possible neurological issues or strokes, has circulated in fan communities, particularly after her reduced mobility and sporadic public appearances. Her sister, Dr. Denise Clark-Bradford, once stated publicly that Twinkie was facing medical issues, but did not specify the diagnosis. Until more concrete information is released, claims of a stroke remain unverified.
Is Twinkie Clark Still Alive?
Yes, she is still alive as of 2025. Though there have been occasional rumors and concerns regarding her health, she remains a living gospel legend. Her recent public appearances have been limited, but fans continue to celebrate her legacy through her music, interviews, and past performances.
Height and Measurements
She stands at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall. Specific details about her other body measurements are not publicly available at this time.
Twinkie Clark and The Clark Sisters | Siblings
She is the musical powerhouse behind The Clark Sisters, a gospel group composed of her and her sisters: Jacky Clark-Chisholm, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, and formerly, Denise Clark Bradford. The group gained mainstream fame with their 1983 crossover hit “You Brought the Sunshine”, which charted on Billboard’s Gospel, R&B, and Dance charts.
Twinkie wrote many of the group’s most iconic songs, including “Is My Living in Vain,” “Expect Your Miracle,” and “Jesus Is a Love Song.” The Clark Sisters earned multiple Grammy nominations over the years and won two Grammys in 2007 for Live: One Last Time. In 2020, their story was brought to life in the Lifetime biopic The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, with Twinkie portrayed by her niece Kierra Sheard.
Twinkie Clark Health | Illness
While Twinkie’s current health status has not been officially disclosed, Dr. Denise Clark-Bradford, her sister, publicly mentioned that Twinkie was experiencing medical issues and had possibly been hospitalized. Denise claimed she was unable to visit Twinkie and requested prayers for her sister’s healing and protection.
Weight Loss
She has discussed her weight loss journey, crediting both prayer and fasting as part of her transformation. She also acknowledged undergoing weight loss surgery to assist in her health goals, though the specifics of the procedure and the amount of weight lost have not been made public.
What Happened to Twinkie Clark
Twinkie Clark’s life has been marked by both musical triumphs and personal challenges. Over the years, she has stepped back from the spotlight due to health complications and family-related stress, including her departure from The Clark Sisters at one point. Despite past rumors of being “kicked out” or mistreated by her family, Twinkie has clarified that she made decisions for her personal and spiritual well-being. Although there were recent concerns about her hospitalization and restricted family visits, no official reports have confirmed the severity or nature of her condition.
Twinkie Clark Solo Career
In addition to her success with The Clark Sisters, Twinkie has had a vibrant solo career, recording multiple albums that showcase her versatility and deep spirituality. Her debut album, Praise Belongs to God (1979), charted on Billboard’s Spiritual Albums, followed by Ye Shall Receive Power (1981).
She later released Comin’ Home (1992) and The Masterpiece (1996). In 1996, she collaborated with the Florida A&M University Gospel Choir on a project that became a top 10 Billboard Gospel hit.
In 2002, she released Twinkie and Friends… Live in Charlotte, earning a Grammy nomination. Her 2004 project, Home Once Again: Live in Detroit, became her highest-charting solo album. She continued with albums such as With Humility (2011), Live and Unplugged (2013), and in 2020, The Generations, a collaboration with Larry Clark, her nephew and Denise’s son.
Twinkie Clark Songs
She is a prolific songwriter and composer, responsible for penning many of the most iconic songs in gospel music. Some of her most beloved and influential works include:
“You Brought the Sunshine”
“Is My Living in Vain”
“Expect Your Miracle”
“Jesus Is a Love Song”
“Praise Belongs to God”
“Accept What God Allows”
“I Tried Him and I Know Him”
“He Was Hung Up for My Hang-Ups”
“Awake O Zion”
Her writing and musicianship blend classical gospel with jazz, funk, and R&B elements, shaping the sound of contemporary gospel.
Net Worth
As of 2025, she has a net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. Her wealth stems primarily from decades of contributions to gospel music as a solo artist and as the lead songwriter and arranger for The Clark Sisters. In addition to album sales, live performances, and songwriting royalties, Twinkie has earned income through collaborations, guest appearances, and licensing of her music in television and film projects — most notably in the Lifetime biopic The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.
