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Donnie McClurkin

Donnie McClurkin
McClurkin in 2013
McClurkin in 2013
Background information
Birth nameDonald Andrew McClurkin, II
Born (1959-11-09) November 9, 1959 (age 65)
Copiague, New York, U.S.
Genres
Years active1980–present
Labels
Websitewww.donniemcclurkin.com

Donald Andrew McClurkin Jr. (born November 9, 1959) is an American gospel singer and minister. He has won three Grammy Awards, ten Stellar Awards, two BET Awards, two Soul Train Awards, one Dove Award and one NAACP Image Awards. He is one of the top selling gospel artists, selling over 13 million albums.[1] Variety dubbed McClurkin as a "Reigning King of Urban Gospel".[2]

Early life

[edit]

McClurkin was born in Copiague, New York.[3] When he was eight years old, his two-year-old brother was hit and killed by a speeding driver, which generated family turmoil. Shortly thereafter, McClurkin was a victim of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of his great uncle and, years later, by his great uncle's son. Two of his sisters dealt with substance abuse, and that's when the young McClurkin found solace in going to church and also through an aunt who sang background vocals with gospel musician Andraé Crouch.

By the time he was a teenager, he had formed the McClurkin Singers and later formed the New York Restoration Choir, with recordings as early as 1975.[4][5][6] He released three albums with the New York Restoration Choir before departing to launch a solo career.

Ministry

[edit]

He was hired as an associate minister at Marvin Winans' Perfecting Church in Detroit, Michigan, in 1989.[7] McClurkin served as an assistant to Winans for over a decade.

In 1991, a sharp pain and swelling, followed by internal bleeding, led, he says, to his diagnosis with leukemia. The doctor recommended immediate treatment, but McClurkin, who was then 31, decided instead to take his own advice. "I tell people to believe that God will save you," he says, "[and] I had to turn around and practice the very thing that I preached."[8]

He was ordained and sent out by Marvin Winans in 2001 to establish Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York, where he is senior pastor.[9][10]

Music

[edit]

A friendship with a Warner Alliance executive resulted in his signing to the label for his 1996 self-titled LP, with producers Bill Maxwell, Mark Kibble of Take 6, Cedric and Victor Caldwell plus Andraé Crouch. The disc, which featured the perennially popular "Stand," went gold shortly after being publicly lauded by Oprah Winfrey.[11] At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, he won in the category Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for "Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs."[12] McClurkin is best known for his hit songs "Stand" and "We Fall Down," which were played in heavy rotation on both Gospel and Urban radio. His three solo albums have topped the Billboard Charts[13]

Dovetailing off the success of his near double platinum selling album, "Live in London and More," McClurkin released "Psalms,Hymns and Spiritual Songs" in 2005 and "We All Are One: Live In Detroit" in 2009, which also topped Billboard charts across various musical genres.

In 2014, McClurkin released "Duets" a collaborative album that features artists like Mary Mary’s Erica and Tina Campbell, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Tramaine Hawkins, Israel Houghton and Tye Tribbett. The album debuted at No. 45 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on the Gospel Billboard charts. This was followed by his 2016 album, "The Journey," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. It marked his seventh solo release and features live performances of some of his classics like “Speak to My Heart,” "Great Is Your Mercy," "Stand," and “That’s What I Believe.” His last recorded album is "A Different Song", which was released in 2019 and debuted at No. 2 on the Gospel Billboard charts.

McClurkin's love for people and desire to share gospel music globally is the reason he includes a language medley—Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Dutch — in most live performances.

Radio and television

[edit]

Tom Versen and Tony Sisti of T&T Creative signed McClurkin to a radio syndication deal with advertising giant Dial Global Local and syndicator Gary Bernstein. T&T Creative provided a mobile recording studio in Pastor Donnie's church that he can also take on the road. He is quoted as saying, "As much as I love music and singing, I really love doing radio and the direct feedback I get from my listeners all over the country. I never thought I would be having this much fun doing radio, and I could touch and impact so many beautiful people."[19]

In 2009, he also broadcast his own television series, Perfecting Your Faith, on cable television.[14] His television appearances include Good Morning America, CBS’s The Early Show, The View, Girlfriends and The Parkers. He has also been featured in such films as The Gospel and The Fighting Temptations. He played a Single man or a church pastor.

Personal life

[edit]

McClurkin, in 2002, told a Christian website that, due to sexual abuse and porn, he had struggled with homosexuality. "McClurkin believes he "turned" gay because of childhood molestation and traumatic exposure to pornography but was able to reverse his orientation through "will and prayer."[15] He also said that he had rejected that "lifestyle": "I’ve been through this and have experienced God’s power to change my lifestyle. I am delivered, and I know God can deliver others, too."[16]

McClurkin's listing as a headlining performer for then-Senator Barack Obama's 2008 Presidential campaign stirred controversy because of his views on homosexuality.[17][18][19] As a result, McClurkin was removed from the performance roster but he still performed at one of the concerts.[20] In August 2013, McClurkin was disinvited from the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom as his ex-gay status was seen as disruptive.[21] In 2015 he spoke out against same-sex marriage in response to the U.S. Supreme Court making it legal nationwide.[22]

In 2016, it was reported that McClurkin had entered a relationship with CCM singer-songwriter Nicole C. Mullen.[23][24] In 2021, McClurkin in an interview on TV One's Unsung, spoke about his relationship with Mullen, explaining that he had never had a long-term relationship and he believes that this, as well as his previous relationships with men and women had made him oblivious about what women want in a relationship. He also remarked that he is concerned that he may never marry.[25]

McClurkin has a son, Matthew, born in 2000.[26][27] McClurkin is also related to singer Marsha McClurkin of the short-lived new jack swing group Abstrac.[28]

In 2018, McClurkin survived a serious road accident after he lost consciousness while driving.[29]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and sales figures
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications Sales
US
[30] 		US Gospel
[31] 		US Christ.
[32] 		US
R&B
/HH
[33]
Donnie McClurkin
  • Released: October 29, 1996
  • Label: Warner Alliance
 — 4 14 —
Duets
  • Released: February 28, 2014
  • Label: RCA Inspirational
 45 4 — —

Live albums

[edit]
List of live albums, with selected chart positions and sales figures
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications Sales
US
[30] 		US Gospel
[31] 		US Christ.
[32] 		US
R&B
/HH
[33]
Live in London and More...
  • Released: August 22, 2000
  • Label: Verity Records
 69 1 1 22
Again 31 1 3 12
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs 12 1 — 5
We All Are One (Live in Detroit)
  • Released: December 2, 2008
  • Label: Verity Records
 26 1 — 7
The Journey (Live)
  • Released: August 19, 2016
  • Label: RCA Records
 — 1 — —
A Different Song
  • Released: November 15, 2019
  • Label: RCA Records
 — 2 — —

Compilations

[edit]
List of compilation albums, with selected chart positions and sales figures
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications Sales
US
[30] 		US Gospel
[31] 		US Christ.
[32] 		US
R&B
/HH
[33]
The Collection
  • Released: May 29, 2001
  • Label: Savoy
 — — — —
The Essential Donnie Mcclurkin
  • Released: September 25, 2007
  • Label: Verity Records
 — 9 — —
Playlist: The Very Best of Donnie McClurkin — 9 — 57
Donnie McClurkin: Double Play
  • Released: 2010
  • Label: Verity Records
 — — — —
Setlist: The Very Best of Donnie McClurkin (Live)
  • Released: December 27, 2011[36]
  • Label: Sony
 — 28 — —

Singles

[edit]

As a lead artist

[edit]
List of singles, as a lead artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Bubb. Under Hot 100
[37] 		US
Gospel
[38] 		US Adult R&B
[39] 		US R&B
/HH
[40]
"Stand" 1996 — — — — Donnie McClurkin
"Speak to My Heart" — — — —
"We Fall Down" 2000 24 —[A] 2 40 Live in London and More...
"The Prayer"
(featuring Yolanda Adams) 		2003 — — 35 — Again
"I Call You Faithful" 2005 — 1 — — Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs
"Ooh Child"
(featuring Kirk Franklin) 		— 13 36 —
"Church Medley" 2006 — 5 — —
"Wait on the Lord"
(featuring Karen Clark Sheard) 		2009 — 2 40 — We All Are One (Live in Detroit)
"Donnie's Christmas Songs" 2011 — — 40 — —
"I Am Amazed"
(featuring Erica Campbell & Preashea Hilliard) 		2013 — 15 — — Duets
"We Are Victorious"
(featuring Tye Tribbett) 		2014 — 7 — —
"Stand" — — — — The Journey
"I Need You" — 2 — —
"There Is God" 2018 — 18 — — A Different Song
"My Favorite Things" — 23 — — —
"Not Yet" 2019 — 21 — — A Different Song
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.
[edit]
List of singles, as a featured artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Bubb. Under Hot 100
[37] 		US
Gospel
[38] 		US Adult R&B
[39] 		US R&B
/HH
[40]
"I Speak Life"
(Donald Lawrence & Co. featuring Donnie McClurkin) 		2006 — 23 — — I Speak Life
"Bless Me"
(J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise featuring Donnie McClurkin) 		2014 — 9 — — I See Victory
"See the Goodness"
(VaShawn Mitchell featuring Donnie McClurkin) 		2023 — 12 — — Chapter X: See The Goodness
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Videography

[edit]
  • Live in London and More... (VHS) (2001)
  • Again (VHS) (2004)
  • Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs (VHS) (2005)

Music Videos

Filmography

[edit]

Film

Television

  • 2001: Girlfriends (TV show)- Season 2 Ep 7 “Trick or Truth”
  • 2002: The Parkers (TV show)- Season 3 Ep 16 “Make a Joyful Noise”
  • 2002: 17th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards – co-host
  • 2004: 19th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards – co-host
  • 2005: 20th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards – co-host
  • 2006: 21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards – co-host
  • 2006: An Evening of Stars: Tribute to Stevie Wonder (documentary)
  • 2009: 24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards – co-host
  • 2010–15: BET's Sunday Best – judge
  • 2010: 25th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards – host

Awards and nominations

[edit]

BET Awards

[edit]
Main article: BET Awards

The BET Awards are awarded annually by the Black Entertainment Television network. McClurkin has received 2 awards from 5 nominations.[42]

Year Award Nominated work Result
2001 Best Gospel Artist Himself Won
2003 Nominated
2004 Nominated
2005 Won
2014 Nominated

Dove Awards

[edit]
Main article: Dove Awards

The Dove Awards are awarded annually by the Gospel Music Association. McClurkin has won 4 awards from 13 nominations.[43][44]

Year Award Nominated work Result
1997 Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year Donne McClurkin Nominated
1998 Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year "Speak To My Heart" Nominated
2001 Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year "We Fall Down" Won
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year "That's What I Believe" Nominated
Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year Live in London and More Nominated
2004 ...Again Nominated
2005 Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year "Through the Fire" (with The Cobbs Family) Won
2006 Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Nominated
2010 Male Vocalist of the Year Himself Nominated
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year "Wait on the Lord" Nominated
2011 Traditional Gospel Album of the Year Duets Won
2017 The Journey Live Won
2020 A Different Song Nominated
2023 Traditional Gospel Recorded Song "See the Goodness" (with VaShawn Mitchell) Nominated

Grammy Awards

[edit]
Main article: Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. McClutkin has won 3 awards from 5 nominations.[45]

Year Award Nominated work Result
1998 Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album Donnie McClurkin Nominated
2004 ...Again Won
2006 Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Won
Best Gospel Performance "I Call You Faithful Nominated
2010 "Wait on the Lord" (with Karen Clark Sheard) Won

Soul Train Awards

[edit]

The Soul Train Music Awards are awarded annually. McClurkin has received 2 awards from 5 nominations.

Year Award Nominated work Result
2002 Best Gospel Album Live In London Won
2004 Donnie McClurkin... Again Nominated
2006 Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Won
2014 Best Gospel/Inspirational Song "We Are Victorious" (with Tye Tribbett) Nominated
2016 "I Need You" Nominated

Stellar Awards

[edit]

The Stellar Awards are awarded annually by SAGMA. McClurkin has received 12 awards from 24 nominations.[46]

Year Nominated work Award Result
2000 Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year The Prince of Egypt Inspirational Won
Male Vocalist of the Year Won
2001 New Artist of the Year The McClurkin Project Nominated
2002 Artist of the Year Live In London and More Won
CD of the Year Won
Male Vocalist of the Year Won
Traditional CD of the Year Won
Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year Won
Music Video of the Year Live In London Won
2004 "The Prayer" (with Yolanda Adams) Nominated
...Again Nominated
Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Producer of the Year Nominated
2006 Artist of the Year Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Nominated
Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
2007 Music Video of the Year "Ooh Child" (with Kirk Franklin) Nominated
2008 Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year We Praise You Won
Group or Duo of the Year Nominated
2010 Traditional Male Artist of the Year We All Are One (Live in Detroit) Won
2017 The Journey (Live) Won
Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
2021 Traditional Album of the Year A Different Song Nominated
Traditional Male Artist of the Year Won

Notes

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  1. ^ "We Fall Down" did not enter the US Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart, but peaked at number 24 on the US Gospel Streaming Songs chart.[41]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Boone, Ruschell; Koppell, Jackie (July 11, 2023). "Singer Donnie McClurkin talks gospel career and ministry". NY1. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  2. ^ "Hopeville Tour". GARY JACKSON. January 26, 2003. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  3. ^ McClurkin, Donnie (2001). Eternal Victim Eternal Victor. Lanham, Maryland: Pneuma Life Publishing, Inc. p. 11. ISBN 1562291629.
  4. ^ "WLIB New York Radio Station". WLIB. Archived from the original on July 23, 2008.
  5. ^ "Malaco Gospel". MalacoRecords. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008.
  6. ^ "I See a World: The New York Restoration Choir". All Music. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  7. ^ Jeffers, Glenn (August 2001). "How Donnie McClurkin Overcame, Sexual Abuse and Leukemia Scare To Become A Gospel Music Star". Ebony. Archived from the original on September 17, 2009.
  8. ^ Jeffers, Glenn (August 2001). "How Donnie McClurkin Overcame Rape, Sexual Abuse And Leukemia Scare To Become A Gospel Music Star". Ebony. Archived from the original on September 17, 2009.
  9. ^ "Official Perfecting Faith Church website". PFC.
  10. ^ "Popular Gospel Singer Donnie McClurkin Ordained As Pastor". Jet. June 25, 2001. Archived from the original on October 27, 2007.
  11. ^ Waldron, Clarence (January 6, 2003). "Donnie McClurkin: Gospel Music's Hidden Treasure". Jet. Archived from the original on October 27, 2007.
  12. ^ "List of Grammy winners". CNN. February 9, 2006. Archived from the original on November 25, 2009. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  13. ^ "Billboard Charts". Billboard.
  14. ^ "Donnie McClurkin Launches Weekly Television Broadcast". Black Christian News. May 13, 2009. Archived from the original on May 17, 2009.
  15. ^ Broverman, Neal (August 11, 2013). "'Ex-gay' Donnie McClurkin Fired from MLK Concert". Advocate. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
  16. ^ "Donnie McClurkin withdraws from March on Washington commemoration concert". Washington Post.
  17. ^ Eleveld, Kerry (October 27, 2007). "Obama Explains Why He's the Best Candidate for LGBT Americans". The Advocate. Retrieved October 26, 2007.
  18. ^ Sargent, Greg (October 24, 2007). "Big Gay Rights Group Condemns Obama for Campaign Event with Antigay Singer". Archived from the original on November 1, 2007. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  19. ^ Eleveld, Kerry (March 18, 2008). "Obama Delivers Most Crucial Speech of His Campaign". Advocate. Archived from the original on April 1, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  20. ^ "Embrace The Change Gospel Concert". Barack Obama. October 28, 2007. Archived from the original on February 5, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
  21. ^ Plater, Roz; Conneen, Mike (August 11, 2013). "Donnie McClurkin removed from MLK concert over 'ex-gay' claims, still paid $10,000". WJLA. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
  22. ^ Thamosos, Christine (June 30, 2015). "Ex-Gay Gospel Singer Donnie McClurkin Under Fire After Speaking Out Against Same-Sex Marriage Ruling". Christian Post. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
  23. ^ "Donnie McClurkin Dating CCM Singer Nicole C Mullen?". www.christianpost.com. February 24, 2016.
  24. ^ TV, Centric. "Donnie McClurkin Says He and Girlfriend Need Counseling And Are Not Getting Married". CentricTV.
  25. ^ "DONNIE MCCLURKIN SAYS HE'S 'DELIVERED' FROM HOMOSEXUALITY". The Source. March 31, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  26. ^ Chaney, Winston (October 20, 2013). "Donnie McClurkin Repairing 'Broken' Relationship With 12-Year-Old Son Matthew". Spirit 1340. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  27. ^ "Donnie McClurkin Spends 56th Birthday With His Son Matthew". Praise 94.5. November 9, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  28. ^ "M & M _Get Ta Know Ya Betta (Album Liner Notes)". discogs.com. Discogs. 1992. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  29. ^ "Donnie McClurkin – Not Yet (I Can't Die Right Now)". YouTube.
  30. ^ a b c "Donnie McClurkin Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  31. ^ a b c "Donnie McClurkin Chart History: Top Gospel Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  32. ^ a b c "Donnie McClurkin Chart History: Top Christian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  33. ^ a b c "Donnie McClurkin Chart History: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  34. ^ a b c d "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  35. ^ "McClurkin Bowing Out Of Music Biz". Billboard. March 21, 2005. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  36. ^ "Setlist: The Very Best of Donnie McClurkin (Live)- Album by Donnie McClurkin". Apple Music. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "Donnie McClurkin Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  38. ^ a b "Donnie McClurkin Chart History: Hot Gospel Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  39. ^ a b "Donnie McClurkin Chart History: Adult R&B Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  40. ^ a b "Donnie McClurkin Chart History: R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  41. ^ "Donnie McClurkin Chart History: Gospel Streaming Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  42. ^ "Donnie McClurkin". BET. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  43. ^ "Past Winners". Dove Awards. Enter 'Donnie McClurkin' into the 'Search:' field to see list of awards. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  44. ^ "Dove Award History". Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  45. ^ "Donne McClurkin". Grammy.com. Recording Academy. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  46. ^ "Stellar Award History - Gospel Flava". Retrieved August 5, 2025.
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