We have witnessed the emergence of an anointed messenger who is touching the lives of millions throughout the world with his music, ministry and now his media. Donnie McClurkin embraced music’s transformative power at an early age and continued to elevate his talent, faith and encouragement of others to seek a relationship with God. Donnie McClurkin has become one of gospel music’s most prominent figures in contemporary gospel and is highly sought after for his gifts as singer, songwriter and minister. With his passion and commitment to God, McClurkin has made some of the most influential music of this generation and enhanced the catalogues of the gospel music industry.
One of the major influences in Donnie McClurkin’s life was gospel legend Andrae Crouch. In a recent radio broadcast on the “Donnie McClurkin Radio Show”, McClurkin recalls a poignant moment from 1971 when an 11-year old Donnie had a desire to meet Andrae Crouch. Mother McClurkin fulfilled Donnie’s request by taking him to an Andrae Crouch concert in Jamaica-Queens, NY. This was a transformative meeting for the young Donnie, who waited after the concert to speak to Andrae Crouch. Crouch compassionately spoke with Donnie. McClurkin recalls the blessed moment with his mother at his side, “Andrae laid hands on me and prayed for me to receive the blessing of the gift given to him.Andrae Crouch continued to encourage me to seek God by sending me postcards from his tour travels with scriptures to memorize. The relationship between Andrae Crouch and I grew from mentor, friend to spiritual father.” Andrae Crouch was recently recognized during the 2015 awards season in Hollywood, where a few of gospel music’s top voices joined in the celebration of the 23rd Annual Movie Guide Awards Gala. Sharing the stage for a special tribute to Andrae Crouch was: Donnie McClurkin, Take 6, Ledisi, Jonathan Butler and the legendary Stevie Wonder.
Donnie McClurkin’s experiences, keen insight and truthfulness are great values when he takes on the role as guest host on TBN’s Christian network show “Praise the Lord”. One of the most memorable and revealing interviews that I remember on TBN involved Steve Harvey, who candidly shared with McClurkin his own challenging life journey. Steve Harvey stated that he was able to share such emotional experiences with McClurkin because he made him feel comfortable enough to humble himself and release those emotions. Since the initial interview, McClurkin and Harvey have interacted and been guests on each other’s radio and television shows(photo of Donnie McClurkin & Stevie Harvey on the set of The Steve Harvey Show). Additionally, McClurkin has been a regular judge on BET’s Sunday Best handing out “tough love” and “sincere accolades” to contestants. He seems to be a natural as a host on television, as well as radio. When asked about how he transitioned into radio, McClurkin states, “My friend, BeBe Winans, suggested that I pursue radio. He connected me with my current radio team and the rest as they say is history. The radio show currently airs in 60 plus markets and have over 5 million listeners. We also have launched the show in London, Bahamas and Jamaica. The Donnie McClurkin Show has done so wonderfully in reaching #1 in New York and Philadelphia in its’ radio time slot. I’m thankful that this show can reach so many across the country and around the world, and give them great music that inspires them in the course of their day to this degree. We’re reaching millions and looking to reaching millions more!” says McClurkin.
In monitoring new artists and new labels I was made aware of Camdon Music and new artists that seemed to be guided by Donnie McClurkin. I asked what is Camdon Music and who are the artists? “Camdon Music is a boutique record label that was launched in 2009. My vision for the label is to provide a platform for new talent to be seen and heard; to give them an opportunity to fulfill the call on their lives as ministers of music. Camdon is committed to providing music from today’s upcoming gospel artists and choirs that have a passion for what they do! The first two Camdon releases are debuts from Nancey Jackson Johnson and Andrea McClurkin Mellini.” stated McClurkin
The wheels never seem to stop turning for Donnie McClurkin. He has been praised for his compassion for young people and is extremely supportive of new talent. It seems that there is something new on the horizon called Donnie McClurkin’s NEXT. What is Donnie McClurkin’s NEXT? Donnie McClurkin’s NEXT is a talk show that introduces viewers to the hottest new artists worldwide. NEXT also includes “Listeners’ Choice” where the audience pick the songs destined for the charts. NEXT also includes live performances and a one-on-one chat with Donnie, who drills deeper into the dreams and goals of this NEXT generation of new performers. The show is designed to create a platform for under-exposed talent and newly signed artists to showcase what they do best. The audience will be actively involved in helping them put their best foot forward. Throughout the show, the audience will be interacting via Twitter sharing their thoughts about the show, the guest performances and interviews.
In the era of reality and talent show competitions, is there a structure in place to further develop the selected talent or guide them into the music industry? “No. The show is designed strictly to give new artists a platform so people are aware of their music. As we all know, securing television or any form of media is not an easy task for new artists these days, so it’s our goal to make Donnie McClurkin Next the first stop for the new faces and great talent that deserves national exposure.” replied McClurkin.
Having followed the career of Donnie McClurkin and being exposed to many of his visionary initiatives I found that he has a passion for bridging the gap between denominations, generations and the underserved. I also inquired about an outdoor event that McClurkin spearheads that has been drawing thousands of attendees to Long Island, NY for over the past 11-years.
McClurkin shared, “THE NEW YORK CALL was founded in 2003 and brought together a coalition of Pastors and Churches throughout the Tri-State area. Currently The New York Call’s roster includes over 100 churches that have come into fellowship with it. My vision was not just to have an event but to strengthen pastors and churches and host ancillary events that includes: times of corporate prayer, Pastors and Leaders summits; youth and community outreaches that brings health and social services to their area. More now than ever, I feel my greatest strengths and calling lay in pastoral ministry. It’s my very existence and my greatest joy.”
McClurkin’s anointing has been recognized with three Grammy Awards, nominations and awards from BET, eight Stellar Awards, two DOVE Awards for “Traditional Gospel Album of the Year” and one for “Traditional Song of the Year” and four NAACP Image Awards (two for Outstanding Gospel Artist 2014 and 2010, two for Best Gospel Album 2006 and 2004). In 2013 Donnie McClurkin was recognized as the ESSENCE Trailblazer Honoree. With numerous other recognitions for his pastoral leadership and even an induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame (2010), the journey of Donnie McClurkin is etched in history.
The ministry of Donnie McClurkin is being spread through many vehicles. A vast talent pool of new artists are bound to find new opportunities and followers by those tuning in online to Donnie McClurkin’s NEXT on www.donnienext.com. To find out how to win tickets to the LIVE show taping of Donnie McClurkin’s NEXT taking place on Sunday, March 15, 2015 in New York City, log on to www.upstatenygospelmagazine.com.
