Donnie McClurkin
@ Saamans Park (Kingdom Night) St. Lucia Jazz Festival
9 May 2007

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Biography

Donnie McClurkin was born and raised in Amityville, New York. As a young man his home was plagued by violence, alcoholism and abuse. With help and support from his aunt he would find a safe haven in his church, Bethel Gospel Tabernacle, Assemblies of God. At the age of nine McClurkin would make a firm commitment to Christ.

With the many negative influences that besieged McClurkin during his childhood, music was one of the positive influences that assisted in his quest for stability. In 1979, McClurkin formed the McClurkin Singers with his siblings and a few close friends. With his calling to preach growing stronger, he reached out to gospel legend Andrae Crouch, who would become his friend and mentor.

In 1989, McClurkin formed the New York Restoration Choir. The choir went on to record the album “I Feel Well”. The song “Speak to my Heart” proved a big hit amongst the gospel community.

1996 would see McClurkin release his self-titled debut album on Warner-Alliance Records. This album featured the hit song “Stand” as well as a re-recorded “Speak to My Heart”, which earned McClurkin two stellar awards, as well as Grammy, and Dove award nominations.

In 1999, McClurkin recorded the album “Live In London” at the Fairfield Hall in Croydon. This album became a best seller, hitting the number one position on all the gospel charts. “Live In London” would eventually reach platinum status, selling 1,000,000 copies.

After being an associate Pastor to Marvin L. Winans for nearly a decade, McClurkin became ordained. He is now Senior Pastor at Perfecting Faith, Located in Freeport, NY.

In 2001, McClurkin’s first book was published. “Eternal Victim/Eternal Victor” reflects on his past and parallels his family circumstances with biblical families.

2002 would see the release of McClurkin’s sophomore Verity album at West Angeles Church of God In Christ.

McClurkin frequently ministers at some of America’s great gatherings such as Promise Keepers, Carlton Pearson’s Azusa Conferences, Benny Hinn crusades, TD Jakes Ministry events, as well as Rod Parsley’s Dominion Camp Meetings. Some interesting highlights of Donnie’s ministry are performing at the White House before United States Presidents Bush, and Clinton. He has made appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and has an award winning song on the soundtrack of the animated film, The Prince of Egypt.

Donnie McClurkin feels his purpose in life is to worship God, and to minister to people. He explains:

“I want to introduce Jesus Christ to the world, not as a religious leader, but as an intimate Friend who wants to radically change our lives. I want the world to know that we can sit down and embrace Him, He can embrace us, and He can handle any problem we are going through. He loves each of us individually, one by one.”