Donald Andrew “Donnie” McClurkin, Jr. is an American gospel singer and minister. He is known internationally for his powerful voice and uplifting messages. McClurkin has released several albums, including We Praise You and Live in London and More.
He has won multiple Grammy Awards, highlighting his influence as a gospel artist. Besides his music career, McClurkin is a dedicated minister who has impacted many lives through his sermons and outreach programs. He is recognized for spreading positivity and hope, even in difficult times. Whether performing or preaching, McClurkin’s passion for inspiring others is evident in all he does. His contributions to gospel music and ministry will continue to be felt for generations.
Biography
Donnie McClurkin was born in Copiague, New York, in the United States. When he was eight years old, his two-year-old brother was killed by a speeding vehicle. After this tragic event, McClurkin faced family difficulties and was also sexually assaulted by his great uncle and later by his great uncle’s son.
During tough times, McClurkin found solace in church and through his aunt, who performed background vocals with gospel singer Andraé Crouch. As a teenager, he founded the McClurkin Singers and later started the New York Restoration Choir, which has records dating back to 1975.
In 2002, McClurkin shared on a Christian website that he struggled with homosexuality due to sexual assault and pornography. He believed that these experiences led him to develop a homosexual orientation but felt he was able to change through willpower and prayer. He has stated that he rejected that “lifestyle” and experienced God’s power to change.
People often ask if McClurkin is still alive. In 2018, he survived a serious road accident after losing consciousness while driving. Despite the accident, he survived.
Age
Donnie McClurkin was born on the 9th of November, 1959.
Family
In 2016, it was revealed that Donnie McClurkin was dating Nicole C. Mullen, a CCM singer-songwriter. In a 2021 interview with TV One’s Unsung, McClurkin talked about his relationship with Mullen. He mentioned that he had never been in a long-term relationship and felt that his past relationships with both men and women made it hard for him to understand what women want in a relationship. He also shared his concern about possibly never getting married.
McClurkin has a son, Matthew McClurkin, who was born in 2000. He is also related to Marsha McClurkin, a singer from the short-lived new jack swing band Abstrac.
Ministry
In 1989, Donnie McClurkin was appointed as an associate minister at Perfecting Church in Detroit, Michigan, under Marvin Winans. McClurkin served as Winans’ assistant for over ten years.
In 1991, McClurkin was diagnosed with leukemia after experiencing internal bleeding and sudden, severe pain. Although his doctor advised immediate treatment, McClurkin chose to rely on his faith, saying, “I tell people to believe that God will save you, and I had to go back and practice what I preached.”
In 2001, Marvin Winans ordained McClurkin and sent him to establish Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York, where he currently serves as Senior Pastor.
Music
Donnie McClurkin’s signing to a record label for his 1996 self-titled album was made possible through a friendship with a Warner Alliance executive. The album, produced by Bill Maxwell, Mark Kibble of Take 6, Cedric and Victor Caldwell, and Andraé Crouch, featured the hit song “Stand.” It went gold after Oprah Winfrey praised it publicly.
McClurkin’s album Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs won the Grammy Award for Traditional Soul Gospel Album at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. His popular songs “Stand” and “We Fall Down” were frequently played on Gospel and Urban radio. His three solo albums have topped the Billboard charts.
Following the success of his nearly double-platinum 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. Both albums debuted at the top of various Billboard music charts. McClurkin often includes languages like Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Dutch in his live performances, reflecting his love for people and his desire to spread gospel music globally.
In television and radio, McClurkin signed a radio syndication deal with Dial-Global and syndicator Gary Bernstein, thanks to Tom Versen and Tony Sisti of T&T Creative. T&T Creative set up a portable recording studio in Pastor Donnie’s church, which he can also use while traveling.
In 2009, McClurkin launched his own television series, Perfecting Your Faith, on cable TV. He has appeared on shows like Good Morning America, CBS’s The Early Show, The View, Girlfriends, and The Parkers. He has also acted in films such as The Gospel and The Fighting Temptations, playing roles like a single man or a church pastor.
Controversies
Donnie McClurkin’s views on homosexuality caused controversy when he was chosen as a featured artist for then-Senator Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. Due to the backlash, McClurkin was removed from the performance lineup but still performed at one of the events.
In August 2013, McClurkin was not allowed to attend the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom because of his “ex-gay” status. In 2015, he spoke out against the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.
Awards and Nominations
Donnie McClurkin has won three Grammy Awards, ten Stellar Awards, two BET Awards, two Soul Train Awards, one Dove Award, and one NAACP Image Award. He is one of the top-selling gospel artists, with over 10 million albums sold worldwide. Variety called McClurkin the “Reigning King of Urban Gospel.”
Net Worth
Donnie McClurkin is estimated to have a net worth of about $5 million USD.
Social Handles
You can find Donnie McClurkin on the following social media platforms:
- Instagram: @donmac6453
- Twitter: @Donnieradio
- YouTube: @DonnieMcClurkinShow
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
In this section, I would provide you with FAQs and answers on Donnie McClurkin Biography.
1. Who is Donnie McClurkin?
Donnie McClurkin is an American gospel singer and minister known for his powerful voice and inspirational music. He has released several successful albums and is a prominent figure in the gospel music industry.
2. What are some of Donnie McClurkin’s most popular songs?
Some of Donnie McClurkin’s most popular songs include “Stand,” “We Fall Down,” and “Great Is Your Mercy.” These songs have been widely played on Gospel and Urban radio.
3. How many Grammy Awards has Donnie McClurkin won?
Donnie McClurkin has won three Grammy Awards throughout his career, solidifying his status as one of the leading gospel artists.
4. What other awards has Donnie McClurkin received?
In addition to his three Grammy Awards, Donnie McClurkin has won ten Stellar Awards, two BET Awards, two Soul Train Awards, one Dove Award, and one NAACP Image Award.
5. How many albums has Donnie McClurkin sold?
Donnie McClurkin has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time.
