Congratulations to Twinkie Clark, an inaugural member of Hammond Organ USA's Hall of Fame

The SoulProsper Media Group would like to take this opportunity to congratulate "The Queen of the Hammond B-3". Mrs. Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark-Terrell for her induction into the Hammond Organ USA Hall of Fame. The name Twinkie Clark is synonymous with the gospel organ. She is a modern day Beethoven and continues to captured the affection of audiences worldwide. It should be noted that Twinkie Clark is the ONLY inductee recognized solely for her contributions to gospel music! Billy Preston was also inducted(rightfully so) but was recognized for his work in gospel music (James Cleveland, Billy Preston), Soul/R&B (Ray Charles,Billy Preston), Jazz(Nat King Cole, Billy Preston) and Rock&Roll (The Beatles). 

"Twinkie" stood out in a nomination class that consisted of newcomers and organists that shaped the gospel sound. Her induction into this inaugural class should come as no surprise and further deepens her legacy in gospel music. 

While speaking to her late last year, Dr. Clark told me that she drew upon a number of styles to shape her own sound. All of those elements come through in her playing. Most famously drawing from Stevie Wonder's "Master Blaster" to create her 1981 smash "You Brought the Sunshine" recorded with her sisters. 

Dr. Clark drew from gospel, jazz and even classical pianists ahead of her. Transforming the organ into a solo instrument, she accompanies herself performing church anthems with skill and dexterity rivaling the greatest composers of the Baroque period. When asked what her favorite anthem is, she replied "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." 

View the gallery of 2013 Hammond Organ USA Gospel nominees

Dr. Clark's combination of all these styles is nothing short of divine intervention. When explaining her varied influences, she intimated that it is the Holy Spirit that gives direction concerning which elements to employ at various times. Nothing is more important than the flow of the worship service and Dr. Clark remains a staple and go to musician for the National/International COGIC conventions and meetings.

Ever a student of music at large, Dr. Clark has influenced generations of musicians and continues to do so well into the 21st century. This honor of the Hammond Organ USA Hall of Fame is another 'feather in the cap' of this gospel music legend. 

She of course attributes her success to the work ethic instilled by her mother; the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, a work ethic still evident in her career today. Along with this achievement, Twinkie Clark is in the middle of promoting her latest live project with nephew Larry Clark.

Telling her story of a turnaround, her first single from the project: "God Gave Me Favor" is still doing well in radio. 

Listen to Twinkie Clark live on SoulProsper Radio!

Congratulations are again in order for Dr. "Twinkie" Clark on her induction into the inaugural class of Hammond Organ USA's Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place at NAMM in California later this month.