Style: Live gospel; compare to Marvin Sapp, Smokie Norful, Karen Clark-Sheard
Top tracks: “Holy One,” “Back to You,” “Welcome”
Possessing world famous vocal dexterity thanks to her training as one-fourth of gospel’s legendary group, The Clark Sisters, Cole has also found big success as a solo artist. Here, she splits the set list between slick R&B studio tracks and compelling traditional gospel. Whether commanding the four-square call and response of “He Brought Me,” inserting slick soul on the ultra-urban “Back to You,” or inviting warm inspiration on “Welcome,” the 53-year old Grammy winner sounds as young as the legions of contemporary gospel artists she has mentored. And her greatest influence may still be ahead.
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