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.
Each had unique translation philosophies, diction preferences, and intended audiences in mind, frameworks that informed how they approached their all-consuming work.