Gospel Icon Donnie McClurkin Announces Retirement
Gospel great Donnie McClurkin has announced his plans to retire as a solo artist as soon as his contract with Verity Records ends in 2006. McClurkin stated that he wishes to concentrate on his Pastoral duties at Perfected Faith Church, which he also helped found, in Freeport, NY.
"I want to concentrate on building people and going further than most people think to go in church. I'm interested in people who are on the street, that are disenchanted with church and devising ways of reaching them."
Despite his new plans, McClurkin is still excited about the few years he has left in the industry, during which he will release his new two-CD set, Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs, due out April 5th, as well as the album’s companion DVD in May and one more full length album.
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“I love pastoring my church and that's where my heart is … but it's a long way off – I've got a few more albums in me that I know need to come out.”
McClurkin has enjoyed phenomenal success in gospel music since his self-titled debut in 1996, which was certified gold. His next project in 2000, Donnie McClurkin - Live in London , went on to top Billboard's gospel charts for an astounding 37 weeks, selling 1.3 million discs. Donnie McClurkin…Again, released in 2003, topped the gospel charts for 10 weeks.
McClurkin recently won the 2004 NAACP Image Award for Gospel Artist of The Year and a Grammy for Best Contemporary Gospel for the recording "…Again. He has also garnered Stellar and Dove Awards.
McClurkin most recently appeared as a pastor in Tyler Perry's surprise hit film, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman." Starring Kimberly Elise. He has also been filming "The Gospel" in Atlanta . In summer 2005, McClurkin returns to the silver screen in "Hopeville," a comedy co-starring Kirk Franklin.
