Kierra “Kiki” Sheard

Kierra, 17, is the daughter of Karen Clark-Sheard, a founding member of Gospel legends the Clark Sisters, and who since 1997 has been a celebrated solo artist in her own right, and Rev. J. Drew Sheard, whom Kierra affectionately calls her “hero.” She’s also the granddaughter of the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, the prodigious conductor, arranger, songwriter, singer, instrumentalist and teacher who is roundly credited as one the defining influences in all of Gospel music.

With Kierra’s solo debut album, I Owe You, that incomparable family tradition is carried on in a voice and a sound that respects its roots, while taking the Gospel message to the masses in the cutting-edge urban, R&B and pop music of today.

“You Don’t Know,” co-written and produced by Grammy winning, superstar producer, Rodney Jerkins (Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Joe, Kirk Franklin), is a driving, commanding hip-hop statement of God’s power and faithfulness in the lives of His children.

“This is really my testimony of just a few of the awesome blessings that God has given me in my life,” says Kierra. “It’s important to me to share this with everyone, because it really let’s them know where I’m coming from. There was an old traditional song of the church with the same title and idea of sharing our testimonies, and Rodney wrote a completely new song with that as the inspiration, and with a totally modern sound that young people today can latch onto. I also thank God that I have great parents who support me and have allowed me opportunities that many young people could only dream of. And I’m also always thanking Him for a father who is the best `manager’ in the world!”

“Praise Offering,” a soaring, pop-flavored ballad of worship on which Kierra’s amazing prowess is dazzlingly displayed, was written and produced by acclaimed producer/artist JMoss (‘N Sync, Hezekiah Walker, Patti LaBelle, Ramiyah). The writer or co-writer, and producer of many of the songs on I Owe You, J. himself is part of the Moss/Clark family tree, and long ago enthusiastically committed himself to be an integral of Kierra’s career.