Personnel includes: Karen Clark-Sheard (vocals); Vanessa Williams, Missy Elliot, Mary Mary (vocals); Joey Woolfalk (guitar); Mark Douhit (saxophone); Cedric Thompson (piano); Joel Smith (bass); Calvin Rodgers (drums); Steve "Supe" White (programming); Vanessa Williams, Blanche McAllistor, Melonie Daniels, Latric Pace-Speights (background vocals).
Producers: J. Moss, Paul Allen, Donald Lawrence.
Personnel: Karen Clark-Sheard (background vocals); Troy Bright, Blanche McAllistor, Quince "Quincey" Howard, Erica McCollough, Latrice Pace, Melonie Daniels, Vanessa Williams , DeWayne Woods (vocals); Joey Woolfalk (guitar); The Nashville String Machine (strings); Mark Douthit (saxophone); Mike Haynes (trumpet); Beth Beeson, Katie Hagen (French horn); Chris McDonald (trombone); Cedric Thompson (piano); Larry Johnson (organ); Calvin Rodgers (drums); Steve "Supe" White (programming); Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Sean Reed, Audra Alexander, Jeane Lavant, Yvonne Graham, Daphne Ginyard, William Wood, J Moss (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Donald Lawrence ; Todd Kozey; Chris Conway ; Paul "PDA" Allen.
Recording information: Chicago Recording Co., IL; Chung King Studios, New York, NY; Greater Emanuel Institutional Church Of God In Christ,; Llerol Studio, Setroit, MI; Playgtound, Nashville, TN; Quad Recording Studios, Nashville, TN; The Studio, Philadelphia, PA.
Photographer: Roger Erickson.
Unknown Contributor Role: Thomas Whitfield.
Arranger: Chris McDonald.
On the second track of her third album, THE HEAVENS ARE TELLING, Karen Clark-Sheard (aided by fellow popular gospel singers Mary Mary) repeatedly testifies, "We are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ." With both serenity and vigor, this assertion succinctly sums up the power in Clark-Sheard's singing. One need not search for the courage of her conviction as the strength of her faith shimmers brightly, suffused through her passionate voice. Clark-Sheard rose to prominence in the 1980s with the popular Clark Sisters and has established herself as a solo force with which to be reckoned.
THE HEAVENS ARE TELLING takes the elements which were successful on her first record and combines them into one satisfying, inspirational album, mixing the soulful energy of her live performance, showcased on FINALLY KAREN, with her stirring studio presence revealed on 2ND CHANCE. Songs like "Glorious (Make the Praise)" and the hip-hop-infused "Go Ahead," featuring a sharp turn from Missy Elliott that could stir one's soul to either revelation or the dance floor (or both). Most importantly, she chooses songs that avoid cliche and includes writers from gospel legends like Andre Crouch to secular songstress Jill Scott. THE HEAVENS ARE TELLING cements Karen Clark-Sheard's reputation as one of the most important names in contemporary gospel.
