Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Clarke.
Hi Joseph, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born in Richmond, VA and raised in Mechanicsville. As a child, I would sing often. Growing up in church, watching my mother lead songs inspired me to try it. Well, after I tried I fell in love, so much that as the majority of the kids would engage in sport-like activities during playground, I would gather friends and teach them how to sing as a choir. I’ve always had the desire to teach others how to sing. I figured I couldn’t keep it to myself. As I grew in my gift and began to explore other artists I fell in love with artists like Whitney Houston, She was inspiring to me because of her church background and the level of skill she possessed. Adapting her voice to other genres that made me feel like I could do more as a singer.
I believe I had one of the greatest Choral Directors on the East Coast, Jaime Barrack. This white man with the personality of an older wise black man took me under his wing and challenged me as a performer. I consider him to be my first vocal coach. He trained me in classical music. The Choral Program Saved my life. As powerful as the gift I had, there was a reputation that wasn’t as positive when it came to my temperament. Music was the place I felt the most peace, love, and comfort. As early as 7th grade I was leading, directing, and arranging music for the school and church choirs. I knew I had something special.
My young adult years were a lot of highs. I struggled emotionally and mentally with insecurities, abandonment, and obesity. Music was there to save me again. Resound was founded in 2012. This group included myself and two other ladies, Jessica and Mariah. We never desired to be in a group but Social Media pushed us with their support of multiple Viral Videos, celebrity comments/shares that landed us on shows like “Good Morning America”, “America’s Got Talent”, and tours with Major artists like Lauren Daigle. Our Disney Medley reached over 10 million views in the first month, released back in 2015. Together, we traveled for eight years all over the nation touring as Resound. I decided to leave the group and move to Atlanta to explore other aspirations. I had been a vocal coach since 2013 working with hundreds of vocal students in Richmond,
The pandemic was a game changer for me because I went Viral again, but it was with one of the most talented young ladies in the world. My niece Briana Harper. One month into the lockdown of the world. A video of us singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is posted, and over 100 million views later, we are still traveling as a duo. This video landed us on shows like “The View”, “Greatest Home Videos”, “America’s Got Talent” again, and this time as semi-finalists, and a Social media following that still blows my mind.
My coaching program blew up and is one of the leading virtual coaching programs of 2020 and 2021. I also began to coach internationally, working with Simon Fuller’s (The creator of “American Idol”, “So You Think You Can Dance”) Entertainment label as a Vocal Coach. Also, Holding the achievement of the only Adult Black Male to be a finalist twice on America’s Got Talent”. My career is just taking off with new opportunities to travel to Germany and co-produce a musical called “Black Gospel Angels, In Atlanta, working with talented musicians and producers on upcoming projects, and still doing what I love which is coaching. Helping others fall in love with music.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My young adult years were a lot of highs. I struggled emotionally and mentally with insecurities, abandonment, and obesity. I ate my feelings, and as a young black male, therapy was not popular. In my life, all I heard was call on Jesus and Pray.
The pressure of church and religion was hard to deal with. I loved God, but God’s people were the most destructive, judgemental hypocrites I have ever encountered. Many do not know that my family was split apart because of leaders/pastors in the church. My mother and father raised me in the church with a pastor that eventually became my stepfather. My mother chose him over my sister and I. We were forced to be raised by our grandmother most of our lives. I’ve witnessed so much as a leader in the church, and I have been a victim to leaders of the church as well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Powerhouse of this generation. I am known for my creative and consistent skillset as a vocalist, arranger, and Vocal Coach.
I am most proud of the accomplishments I have made being who I am and not allowing people or myself to keep me down too long. I have always been very driven and passionate about my gifts and abilities.
I am set apart because standing as tall as 6’5, I already stand out and when I sing, it brings a shock value. I am always seen in a room, and over the many years of struggling with my physical shape, I don’t believe I would be as noticed as well as achieve so much if I wasn’t this tall.
I now consider it a blessing. I have learned what you find as a flaw is what makes you different, and different has always been what makes stars what they are.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best is the community, blackness, and the inspiring energy that Atlanta brings. The least is the traffic… LOL.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jbclarke.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseph.b.clarke/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseph.clarke.1000
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS0-uTHqXNwXISJRwzwkWtA
Image Credits
Resound, Mariah Hargrove, Jessica Fox Niece – Briana Harper Frankie James Photography for headshots and picture of niece i Americas Got Talent pictures with Briana and I
