Twas the season we celebrated Donnie McClurkin's 60th Birthday at The Greater Allen A.M.E Cathedral of New York last Saturday night, and it was spiritually spectacular!
People came from all over the States to celebrate the modern king of Gospel music.
Apart from the impressive line up of artists, several high profile personalities also came out to celebrate the modern-day King of Gospel music. From Cissy Houston to Tramaine Hawkins, Bishop Marvin Winans to Judge Mablean and the matriarch of the Braxton family clan, Evelyn Braxton. Also in attendance were Donnie’s family, including his son, daughter, brother and sisters.
The Stage
The Greater Allen A.M.E Cathedral of New York Dance Ministry started the celebration, dancing to Richard Smallwood’s “Anthem of Praise.” The evenings MC, Kirk Franklin came on stage next to loud applause and gave his opening remarks, after which introducing Tasha Cobbs Leonard and her spiritual sounds. She sang a few of her hits, including “You Know My Name” and “Put A Praise On It.” Husband and wife gospel duo Jerard & Jovaun came next and sang their chart-topping single, “The Potter’s House.”
Tasha Cobbs
Jerard & Jovaun
New York’s own Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir was next in line. They had the packed Cathedral on their feet as they belted out favorites such as “Sold Out," “I’ll Make it,” and “Grateful.”
Our October cover girl Kierra Sheard came after and wrecked our entire existence with a performance that was an anointed masterpiece. She ministered one of Donnie’s hits, “I Call You Faithful,” and shifted the atmosphere. Jason Nelson came next and sang “I Am" and “Forever.”
Kierra Sheard
Jason Nelson
The poetic Jonathan McReynolds was next on the line up with his soul-stirring performance. He gave us “Not Lucky, I’m Loved” and “Cycles.” Lady Erica Campbell came after; beautifully styled. She sang her latest single “Praying And Believing” and “I Luh God.”
Cece Winans came next with a commanding and mesmerizing performance. Her setlist included “Mercy Said No,” “His Strength is Perfect,” and “Great is Your Mercy” by Donnie McClurkin.
Jonathan McReynolds Erica Campbell Cece Winans
Prizes and surprises
What came next was a surprise to the birthday man. RCA Inspiration and Verity Gospel Phil Thornton and executives from Sony and YouTube presented Donnie McClurkin with a plaque highlighting his milestone of over 4 million albums sold and all-time artist streams of 3.7 Billion.
Donnie’s background singers from over the decades followed with a special tribute in songs.
Four members from the audience also won a copy of Donnie McClurkin’s latest album, A Different Song.”
The celebration ended on a crescendo with Donnie having a special moment with his friend Pastor Marvin Winans singing "Stand" and "Who Would've Thought." And the legendary Tremaine Hawkins “Changed” who belted high-notes that could only come from the heavens.
Donnie McClurkin's 60th Birthday Celebration All-Star Tribute Concert was inspiring, captivating and impressive.
Happy Birthday, Donnie McClurkin!
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