Karew (pronounced: Kuh-rue) Records and four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist Karen Clark Sheard gave one of the evening’s most memorable performances in a tribute to music legend Mariah Carey at the BMI Urban Music Awards at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles.
Carey was the 2012 recipient of BMI’s Icon Music Award. A personal favorite, Carey requested Clark Sheard to be a part of the tribute, which also included performances by Fantasia, Joe, Eric Benet and a special DJ medley mix by longtime super producer Jermaine Dupri. Clark Sheard performed Carey’s gospel-influenced “Anytime You Need a Friend,” written and co-produced by Carey, which was featured on the Music Box album (1993). “It was an honor to be a part of Mariah’s tribute,” says Clark Sheard. “From the beginning, I’ve always loved her and her music. She is an inspiration and blessing to the world. She is an incredible artist and friend. She has always been a constant supporter and cheerleader for my music and ministry.”
Clark Sheard’s outstanding performance resonated throughout the theatre, which primarily consisted of hip-hop and R&B producers, songwriters and executives causing a shift in the atmosphere for the audience who responded with a standing ovation. Carey cried tears of joy as Clark Sheard performed one of her favorite and classic hit songs. During the celebration, Carey personally thanked her for making her tribute special, and said, “Your voice must be heard by the world.” Carey’s manager and American Idol alumnus Randy Jackson marveled at Clark Sheard’s remarkable and unique talent and could not stop raving about her performance to Carey and others throughout the evening. Dupri tweeted, “[Karen Clark Sheard] is incredible! She gave us all sangin’ lessons.” Praise for her performance was expressed throughout the theatre by artists, producers, songwriters and industry executives. Clark Sheard’s children, Kierra Sheard and JDrew Sheard II, her biggest supporters, were also on hand and echoed the enthusiasm for their mother’s awesome and brilliant rendition.
This fall, Clark Sheard will continue her extensive concert dates, as well as select appearances with the legendary Clark Sisters. Clark Sheard is preparing for a new recording and her inaugural First Lady conference in 2013. Details about the conference will be announced in the coming weeks.
Karew Records was founded in 2009 by multiple award-winning gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard and her husband, Bishop J. Drew Sheard. Karew Records, distributed by EMI Gospel, is a faith-based label focusing on various forms of gospel, Christian and inspirational music for all nations and generations. Based in Detroit, MI, Karew Records was initially established as a label home for the family’s various recording projects. The label roster includes Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, The Clark Sisters and the production works of producer, JDrew Sheard II (JDS). In 2012, Karew Records signed renowned worship leader and recording artist Jonathan Nelson. This signing marks the label’s first acquisition outside of the family.
Below is a low quality video of the performance, however, the sound is great!
