When Solange Knowles calls, the heavens answer, and this weekend, they answered in harmony.
As part of her Eldorado Ballroom series curated for Saint Heron, Solange brought gospel royalty The Clark Sisters to the stage for an unforgettable night of music and ministry in Glory to Glory, a program devoted to the power of Black sacred sound. Taking place at Jones Hall in her hometown of Houston, the evening was both a spiritual revival and a heartfelt tribute to the women who shaped gospel as we know it.
Leading the praise was the incomparable Twinkie Clark, hailed as the Mother of Contemporary Gospel and the Queen of the B3 Hammond Organ. Her presence alone transformed the venue into sacred ground. “Twinkie is a ‘pedagogy,’” said NPR’s Ashon Crawley, “transforming the Hammond organ into an instrument of transcendence.” With The Clark Sisters by her side, the night soared with testimony, rhythm, and reverence.
Solange previously took to social media to express just how special this moment was:
“What it doooo houstonnn, we coming homeee! This proud 3rd ward @projectrowhouses baby is bringing The Eldorado Ballroom to The OG Eldorado Ballroom, Jones Hall, and Museum Of Fine Arts Houston…big love to alll the artist involved this is about to be so specialllll!”
And special it was. Glory to Glory not only celebrated The Clark Sisters’ iconic legacy but also paid homage to the spiritual works of jazz pioneer Mary Lou Williams, whose spiritual choral works inspired legends like Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Miles Davis. Conducted by Malcolm J. Merriweather of the New York Philharmonic and featuring pianist Artina McCain and saxophonist Angélla Christie, the program bridged generations of devotion through song.
But it was the Clark Sisters who brought the house to its feet, reminding everyone in attendance of gospel’s enduring power to move, to heal, and to lift us higher.
“I dedicate tonight’s show to the neighborhood that made me! THIRD WARD FOREVER!” Solange shared ahead of opening night of Eldorado Ballroom. “Thank you for surrounding me with your Black, infinite love… I hope I make u prouuudddd tonighttttt.”
With Glory to Glory, Solange didn’t just curate a concert, she summoned a homecoming of sound and spirit, and gave the Clark Sisters a stage worthy of their divine legacy.
Houston, rejoice. The church doors were open.
Cover photo: Solange Brings Out the Clark Sisters for a Soul-Stirring Night of Praise in Her “Glory to Glory” Series/Photo credit: Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images