Organist
Dr. Charles C. Clency was born in 1937 and grew up in Chicago, Illinois, during the heyday of black church music. Since 1960, Clency has been involved in ecumenical work in numerous churches throughout the United States: Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Miami, Florida; and Houston, Texas. He has also been involved in numerous musical activities. Among other things, he has worked as a music director, organist, pianist, and university professor. Dr. Clency was Mahalia Jackson's organist and accompanist from 1967 until her death in 1972. He toured and recorded with her during this time, offering a unique perspective on her life and art.
Author
He wrote the book “MAHALIA In the words of Her Last Accompanist,” a biography that provides a first-hand account of Mahalia Jackson's performances, travels, and personal philosophy. He is also the author of the “Handbook of Gospel Music,” which examines the history and development of gospel music and provides advice for aspiring choir directors and musicians.
Musican and Organist
Dr. Clency is a trained musician who plays the organ and piano. He studied organ and played for various churches. In 1962, he was organist at Antioch Baptist Church in Chicago, where he played for five choirs.
Choir director
Dr. Clency is a gifted choir director. He served as music minister and choir director for the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir in Chicago, where he incorporated classical and traditional elements of gospel music. He has also directed college choirs in performances at Carnegie Hall and in China.
Teacher
Dr. Clency is a music educator and has held positions as conductor, professor, and lecturer. He founded the College of Lake County Gospel Choir in 2004 and served as its director.
Expert in gospel music
Dr. Clency grew up in the Chicago gospel scene and is considered a gospel pioneer. He has extensive knowledge of the history and significance of gospel music in the black religious tradition. During his time as director of choral music at the College of Lake County in Illinois, he led the choirs twice to Carnegie Hall in New York and on a tour of China. Dr. Clency has performed in Australia, the Caribbean, India, Japan, China, Europe, and throughout the United States.
Other notable activities
He was the organist for the recording of “Nearer My God to Thee” by the Antioch Baptist Church of Chicago Mass Choir. He also participated in recordings by the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir, including “Where You Going To Run To.”
Personal life
Now retired, Dr. Clency lives with his wife in Belize, Central America. He enjoys music consulting, mentoring, and writing.
In an interview, Dr. Clency mentioned that his music teacher had encouraged him to study music instead of journalism..