Women Who Inspire: Leslie Bailey-Clarke
Have you ever met someone who inspires you just simply because they strive to share Jesus? Christian Women Living writer, Rolanda Pyle, introduces us to a woman who uses songs and her singing talents to share the word of God with those around her. She sings, writes and teaches in order for others to reach their potential in God. Meet Leslie Bailey-Clarke worship leader and inspiring singer.
Rolanda Pyle: Will you please introduce yourself to our readers and give us a little background information?
Leslie Bailey-Clarke: Sure, my name is Leslie Bailey-Clarke. I placed my faith in Jesus Christ as Savior at the tender age of ten, and after many bad decisions in my youth I came to a crossroad at age 21 and surrendered my life to Christ. Since then, I have become a Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) Gospel Music Singer, Songwriter, and Vocal Coach for the last 25 years. I am married to my loving Husband, Oswald Clarke going on 20 years this April, and I am a mom to my 17-year-old daughter, Cayliana Camille Clarke. I have served at my church Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers, GA under the leadership of Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr. since, 2007 as a Choir Director and Worship Leader. Lastly, I have a career as a licensed REALTOR in the state of GA since 2007.
RP: When did you realize that you that you wanted to sing or your first memory of singing?
LBC: My first memory of singing was when I was 3 years old which is also when my mom started to teach me how to play piano and allowed me to sing in a family group with my seven siblings at our local church.
RP: How do you choose the songs that you sing and where do you come up with the songs you write?
LBC: I choose songs to sing based on the meaning that the song has for my life and also, I’m careful to sing what’s best for the audience I’m addressing. The songs I write, either come from my heart to God, life experiences or I hear the melodies directly while reading the Holy Bible.
RP: What is your favorite song that you have sung and why?
LBC: I am not sure I have one favorite song that I have sang because I have been singing for so long. Although, one or two songs stand out to me, and they are “He’s Coming” a song I wrote and “On my knees” written by David Mullen, Nicole Mullen, and Michael Hunter Ochs. “He’s Coming” taken from 1 Thessalonians Chapters 4 and 5, has a truly clear message about what the holy scriptures teach about the promise of Christs’ return, and it gives the listener a chance to consider their state of readiness to meet the LORD. “On my knees” is a strong reminder to me and the listener that GOD is attentive to our prayers, and He is able to meet our needs no matter how great they may seem to us.
RP: What made you decide to start a Voice training school?Tell us a little about your school and what you offer?
LBC: I received training over the years and studied music at a college level for personal reasons and had not really given thought to teaching until the summer of 1996 when multiple singers approached me asking that I coach them. My pastor at that time, Rev. Ronnie Leakey Sr. in Brooklyn, NY had preached a message title “Achieving Your Highest Potential” and it sparked something in me that I could and should grow as a singer and I could also serve others that way. So, I prayed, and God gave me a curriculum to share with students beginning in September of 1996 and the motto of my school is “Achieving Your Highest Potential”. I instruct singers of all genres, preachers, authors, piano students, groups, choirs, and the school alumni exceed three thousand.
RP: How did you get into the real estate business?
LBC: As a homeowner in the Atlanta area since 2005 I saw how the affordability of homes was such a benefit to families as a way of building wealth. So, in 2007, I decided to get licensed, and it is one of my favorite things to do especially for families coming from the North moving South, where your money stretches a bit further.
RP: How did the Lord prepare you for all that you do – wife, mother, singing, voice training and real estate?
LBC: I can see that GOD prepared me for these multiple areas of leadership through study of His word. I am a student of the word of GOD, and I stand on principles in scripture as to how I lead others and live my own life. Faith is a lifestyle, and I am grateful that GOD has taught me to depend on Him. Habakkuk 2:4b: but the just shall live by his faith. I view all of those areas of my life as service opportunities to GOD, my family, and the human race. I always come across ways of sharing my faith and testimonies as I go along my way.
RP: Tell us about a time that God directly answered a prayer.
LBC: There are many, but I can remember a time while I was at church when I was praying quietly to myself about having a child after trying for nearly 2 years and the preacher stopped ministering to others at that moment and told me that “GOD is saying that breakthrough is coming to you and your family today, Leslie”. All I could imagine was that GOD was speaking directly to me through my Pastor about what I was simultaneously praying for. So, I went home that night and took a home pregnancy test and it was positive, after trying for so long and my doctors telling me it was not likely that I would conceive.
RP: What is your favorite quote and by whom?
LBC: God’s question as quoted by Jeremiah. In the book of Jeremiah 32: 26 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, 27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
RP: Who has inspired or influenced you and why?
LBC: My favorite songwriter was the late Andrae Crouch. His music inspired my new walk with Christ in the 1970’s and still inspires me today in my writing ability and in my times of worship. I hope to one day do a tribute concert to bring to the millennial generation Andrae’s music, so they can see and learn the scriptures while listening to relevant lyrics, great singing, and excellent musicianship.
RP: What advice would you give to someone who wants to sing or make it a career or life mission?
LBC: Evaluate the message you want to share because the best singing takes place from the heart. Get training! There are so many things that go into great singing that make it great. Even if you were born to sing, training will keep your gift healthy and relevant.
RP: What new projects are you currently working on?
LBC: I am hosting quarterly and bi-monthly virtual showcases to present the gifts and talents of my students across the globe. During the pandemic I have written six new songs with hopes to present a 12-song music project in 2023 that will reflect my heart during this unique time in our lives.
RP: Finally, how can our readers get in touch with you?
LBC: I have two previous music projects that are available for purchase on my website www.LeslieBaileyClarke.com, entitled “I am blessed” and “Believe” and you can also sign up for voice training and music lessons there. Those interested in buying or selling a home in the Atlanta, GA Metro area can reach out to me and visit my site at https://lpbclarke.georgiamls.com. Thank you for the opportunity to share with you today.
