UNITY EXPLOSION 2025
“AWAKE AND EVANGELIZE
through Faith, Hope and Love”
June 18-20
Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake Conference Hotel
Conference musician
Mr. Clark Knighten
At the tender age of 5, Clark began his musical tutelage under the instruction of the late Georgianna Pierce. His passion for music grew and by the age of 16, Clark was sharing his gift of music with several ministries throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Clark completed his formal musical training at Xavier University with the completion of his Bachelor of Arts degree. While at Xavier, Clark along with his classmates created the band Trac One. With performances throughout the region, Clark honed his skill of entertaining. Upon completion of his degree, Clark continued ministering and performing the length and breadth of this country and even the world. He has held numerous titles and positions such as Composer, Minister of Music, Choral Teacher, Clinician, Television/ Movie Casting Consultant, Entrepreneur and continues today providing musical instruction to others.
In 2000, Black Cat Productions was formed. At which time, Clark’s first CD project (Created Anew) was recorded. Following Created Anew he released A Few Good Friends at Christmas, Simple & Sweet, and Treasures of New Orleans at Christmas. Recently, the Simple & Sweet 2…All Love Collection was released on CD and on major streaming sites. Clark also organized a group of local musicians to form The 4x4 Connection Band. Clark and 4x4 have become entrenched to the musical culture of New Orleans. They have worked with numerous local artists, entertained national and international audiences and played for the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
On Father’s Day 2009, Clark developed the Smooth Jazz Sunday show. It started as a musical show to provide an opportunity for local artists to perform due to the lack of live music venues following Hurricane Katrina. What was supposed to be only 4 shows has become a monthly ritual for many. The show has grown from its humble beginnings with travels to Mexico and the Bahamas. Clark and the members of the 4 x 4 Connection have entertained thousands for 16 uninterrupted seasons.
In 2013, he was one of several recipients of the Gospel is Alive award. This award is presented each year to musicians and other members of the local community who work to preserve and cultivate the appreciation of Gospel music as part of New Orleans culture. Last year (2024) Clark received the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Artie Award for his contributions in the field of music.
From 2006- 2013, Clark also was a significant part of the Hollywood South Movie production industry and secured opportunities for hundreds of children and adults to be a part of several Movie, TV, and Commercial projects. Most notably, working in the movies Déjà Vu (Denzel Washington), Curious case of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), and Lee Daniels’ The Butler (Forest Whittaker & Oprah Winfrey). In Lee Daniel’s The Butler, he also received credit as musical arranger for one of the songs that appeared in the movie.
Currently, Clark is completing his 11th year as a Choir and Piano Class instructor at The Academy of Our Lady High School in Marrero, Louisiana. Under his leadership and direction, the Academy of Our Lady Choirs have become well known throughout the New Orleans area and in demand to provide music for various types of engagements and events. In 2022, the Academy of Lady ECHO Choir was honored with an invitation to sing at the closing mass of the National Association of Catholic Educators Conference which was held in New Orleans that year. This year the ECHO received a Superior Rating at the LMEA District VI Small Ensemble competition. The group also sang at 2025 Governor’s Luncheon in April and was invited to perform at the Gospel Tent at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Being no stranger to the Unity Conference and the Bell Institute, Clark has served or assisted as Conference Musician in Houston on several occasions. He has also written two popular Unity Theme songs. Created Anew and Come and Behold, the New Jerusalem.
Clark is the husband of Kimberly Chapman Knighten, and the father of NOA member Tremaine Knighten-Riley, Anthony Knighten, William Knighten, Kayla Quincy, and Kyle Quincy. He is also grandfather to Amari Knighten and A’Lyse Knighten and great-grandfather to Aubre Knighten. Presently he serves as a Music Minister at Visitation of Our Lady Catholic Church in Marrero, Louisiana.