A gospel artist who sings for the Lord but with an up-to-date, R&B-influenced sound and attitude, Kierra Sheard (billed early in her career as Kierra "Kiki" Sheard) was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 20, 1987. Kierra's mother is Karen Clark-Sheard, a gospel vocalist best known for her work with the Clark Sisters; her father is Bishop J. Drew Sheard, a well-known author, speaker, and worship leader; and her grandmother was the respected and influential choral director Mattie Moss Clark. Growing up in a musical family, Kierra began singing early in life, and she made her recording debut when she was just ten years old, with guest appearances on two numbers on her mother's first solo effort, 1997's Finally Karen. One of those songs, "The Will of God," won a Stellar Award for Best Children's Performance, while the other, "The Safest Place," became a favorite on gospel radio.