Bio
Clarence was born and raised in Chicago, Il. His musical gift and ability began from a very young age while at the First Church of Deliverance. During this time his gift and passion for playing the organ and the piano began to develop. He was named after the late Rev. Clarence H Cobbs, Pastor of The First Church of Deliverance. Pastor Cobbs prophetically spoke to his mother Julia early on in her pregnancy. He told her that God would bless her with a son and that he would have a calling on his life for a special work in God’s vineyard.
Clarence has been married for over 49 years to his beautiful wife Cassandra. They have five wonderful children and have been blessed with thirteen grandchildren and one great grandson.
He has served as Minister of Music at various churches in Chicago and currently serves at the Beth Eden Baptist Church in Chicago where Rev Dr. Craig M Jenkins is Senior Pastor. His music ministry has also taken him abroad to such places as Cape Town South Africa and Johannesburg.
While known for his love of playing the organ and piano, his gifts also include teaching, composing, arranging and conducting workshops.
At the beginning of 2005 Clarence acknowledged and accepted his call from God to preach the Gospel. In 2017, he completed his Masters of Arts in Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. His love for God, family, and edifying God’s people through the word of God and music is his motivation for Ministry
REFERENCES
From: Daniel Cross, Ph.D
To: The World
Re: Clarence McEwen, musician/composer
Date: February 2, 2026
My name is Danny Cross. I have been a music educator and musician for over 50 years. I am honored to write this reference letter to let the world know about gospel musician/composer, Clarence McEwen.
I have known Clarence McEwen for many years. I personally feel that Clarence is one of the most talented composer/ musicians of our day.
Clarence is from a lineage of music conductors and musicians. He has been around the finest of musicians and singers all of his life.
You, the audience would never imagine that as talented as this man is, his gift did not blossom until he was in his 20s…offering a mix of high energy, physical resilience, and mental flexibility(probably aligned with his talent as a good young athlete). Clarence wanted to be one of the best musicians and knew that he would have to put in the necessary time, as well as, commit to intensive training, and he did commit to long hours of intensive musical training.
Clarence is well trained in gospel music and jazz. He is such a talented genius that many have sought his talent, and ability to teach and groom others to be fine singers and musicians.
The only reason you would not put Dr. Clarence McEwen in the same gospel Mt. Everest of gospel musicians/ composers as Thomas Whitfield, Charles Nix, and Alfred Bolden would be because the music of Clarence McEwen has not been shared with you through the platforms of today’s communication vehicles.
When you hear the music of composer/musician Clarence McEwen, you are listening to the best.
Sincerely,
Daniel Cross, Ph.D