By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Legendary gospel quartet The Clark Sisters have a reason to be happy this week:

They're not only sitting atop of the 'Billboard' gospel chart with their new reunion project, but they have also been announced as recipients of a prestigious industry honor.

Recorded at Houston's eminent George Brown Convention Center last year, 'Live ... One Last Time' features production by gospel visionary Donald Lawrence. Released on the EMI Gospel label, the critically acclaimed opus debuted in the No. 1 spot on the "Top Gospel Albums" chart.

And to add to the glory, the well-known Detroit siblings -- comprised of Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark Terrell, Jacky Clark Chisholm, Dorinda Clark Cole and Karen Clark Sheard-- will receive the President's Merit Award at the 2007 GRAMMY Salute To Gospel event on June 8 in that nation's capital.

In keeping with its tradition of honoring artistic excellence, The Recording Academy will spotlight the genre by celebrating the most respected members of the gospel community during the event to be held at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C.

Grammy Award winning artists Dr. Bobby Jones and Michael W. Smith will join the Gospel Music Hall of Fame members (who helped crossover the genre to the mainstream with their 1983 char-topper 'You Brought the Sunshine') as this year's honorees.

According to a rep, the event will include performances from gospel, contemporary Christian and contemporary artists under the leadership of Lawrence.

The GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music event began in 2004 to honor those who have made significant contributions to gospel music, while supporting the history and importance of the genre.

Past honorees include Shirley Caesar, Andraé Crouch, Richard Smallwood and Albertina Walker.

BV Extras:

-- BV's very own gospel music authority Jawn Murray tells 'The Gospel Truth.'