Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin: Biography Kirk Dewayne Smith, widely known as Kirk Franklin, is a prominent American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and choir director. Recognized as the "Reigning King of Urban Gospel," Franklin is a leading and highly decorated figure in contemporary gospel and Christian hip-hop music, celebrated for his innovative blending of traditional gospel themes with modern R&B and hip-hop influences. Early Life and Education Kirk Franklin was born Kirk Dewayne Smith on January 26, 1970, in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. Abandoned as an infant by his biological mother and never knowing his father, he was raised by his grandaunt, Gertrude Franklin, who legally adopted him. His grandaunt supported his early musical talent by paying for piano lessons, sometimes by collecting aluminum cans. Franklin displayed prodigious musical ability early on, learning to read and write music and playing by ear. By age seven, he was reportedly offered a recording contract, which his grandaunt declined. At age 11, he became the music director of the adult choir at Mt. Rose Baptist Church. Franklin attended O. D. Wyatt High School. Although he briefly distanced himself from the church in his early teens, he returned to faith at age 15 after witnessing the accidental shooting death of a friend. Career Progression and Notable Works Franklin's career officially began in 1992. An early opportunity arose when gospel music figure Milton Biggham enlisted the 20-year-old Franklin to lead the DFW Mass Choir in a recording of his song, "Every Day with Jesus." In 1993, Franklin established the choir group "Kirk Franklin & The Family" and released their self-titled debut album, *Kirk Franklin & The Family*. The album was a massive success, spending nearly two years on the gospel charts, charting on the R\&B charts, and eventually achieving platinum sales status, remaining at No. 1 on the *Billboard* Top Gospel Albums chart for 42 weeks. In 1997, he released *God's Property from Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation*, which further cemented his crossover appeal. The album topped the R\&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for five weeks, peaked at No. 3 on the *Billboard* 200, and was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. Franklin has continued to release influential music as a solo artist and with subsequent groups like God's Property and One Nation Crew (1NC). Notable hit singles include "Looking for You" and "Imagine Me" from his 2005 album, *Hero*. His later works include the album *Long Live Love* (2019), featuring the Grammy-winning single "Love Theory." Major Achievements and Accolades Kirk Franklin is one of the most decorated artists in gospel music history. His accolades include 20 Grammy Awards and 22 GMA Dove Awards, along with numerous BET Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, and Stellar Awards. His career has been marked by record-breaking commercial success on *Billboard* charts, bridging the gap between sacred and secular music and establishing contemporary gospel as a globally recognized genre. He is an inaugural inductee into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. Current Status Franklin remains active in music, production, and television. In 2023, he released the solo album *Father's Day*, accompanied by a YouTube documentary detailing his journey to reconnect with his oldest son and discover the identity of his biological father. In addition to music, he has worked in film and television, including roles in the TV movie *Something to Sing About* (2000) and the film *Joyful Noise* (2012). He has also served as an executive producer for TV movies like *Kirk Franklin's A Gospel Christmas* (2021) and the series *Kingdom Business* (2022). In 2024, he won his 20th Grammy Award for the song "All Things." Franklin is married to Tammy Collins, whom he wed in 1996, and they have four children.