Kirk Dewayne Franklin (born January 26, 1970) is an American songwriter, choir director, gospel singer, and rapper. He is renowned for leading urban contemporary gospel and Christian R&B ensembles, including The Family, God’s Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC), among others. With a remarkable career, he has been honored with 19 Grammy Awards. Notably, Variety has hailed Franklin as a “Reigning King of Urban Gospel,” and he holds a place of distinction as one of the inaugural inductees into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
Originating from Fort Worth, Texas, Kirk Franklin’s upbringing was in the care of his aunt, Gertrude, after being abandoned by his mother as a baby. Despite challenges, Gertrude’s resourcefulness allowed him to take piano lessons starting from the tender age of four. Quickly excelling in music, Franklin could read and write music, as well as play by ear.
At just seven years old, he received his first contract, an opportunity his aunt turned down. However, he did join the church choir and, impressively, became the music director of the Mt. Rose Baptist Church adult choir at the age of 11.
During his teenage years, Franklin experienced rebellion against his strict religious upbringing. In an effort to steer him away from trouble, his grandmother arranged an audition at a professional youth conservatory linked to a local university. Despite being accepted, he faced personal challenges like a girlfriend’s pregnancy and eventual expulsion from school due to misconduct.
Franklin’s music journey continued at Oscar Dean Wyatt High School under the guidance of Jewell Kelly and the Singing Chaparrals. He became the pianist for the choir and had a significant turning point when he witnessed the death of a friend through a shooting. This tragedy drew him back to the church, where he once again directed the choir.
Moreover, he co-founded a gospel group called The Humble Hearts, and their recording of one of Franklin’s compositions caught the attention of gospel music legend Milton Biggham, who enlisted him to lead the DFW Mass Choir.
In 1992, Franklin organized “The Family,” a 17-voice choir comprising neighborhood friends and associates. They caught the attention of Vicki Mack-Lataillade, co-founder of GospoCentric Records label, and were soon signed to a recording contract. Under the name “Kirk Franklin & The Family,” their debut album released in 1993 achieved remarkable success, spending nearly two years on the gospel music charts and earning platinum sales status.
Subsequent albums, collaborations, and Grammy Awards followed, establishing Kirk Franklin as a prominent figure in the gospel and R&B music scene.
Despite facing legal challenges and changes in group dynamics, Franklin’s influence and talent have left a lasting impact on the gospel music landscape. In 2010, Kirk Franklin & The Family reunited briefly at the 25th Annual Stellar Awards show to perform songs that had gained popularity in the 1990s.