Kirk Dwayne Franklin, Grammy award winner gospel musician, choir director and author was born in Fort Worth on January 26, 1970. He is known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God’s Property and One Nation Crew (1NC), and has won multiple awards, including seven Grammy Awards.
Since his debut, 1993’s Kirk Franklin & the Family, Kirk Franklin has been one of the brightest stars in contemporary gospel music. The album spent 100 weeks on the gospel charts (some of those on top), crossed over to the R&B charts, and became the first gospel debut album to go platinum. His second album, Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas, became the genre’s first Christmas album to make it to number one, and his 1996 album Whatcha Lookin’ 4 went gold as soon as it was distributed. Franklin is the host and co-executive producer of the BET original series Sunday Best and the musical co-host of GSN‘s The American Bible Challenge with Jeff Foxworthy. Despite all the adulation and brouhaha, Franklin remains a humble, devout Christian, husband and father.
Franklin is married long-time friend Tammy Collins in 1996. When they wed, they each had one child from previous relationships and as a couple, they have two children.
Now, fans can enjoy contemporary and a little bit of old school Gospel on the Kirk Franklin Praise station on Sirus XM. Sometimes Franklin will do a radio talk show with other legends in the genre. As far as his own music is concerned, it is not played anymore than others.
I Smile from his Hello Fear album, is a great way to start the work week. It reminds us that no matter who we are, we all face difficult days, but by the help and grace of God, they often go much better when you smile.
So what is you favorite Kirk Franklin song?
