The King of Urban Contemporary Gospel
If you grew up as a Black child in a Christian household, it’s likely that you’ve heard at least one Kirk Franklin song. Whether your parents played “TOGETHER” on the way to morning service or your church choir performed “Stomp!” to get the congregation moving, you’ve encountered this influential artist.
Kirk Franklin is a singer, choir director, record producer, and rapper. He faced many hardships during his childhood, which led to rebellious behavior in his teenage years. Abandoned by his teenage parents at the age of three, he was raised by his great-aunt, Gertrude Franklin, from whom he adopted his last name. The Franklin family was devoted Christians, which fostered Kirk’s musical involvement in the church. He started playing piano at age four and was offered a recording contract at age seven, but his aunt rightfully turned it down and promoted him to join the Church instead. By the age of eleven, he was appointed choir director.
Kirk’s teenage years were rough, marked by rebellion until a traumatic experience at fifteen—a close friend’s death—changed his life. This tragedy led him to return to the church, where he joined the choir and co-founded his first gospel group, The Humble Hearts. He faced more challenges, including expulsion from school and the loss of his aunt and uncle. He then worked as a pianist for his former music teacher, Jewell Kelly, and her choir, The Singing Chaparrals. At eighteen, he became a father.
A recording of one of Franklin’s compositions by The Humble Hearts led to an invitation to lead the DFW Mass Choir in a recording. His big break came at the 1990 Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention, which resulted in a contract with GospoCentric Records. Their first album, Kirk Franklin & The Family, was released in 1993 and has since been certified platinum after selling over one million copies, launching his career.
Kirk Franklin founded his own recording company, Fo Yo Soul Recordings, in collaboration with RCA Records in 2013. Throughout his career, he has released 13 albums, with several certified platinum, and won numerous awards, including 16 Grammys, an American Music Award, 23 Dove Awards, 23 Stellar Awards, and a Soul Train Award. He was also an inaugural inductee into the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame.
3 Responses
I really like the attention to detail to Kirk Franklin’s past and how he changed the way that contemporary gospel is absorbed. I have grown up to the sound of Kirk Franklin played in my life rather that was in the house when we were cleaning or in church or on the way to church. He is nostalgic of my childhood and the many good memories that I had in church and most importantly the youth church.
I loved reading this post! Although Kirk Franklin was played regularly in my household, I never knew the personal struggles he experienced as a child, and knowing that knowledge will definitely help further understanding his lyrics. It’s also amazing that you captured his achievements, as I feel like most gospel artists don’t have their achievements shown in mainstream media.
i really enjoyed reading this. i thought it was very impactful that you discussed his upbringing because it really shows just how GOD has moved in his life and how he is able to move in others through his music career. great job!