Kirk Franklin

For nearly two decades now, Kirk Franklin has been a multi-platinum-selling purveyor of majestic fusions of gospel and contemporary music, and a mirror of Christian humanity boldly reflecting what one faith walking man can accomplish when he focuses on God and taps deep into the gifts He gives. Franklin is a pioneer in gap-bridging musicianship, uniting audiences across gospel, hip hop, pop and R&B. His irresistible rhythms and rhapsodies have resulted in albums that consistently top both Billboard's Gospel and Christian charts, as well as ascend triumphantly into the Top 10 of the R&B/Hip Hop chart. His unprecedented penetration into the mainstream has fortified him to also become a New York Times bestselling author for The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham/Penguin). Franklin is also the host and executive producer of the gospel talent show "Sunday Best," the highest-rated gospel program in BET network history now heading into its sixth season. To date, the trendsetter has garnered nine GRAMMY® Awards, 39 Stellar Awards, 16 Dove Awards (CCM), eight NAACP Image Awards, two BET Awards, an American Music Award, a Soul Train Award and numerous others.

And yet, with all of his success and acclaim—his overflow of awards and accolades—Franklin remains, at heart, a man who comes from shaky circumstances that could have paralyzed his spiritual growth within his humble familial beginnings. He is never far from that frightened and forlorn young man who didn't always know which way to turn. The heart of who Kirk Franklin is and his story struck a resounding chord with his fans years ago and they have remained loyal ever since. Franklin has always been transparent about being abandoned by his parents, adopted by his grandmother and his humble beginnings. He has never hid behind his celebrity status but has remained connected to his audience through his music and frank discussions of life issues, which is what makes Franklin one of the most relatable and respected messengers in his field.

Franklin is the biggest selling Contemporary Gospel artist in the history of SoundScan. His latest CD, Hello Fear was RIAA-certified gold in February 2012 and he has 7 additional RIAA-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum selling releases to date.

The entrepreneur is also Chairman/CEO of Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Inc.—a full-service entertainment enterprise based in Dallas, Texas and launched in 2004. The venture is a multi-tiered company and includes a record label, Franklin’s solo recordings and his services as a record producer; Fo Yo Soul Productions, which manages Franklin’s tours, speaking and performance engagements and The Franklin Imagine Group, Franklin’s nonprofit. In addition to his business enterprises, humanitarian work and ministerial responsibilities, the Grammy-Award winning artist continues to tour, both nationally as well as internationally, having completed the “Gospel Comedy Tour” with Steve Harvey in 2011 and the Live Nation Sponsored “King’s Men Tour” in 2012.

A devoted husband, Franklin has been happily married to wife, Tammy, for 16 years. The two are proud parents of four children.

Official Site: Kirk Franklin

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