Kirk Franklin is a renowned American artist who specializes in gospel music. He is multi-talented, excelling as a singer, choir leader, music producer, and rapper.
He has gained recognition for his leadership in urban contemporary gospel and Christian R&B groups, including The Family, God’s Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC). He has been honored with 20 Grammy Awards for his exceptional contributions to the music industry.
Kirk Franklin Bio Details
Full name: Kirk Dewayne Franklin
Place of birth: Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Date of birth: 26 January 1970
Age: 54 years old
Height: 5 ft 4 in (165 cm)
Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
Eye color: Dark brown
Hair color: Black
Education: Oscar Dean Wyatt High School
Nationality: American
Zodiac sign: Aquarius
Gender: Male
Sexual orientation: Straight
Marital status: Married
Wife: Tammy Franklin
Kids: 4
Profession: American songwriter and choirmaster
Childhood & Education
Kirk Franklin, also known by his full name Kirk Dewayne Franklin, was born on January 26th, 1970, and is currently 54 years old. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, United States, and raised by his aunt Gertrude after his mother left him as a newborn. At the young age of seven, he was offered his first contract, which was declined by his aunt.
At the age of 11, he became the music director of Mt. Rose Baptist Church and joined their choir. During his time at Oscar Dean Wyatt High School, Kirk received musical instruction from Jewell Kelly and the Singing Chaparrals, which greatly influenced his future career. He began pursuing his professional career after completing his education.
Career
In 1992, Kirk Franklin embarked on his professional journey in the music industry. He formed a 17-voice choir called The Family and continued to collaborate with them, eventually becoming known as Kirk Franklin and The Family in 1993.
In addition to this group, he has also collaborated with Kirk Franklin and 1 Nation Crew, Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation, and Kirk Franklin and The Family.
His first album, Nu Nation Project, was published through GospoCentric record label and reached the number one spot on Billboard’s Music chart. It was certified platinum. He recently collaborated with Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music for Kingdom Book One, set to release in 2022.
He has been involved in several other albums, such as The Fight of My Life, Losing My Religion, and Long Live Love. He has also been recognized with awards for his contributions.
Kirk Franklin‘s exceptional music performances have garnered him numerous accolades and acknowledgments. Among his achievements are winning the American Music Award for Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist and receiving nominations for this award.
He has also been honored with multiple Dove and Grammy Awards, including wins for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album and Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album in 1997. Additionally, he has been recognized with Stellar Awards and a nomination for this award.
Franklin has been nominated for 31 Grammy awards and has won 19 of them. He has also been honored with over 20 Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association and has received 23 Stellar Awards.
Additionally, Kirk has been recognized with 10 BET Award nominations, including a win for Best Gospel Artist in 2006. He has also shared the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award with Lil Baby for their song “We Win” in 2022 and with Maverick City Music for their song “Bless Me” in 2023.
Wife & Kids
On January 20, 1996, Kirk and his longtime friend Tammy Collins tied the knot. They now have two children together, Kennedy (born 1997) and Caziah (born 1999). Additionally, Kirk became stepfather to Collins’ daughter Carrington from a previous relationship. He also has an older son, Kerrion, who was born in 1988.
Net Worth
Kirk Franklin has been a veteran in the music industry, with a successful track record of releasing hit albums. His contributions to The Nu Nation Project and The Fight of My Life have earned him widespread acclaim. He generates income through signing contracts with record labels and releasing albums, which has resulted in a net worth of $10 million as of 2024.