Kirk Dewayne Franklin, better known simply as Kirk Franklin, is a multi-talented artist from the United States who directs choirs, sings, dances, writes songs, produces records, and writes books. In the year 2022, Kirk Franklin’s wealth is estimated to be $8.5 million. Because of his contributions to the music industry, he has been recognised with a great number of prizes and nominations.
He is proficient in a number of musical instruments, including the piano and voice, and has worked in a number of musical genres, including Christian hip hop, soul, and contemporary gospel. His related actions include the Families, God’s Property, and 1NC, amongst others. He did end up joining the church choir, and eventually he was appointed to the position of music director at the Mt. Rose Baptist Church.
Kirk Franklin Wiki
Kirk Franklin was born on January 26, 1970, which means that he will be 52 years old in the year 2022. He was born in Dallas, Texas, in the United States, into a well-established Christian family, where he spent his childhood. He adheres to the Christian faith and is of American nationality. He was born in the United States.
Kirk was adopted by his aunt Gertrude, a devoutly religious lady, when he was three years old. Gertrude died when Franklin was twenty. Franklin began playing the piano when he was just 4 years old. After another three years, he was finally awarded his first contract.
At the age of 11, he was given the role of music director at his church. He attended Oscar Dean Wyatt High School, where he majored in music. In 1992, Kirk created “The Family,” a seventeen-voice choir that he formed and directed.
Kirk Franklin & Family was the title of Franklin’s first album in the gospel genre, which was released in 1993. On January 22, 1999, it was awarded the Gold certification. His early education was finished at O.D. Wyatt High School, a local college in Fort Worth, Texas, from which he graduated when he went on to earn his degree.
From the very beginning of his life, he showed a far greater interest in performing musical theatre, dancing, and a wide variety of extracurricular activities than he did in academics.
Family and Relationships
Gertrude Franklin is Kirk Franklin’s mother, and she is a singer and voice instructor by trade. Kirk Franklin’s father’s name is Mr. Franklin, and he is a businessman by trade. His mother’s name is also Gertrude Franklin. He has no siblings. The Franklins only had one kid, and that was Kirk Franklin.
Kirk Franklin’s marital status is married. It was in the year 1996 that he tied the knot with Tammy Collins. The pair has a total of four kids between them. Kerrion Franklin and Caziah Franklin are the names he gave to his sons. Kennedy Franklin and Carrington Franklin are the names he gave to his two daughters.
Carrington is Tammy’s daughter from a prior relationship, and her name is Carissa (b. in 1989). In addition, Kirk is the father of Kerrion, who was born in 1988, thanks to a prior relationship he had with Shawn Ewing.
Shiloh was born to Carrington and her husband Maxx Nakwaasah in April of 2020. Shiloh was their first child together.
In March of 2021, Kerrion published an audio recording of a private discussion that he had with his father. In the tape, Kirk can be heard shouting that he would “break your neck” if he is ever mistreated. Kerrion’s revelation of the recording sparked widespread outrage.
Later on same day, Franklin apologised for his family’s “destructive connection” with Kerrion by posting a video on social media. He said that the relationship had been going on for quite some time. Franklin apologised to the group, stating, “I spoke things that are not proper, and I am very sorry to all of you.”
In addition, he said, “Please accept my heartfelt apology.”
He went on to say that throughout the course of the years, he had sought to solve their issues by attending counselling and therapy sessions.
Kirk Franklin Career
The next studio album by Kirk & The Family, titled “Whatcha Lookin’ 4,” was released by GospoCentric Records in the year 1996. In addition to earning Franklin his first Grammy, the album peaked at number three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart.
Franklin was responsible for producing the score for the comedy film “Kingdom Come” in the year 2001.
Franklin provided the voice of Reverend Haygood in an episode of the television series “The Proud Family” in the year 2003.
The solo album titled “Hero” was released by him in October of 2005. The album was recognised by the Grammys as the year’s best contemporary soul gospel recording.
Through GospoCentric Records, he released his album titled The Fight of My Life in the year 2007. Within the first week, it had sold more than 74,000 copies.
The album “Long Live Love” was released by RCA Inspiration on May 31st, 2019, and was named after Kirk’s song. The album reached its highest position on the US Top Gospel Albums chart at #1, and it peaked at #20 on the US Billboard 200 chart. It was awarded with two Grammys. On the CD, Da’ TRUTH, Melvin Williams, Isaac Carree, Doug Williams, and Rance Allen all made cameo appearances as special guests.
Trivia & Unknown Facts
- In addition to being a choir director, he is most known for being the leader of the band God’s Property. It was the song “Stomp” that brought him success among the popular crossover audience.
- His grandma bought him piano lessons using the money she saved from collecting aluminium cans. When he was just seven years old, a record company made him an offer for his first recording contract.
- When he was just eleven years old, he was given the responsibility of leading the music for the adult choir at the Mount Rose Baptist Church.
- On January 20, 1996, he wed Tammy Collins, and the couple has since been blessed with four children: Kennedy, Kerrion, Carrington, and Caziah.
- His gospel choir, God’s Property, worked together with Cheryl James of Salt-N-Pepa to create the music “Stomp,” which garnered positive feedback and was featured on MTV.
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