Kirk Franklin Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Children, Songs

Kirk Dewayne Franklin is an American gospel musician, singer, choir director, record producer, and rapper.

He is renowned for leading influential urban contemporary gospel ensembles such as The Family, God’s Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC).

With a decades-long career, Franklin has earned widespread acclaim, winning 20 Grammy Awards and selling over 15 million records, making him one of the best-selling gospel artists ever.

Often hailed as the “Reigning King of Urban Gospel,” his innovative fusion of gospel, R&B, and hip-hop has solidified his status as a transformative figure in contemporary gospel music.

Profile

• Full Name: Kirk Dewayne Franklin
• Stage Name: Kirk Franklin
• Born: January 26 1970
• Age: 55 years old
• Birthplace: Fort Worth, Texas, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American gospel musician, singer, choir director, record producer, and rapper
• Height: 1.65 m
• Parent: Unknown
• Aunty: Gertrude Franklin
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Tammy Collins (m. 1996)
• Children: Kerrion Franklin, Caziah Franklin, Carrington Franklin, Kennedy Franklin
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million and $5 million

Early Life And Education

Kirk Dewayne Franklin was born on January 26, 1970, in Fort Worth, Texas, United States. He was the son of teenage parents who never married or lived together.

At the age of three, his mother abandoned him and subsequently adopted and raised him by his great-aunt, Gertrude Franklin.

While no detailed information is available regarding his biological siblings, Franklin’s upbringing was shaped by a strong foundation in faith and music.

Franklin developed an early passion for music and studied under Jewell Kelly and the Singing Chaparrals at Oscar Dean Wyatt High School.

Despite his musical talent, he struggled with behavioral issues and was ultimately expelled before completing his studies.

He also attended a professional youth conservatory affiliated with a local university but again faced expulsion. He is an African American and a devout Christian.

Career

Kirk Franklin discovered his passion for music at an early age, joining the church choir as a child and later becoming the music director of the Mt. Rose Baptist Church adult choir by age 12.

Despite a strict religious upbringing, he rebelled during his teenage years. However, after witnessing a friend’s tragic death at 15, Franklin found solace in gospel music and co-founded The Humble Hearts, a gospel group.

His talent as a composer caught the attention of gospel industry veteran Milton Biggham, who invited him to lead the Dallas-Fort Worth Mass Choir at the 1990 Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention. This opportunity marked the beginning of his rise in the gospel music industry.

In 1992, Franklin formed The Family, a 17-member choir composed of close friends and associates. Their demo tape impressed Vicki Mack-Lataillade of GospoCentric Records, leading to a record deal.

The group’s debut album, Kirk Franklin & The Family (1993), dominated the gospel charts for 42 weeks and achieved platinum certification. Franklin continued his success with Whatcha Lookin’ 4 (1996), which won his first Grammy Award.

He further expanded his reach by collaborating with the gospel ensemble God’s Property, resulting in the groundbreaking album God’s Property from Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation (1997), which won another Grammy and introduced gospel music to mainstream audiences with hits like “Stomp.”

Following his success with choir-based projects, Franklin transitioned into a solo career with The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin (2002), which topped gospel charts.

Over the years, he continued to innovate, launching his record label Fo Yo Soul Recordings in partnership with RCA Records and serving as the host and co-producer of BET’s Sunday Best.

His later works, including Losing My Religion (2015) and Long Live Love (2019), further cemented his legacy.

In 2021, he collaborated with rapper Lil Baby on “We Win” for Space Jam: A New Legacy, demonstrating his ability to blend gospel with contemporary genres. Franklin’s thirteenth studio album, Father’s Day (2023), reaffirmed his status as a trailblazer in urban gospel music.

With 20 Grammy Awards and a lasting influence on gospel, R&B, and hip-hop, Franklin continues to shape the genre’s future.

Awards and Nominations

Kirk Franklin has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.

• Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album: for “Kirk Franklin & the Family” (1994), “Whatcha Lookin’ 4” (1997), “The Nu Nation Project” (1999), “Hero” (2007), “The Fight of My Life” (2009), “Hello Fear” (2012), “Losing My Religion” (2016), and “Long Live Love” (2020)
• Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song: for “Imagine Me” (2007), “Help Me Believe” (2009), “Hello Fear” (2012), “Wanna Be Happy?” (2016), “Never Alone” (with Tori Kelly) (2019), and “Love Theory” (2020)
• GMA Dove Award for Gospel Artist of the Year: 1999, 2016, and 2019
• NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel Album: for
• “The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin” (2003), “Hero” (2006), “The Fight of My Life” (2009), “Hello Fear” (2012), “Losing My Religion” (2016), and “Long Live Love” (2020)
• Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Album: for “The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin” (2003), “Hero” (2006), “The Fight of My Life” (2009), “Hello Fear” (2012), and “Losing My Religion” (2016)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @kirkfranklin
• Facebook handle: Kirk Franklin
• Twitter handle: @kirkfranklin

Personal Life

Kirk Franklin has been married to Tammy Collins Franklin since January 20, 1996. The couple first met at a waterpark in Texas at 18 years old and later reconnected in 1995 before tying the knot.

They share a blended family, including their two children, Kennedy (1997) and Caziah (2000). Kirk also has a son, Kerrion, from a previous relationship, while Tammy has a daughter, Carrington, whom Kirk adopted after their marriage.

Discography

• God’s Property from Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation (1997)
• The Nu Nation Project (1998)
• Kirk Franklin Presents 1NC (2000)
• Hero (2005)
• The Fight of My Life (2007)
• Hello Fear (2011)
• Losing My Religion (2015)
• Long Live Love (2019)
• Father’s Day (2023)
• Kirk Franklin & the Family (1993)
• Whatcha Lookin’ 4 (1996)
• The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin (2002)
• Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas (1995)
• “There He Is” (Trinitee 5:7 featuring Kirk Franklin) (1999)
• “Shelter in the Rain” (Stevie Wonder featuring Kirk Franklin) (2005)
• “O-o-h Child” (Donnie McClurkin featuring Kirk Franklin) (2005)
• “I Get Joy” (Coko featuring Kirk Franklin) (2007)
• “Are You Listening” (with Artists United for Haiti) (2010)

Net Worth

Kirk Franklin’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.

His wealth primarily stems from his successful music career, which includes multiple Grammy Awards and best-selling albums.

In addition to his work as a gospel artist and choir director, Franklin has expanded his influence as an author and television host, further contributing to his financial success.