Kirk Franklin

Kirk Dewayne Franklin was born on January 26, 1970, in Fort Worth, Texas. He began playing piano at age four and was directing a church choir by age eleven. A multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Franklin became known for blending gospel with R&B, hip-hop, and pop influences. His 1993 debut album, *Kirk Franklin & The Family*, made history as the first gospel album to be certified Platinum. Franklin has since achieved over 13 gold- or platinum-certified albums as of 2025. His catalog includes songs such as "My Life Is in Your Hands," "Imagine Me," "I Need You to Survive," "I Smile," "Joy," "Something About the Name of Jesus," "Stomp," and "Lean on Me." Franklin founded the entertainment company Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and has served as host and executive producer of the gospel talent show *Sunday Best*. He is also a published author, with the autobiographical work *Church Boy*. Recognized by *Variety* magazine as the "Reigning King of Urban Gospel," Franklin has won 20 Grammy Awards and 21 GMA Dove Awards. He is an inaugural inductee into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.