Kirk Franklin is an American choir director, gospel singer, and rapper who gained fame in the early 90s as the founder of the music group “Kirk Franklin and The Family.”

The group shot to stardom with their first album, “Kirk Franklin & The Family,” which sold more than 1 million copies, making it a commercial success. Additionally, Franklin has won multiple Grammy Awards for his outstanding work in the music industry.

Kirk Franklin Biography

Early Life

Kirk Dewayne Franklin was (born on January 26, 1970), in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. His father, Dwight Allen, passed away in October 2018. He grew up with his younger sister.

Franklin was raised by his Gertrude after being left as a kid by his birth mother. His aunt used to gather and resell aluminum cans to get some cash for Kirk so he could take piano lessons when he was only four years old.

As a young kid, he was able to read and write music and decided to make music a career. When Franklin was 12 years old, his aunt helped him to join the church choir, where he became Mt. Rose Baptist Church’s adult choir’s music director.

Career

In 1992, Kirk teamed up with some of his friends and collaborators to organize a 17-voice choir titled “The Family.” Soon, it caught the attention of Vicki Mack-Lataillade, the co-founder of the fledgling GospoCentric Records. Vicki approached Kirk and signed “Kirk & The Family” to the record label.

From there, the group “Kirk Franklin & The Family” began recording their self-titled debut album, which came out in 1993. It became successful, spending about two years on the gospel music charts, and earned platinum sales status. Moreover, it wound up selling over a million units.

In 1996, the group dropped their album “Whatcha Lookin’ 4,” which was double-certified platinum. Not to mention, the singer Kirk won his first Grammy Award in the Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album category.

Two years later, Kirk released his fifth studio album, “The Nu Nation Project,” featuring acts like R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, and Bono of U2. The album contains a lead single titled “Lean on Me.”

The project not only went to the top of the Billboard Contemporary Albums chart but also brought Franklin his third Grammy. Thanks to his success, Kirk Franklin has earned a net worth of $8.5 Million.

In 2002, Kirk’s live album “The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin” came out, reaching the top of the Gospel Albums chart for 29 weeks. The guest appearances came from the likes of Bishop T.D. Jakes, Shirley Caesar, TobyMac, Crystal Lewis, Jaci Velasquez, Willie Neal Johnson, Papa San, Yolanda Adams, and Alvin Slaughter.

Franklin returned to the limelight in late 2005 when his eighth album “Hero” was dropped in the US. It reached the Gold and Platinum status by RIAA. The album’s lead single, “Looking for You,” and its second track, “Imagine Me,” became big hits, making it onto the R&B charts.

Franklin continued to garner more and more success with his further albums, including “The Fight of My Life” (2007), “Hello Fear” (2011), “Losing My Religion” (2015), and “Long, Live, Love” (2019). All of these albums were significant hits and brought Kirk numerous awards.

Other Collaborations

In 1997, Kirk released a collaborative album, “God’s Property from Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation,” with the vocal ensemble God’s Property. The project was well-praised after its lead single, “Stomp,” became a big hit. The album hit several charts, certified 3× platinum, and another Grammy for Kirk.

Apart from music, Franklin guest appeared on the famous TV series “Sister, Sister” in 1998. Later, in 2001, he got a chance to make a soundtrack for the comedy film “Kingdom Come.”

Personal Life

Kirk Franklin has been in a relationship with his long-time girlfriend “Tammy Collins” since 1996. The couple began dating in the early 90s and married on January 20, 1996. They welcomed their son “Kennedy Franklin” in 1997.

Tammy gave birth to her son “Caziah Franklin” in 2000. She also has a daughter named Carrington from her previous relationship. On the other hand, Kirk has a son from his previous marriage, Kerrion Franklin (b. 1988).

Real Estate

Kirk has managed to afford luxurious properties for himself and his family. He lived in a beautiful house in Arlington, Texas, from 1996 to 2014. It sits in a gated community, has six bedrooms and seven baths, and spans over 7,500 square feet. He sold it for around $1.1 million.

Franklin and his wife Tammy spent $2.3 million on a Fort Worth, Texas mansion. This house has four bedrooms, five baths, and over 7,600 square feet. In August 2021, he sold this house for around $2 million.

Kirk Franklin Net Worth

Kirk Franklin, a renowned American choir director, gospel singer, and rapper, has a net worth of $8.5 million. He has revolutionized the gospel genre with his hit records and won numerous awards throughout his illustrious career. His primary source of income is the music industry, but he also earns from publishing work and investments. Kirk Franklin is a name that has become synonymous with gospel music and has left an indelible mark on the genre.

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