Known for movies
Short Info
Net Worth | $8.5 million |
Date Of Birth | January 26, 1970 |
Spouse | Tammy Collins |
Fact | Has openly discussed his struggle with pornography addiction. |
Kirk Franklin (born January 26, 1970) is an American gospel musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his contemporary style of gospel music and for leading the urban contemporary gospel choir The Family. Kirk Franklin has won multiple awards, including twelve Grammy Awards, forty-six Dove Awards, one Stellar Award, one BET Award, eighteen NAACP Image Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards, and one GMA Music Award. In 1998, he was featured on the PBS series In Performance at the White House.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgfwtLtpyml/
Early Life
Kirk Franklin was born in Riverside, Texas on January 26, 1970. His parents divorced when he was four years old, and he was raised by his mother, Gertrude, and his aunt, Carolyn. Franklin’s mother died in 1999. He began singing in his church choir at the age of five. Franklin’s father was a deacon who would often take him to church on Sundays. When he was eight years old, Franklin started a gospel group called “Kirk Franklin & The Family”. He also played drums in his church choir.
Franklin attended Jack Yates Senior High School in Houston, Texas. He was a member of the track and field team and the choir. After graduating from high school in 1988, he enrolled at Prairie View A&M University. He graduated from Prairie View in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Career
Franklin’s career began when he was signed to a record deal with GospoCentric Records in 1993. His debut album, Kirk Franklin & The Family, was released in 1993 and reached number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Franklin’s second album, Whatcha Lookin’ 4, was released in 1996 and reached number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA.
In 1998, Franklin was featured on the PBS series In Performance at the White House. He performed “The Storm Is Over Now” with President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton in attendance.
In 2000, Franklin released his third album, The Nu Nation Project. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.
In 2002, Franklin won his first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for The Nu Nation Project.
In 2005, Franklin released his fourth album, Hero. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and was certified gold by the RIAA.
In 2007, Franklin won his second Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album for Hero.
In 2009, Franklin released his fifth album, Rebuilding the Walls. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and was certified gold by the RIAA.
In 2011, Franklin won his third Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song for “God Bless America” from Rebuilding the Walls.
In 2013, Franklin released his sixth album, Hello Fear. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and was certified gold by the RIAA.
In 2015, Franklin won his fourth Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album for Hello Fear.
In 2017, Franklin released his seventh album, Long Live Love. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and was certified gold by the RIAA.
In 2019, Franklin won his fifth Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Love Theory” from Long Live Love.
Net Worth
Kirk Franklin has a net worth of $35 million. He has earned his net worth through his successful career as a gospel musician, singer, songwriter and record producer.
General Info
Full Name | Kirk Franklin |
Net Worth | $8.5 million |
Date Of Birth | January 26, 1970 |
Height | 1.66 m |
Profession | Record producer, Author, Actor, Gospel singer, Songwriter, Music Director, I Smile, Imagine Me, Why We Sing, Beaumont, TX, United States, Merrillville, IN, United States, Baltimore, MD, United States |
Nationality | American |
Family
Spouse | Tammy Collins |
Children | Caziah Franklin, Kerrion Franklin, Carrington Franklin, Kennedy Franklin, I Smile, Imagine Me, Why We Sing, Beaumont, TX, United States, Merrillville, IN, United States, Baltimore, MD, United States |
Parents | Gertrude Franklin |
Accomplishments
Awards | Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song, Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album, BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Artist, Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song, Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Album, Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Artist, Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Song, Gr... |
Music Groups | Georgia Mass Choir, 1NC, I Smile, Imagine Me, Why We Sing, Beaumont, TX, United States, Merrillville, IN, United States, Baltimore, MD, United States |
Nominations | Grammy Award for Song of the Year, Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance, Grammy Award for Best R&B Song, Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single – Male, NAACP Image Award for Outstand... |
Movies | Beaumont, TX, United States, Merrillville, IN, United States, Baltimore, MD, United States, Joyful Noise, Something to Sing About, Hopeville, Sweating in the Spirit: A 3-in-1 Gospel Workout, Celebration of Gospel: Taking You Higher, Gotta Have Gospel Gold, Kirk Franklin: The Nu Nation Tour, Celebrat... |
TV Shows | Sunday Best, One Day, Beaumont, TX, United States, Merrillville, IN, United States, Baltimore, MD, United States |
Social profile links
Facts
# | Fact |
---|---|
1 | Has openly discussed his struggle with pornography addiction. |
2 | Kirk has two children from his marriage with Tammy: Kennedy, born in 1997, and Caziah, born in 1999. Kirk has a son from a previous relationship, Kerrion, born in 1988. Tammy also has a daughter from a previous relationship, Carrington, born in 1989. |
3 | Is the first gospel singer to have his music featured on a movie soundtrack. |
Pictures
Movies
Soundtrack
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday Night Live | 2016 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Joyful Noise | 2012 | performer: "In Love" / writer: "In Love" | |
90210 | TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2009 writer - 1 episode, 2009 | ||
Norbit | 2007 | performer: "Looking for You" / writer: "Looking for You" | |
My Brother | 2006 | writer: "Why We Sing" - as K. Franklin | |
The Gospel | 2005 | performer: "Still Alive", "Ooh Child Urban Mix" / producer: "Still Alive", "Please Answer", "Peace Like a River" / writer: "Awesome God He Reigns", "Still Alive", "Please Answer", "Peace Like a River", "Everything's Gonna Be Alright", "Seasons Change", "Child's Song", "Now Behold the Lamb" | |
Higher Ground: Voices of Contemporary Gospel Music | 2004 | Video documentary writer: "Stomp Remix", "Holy One" | |
Boycott | 2001 | TV Movie performer: "Revolution" / writer: "Revolution" | |
Kingdom Come | 2001 | performer: "Kingdom Come", "Thank You" / producer: "Kingdom Come", "It's Alright", "Someday", "Every Woman", "Stand", "Thy Will Be Done", "Daddy's Song", "Try Me", "Thank You" / writer: "Kingdom Come", "It's Alright", "Someday", "Every Woman", "Stand", "Thy Will Be Done", "Daddy's Song", "Try Me", "Thank You" | |
Play It to the Bone | 1999 | writer: "Gonna Be a Lovely Day" | |
Any Given Sunday | 1999 | performer: "REVOLUTION" / writer: "REVOLUTION" | |
The Preacher's Wife | 1996 | writer: "Joy" | |
Get on the Bus | 1996 | performer: "My Life Is In Your Hands" / producer: "My Life Is In Your Hands" / writer: "My Life Is In Your Hands" | |
Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood | 1996 | performer: "Don't Give Up" |
Actor
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Centric Celebrates Selma: 50th Anniversary Music Special | 2015 | TV Movie | |
Joyful Noise | 2012 | Baylor Sykes | |
Sweating in the Spirit | 2005 | Video | |
The Proud Family | 2003 | TV Series | Reverend Haygood |
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | 2001 | TV Series | |
Something to Sing About | 2000 | TV Movie | Charles |
Sister, Sister | 1998 | TV Series | James Henry |
Composer
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Angel Wishes: Journey of a Spiritual Healer | 2009 | ||
Stomp | 1997 | Video short |
Producer
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Sunday Best | 2015 | TV Series executive producer - 1 episode |
Thanks
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
The Hot 10 | 2011 | TV Series thanks - 2 episodes |
Self
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards | 2016 | TV Special | Himself |
Saturday Night Live | 2016 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
Covered-Alive in Asia | 2016 | Documentary | Himself |
The View | 2014-2016 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
Steve Harvey | 2016 | TV Series | Himself |
The Real | 2015 | TV Series | Himself |
Being | 2015 | TV Mini-Series | Himself |
Sunday Best | 2007-2015 | TV Series | Himself - Host |
Sidewalks Entertainment | 2013 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
Celebration of Gospel | 2012 | TV Movie | Himself |
43rd NAACP Image Awards | 2012 | TV Special | Himself |
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon | 2011 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
The Mo'Nique Show | 2010-2011 | TV Series | Himself |
American Idol | 2011 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
The Hot 10 | 2011 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
Praise the Lord | 2002-2010 | TV Series | Himself / Himself - Guest Host |
Tavis Smiley | 2010 | TV Series | Himself |
24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards | 2009 | TV Special | Himself |
Life on the Edge: A Global Crisis | 2008 | TV Movie | Himself |
39th NAACP Image Awards | 2008 | TV Special | Himself |
Can You Hear Me Now: The Evolution of Gospel Music | 2008 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
Live with Kelly and Michael | 2005-2008 | TV Series | Himself |
Access Hollywood | 2007 | TV Series | Himself |
22nd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards | 2007 | TV Special | Himself - Host |
BET Awards 2006 | 2006 | TV Special | Himself |
2006 American Music Awards | 2006 | TV Special | Himself |
T.D. Jakes Presents MegaFest: Let It Flow | 2006 | TV Movie | Himself |
Access Granted | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
37th Annual Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards | 2006 | TV Special | Host |
Soul Train | 1996-2006 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards | 2006 | TV Special | Himself |
An Evening of Stars: Tribute to Stevie Wonder | 2006 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
Diamond Life | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
Night of Joy | 2005 | TV Movie | Himself |
Livin It: Unusual Suspects | 2005 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
The Oprah Winfrey Show | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
Sharp Talk | 2005 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
25 Strong: The BET Silver Anniversary Special | 2005 | TV Special | Himself |
An Evening of Stars: Tribute to Quincy Jones | 2005 | TV Movie | Himself |
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | 1997-2004 | TV Series | Himself / Himself - Musical Guest |
35th Annual GMA Music Awards | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
35th NAACP Image Awards | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
Higher Ground: Voices of Contemporary Gospel Music | 2004 | Video documentary | Himself |
19th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards | 2004 | TV Special | Himself - Co-Host |
Pyramid | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
Celebration of Gospel | 2003 | TV Movie | Himself (on video) |
Essence Awards | 2002 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
17th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards | 2002 | TV Special | Himself |
Journeys in Black | 2001 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence | 2001 | TV Special documentary | Himself |
Kirk Franklin: The Nu Nation Tour | 1999 | Video | Himself |
The 41st Annual Grammy Awards | 1999 | TV Special | Himself |
1999 Essence Awards | 1999 | TV Special | Himself |
29th NAACP Image Awards | 1998 | TV Special | Himself |
Comic Relief VIII | 1998 | TV Special | Himself (as Kirk Franklin and Nu Nation) |
Savion Glover's Nu York | 1998 | TV Movie | Himself |
The 1998 Soul Train Christmas Starfest | 1998 | TV Movie | Himself |
The 1997 Billboard Music Awards | 1997 | TV Special | Himself - Performer |
Concert of Hope | 1997 | TV Special | |
3rd Annual Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards | 1997 | TV Special | Himself |
10th Anniversary Essence Awards | 1997 | TV Special | Himself |
Late Show with David Letterman | 1997 | TV Series | Himself |
Stomp | 1997 | Video short | Himself |
27th NAACP Image Awards | 1996 | TV Special | Himself |
New York Undercover | 1996 | TV Series | Himself |
The 8th Annual Soul Train Music Awards | 1994 | TV Special | Himself - Presenter |
The Arsenio Hall Show | 1994 | TV Series | Himself |
Archive Footage
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Black Girls Rock! 2011 | 2011 | TV Movie | Himself |
The Best of the Doves Marathon | 2007 | TV Movie | Himself - Performer |
Awards
Won Awards
Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
---|---|---|---|---|
1998 | Image Award | Image Awards | Outstanding Performance in a Variety Series/Special |
Nominated Awards
Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | Image Award | Image Awards | Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) | Album: "Losing My Religion" |
2000 | Image Award | Image Awards | Outstanding Performance in a Variety Series/Special | 1999 Essence Awards (1999) |
1999 | Grammy | Grammy Awards | Song of the Year | For the song "Lean On Me" |
1999 | Image Award | Image Awards | Outstanding Performance in a Youth or Children's Series/Special | One Day (1997) |
Source: IMDb, Wikipedia