Kirk franklin wikipedia

American gospel musician

Kirk Dewayne Franklin (born January 26, 1970)^[2] is an American gospel singer, choir director, record producer and rapper. He is best known for leading urban contemporary gospel and Christian R&B ensembles such as The Family, God's Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC). One of the best-selling gospel music artists, his accolades include 20 Grammy Awards. Variety dubbed Franklin as a "Reigning King of Urban Gospel",^[3] and is one of the inaugural inductees into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

Early life

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Franklin was raised by his aunt, Gertrude, having been abandoned as a baby by his mother.^[4] Gertrude recycled aluminum cans to raise money for Kirk to take piano lessons from the age of four. Kirk excelled and was able to read and write music while also playing by ear.^{[citation needed]}

At the age of seven, Franklin received his first contract which his aunt turned down.^[5] He did join the church choir and became music dire

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