Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin (b 26 Jan. 1970, Riverside, TX) was raised primarily by his grandmother’s sister, Gertrude Franklin. He showed musical aptitude at an early age, taking a regular church position at age 11 at Mt. Rose Baptist Church, Dallas, TX. His first professional position as an adult was at Greater Stranger’s Rest Baptist Church, Ft. Worth (1989), where he met V. Michael McKay and made his first live recording. On Saturdays, he played for Grace Temple Adventist Church, where he met his future business manager, Gerald Wright. The Dallas Ft. Worth Mass Choir recorded his song “Every Day with Jesus” in 1990 (released 1991). He assembled a group called The Family and signed with Gospo Centric (1992). He made waves by recording the hip-hop infused “Stomp” with God’s Property (1997), followed by many other successful albums and collaborations, mostly leaning into a contemporary or urban style. He started attending Tony Evans’ church in 1998 and counts him as a key mentor.

—Chris Fenner, Hymns & Devotions for Daily Worship: African American Edition (2025)