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Kirk Franklin
Avg 3.11 / 5
Total of 11 votes
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Last update: 12/20/11 11:35:56
Account: Big Name Artists
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Texas (TX)
Signed up: 24 Feb 2008 10:19 AM
Members:
Genre: Gospel
Influences:
Website: http://www.kirkfranklin.us/
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Biography
Kirk Franklin (born January 26, 1970(1970-01-26) in Fort Worth, Texas) is an American Gospel music singer and author. He is most notable known as as the leader of contemporary gospel choirs such as Kirk Franklin & the Family, Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation, God's Property and Kirk Franklin Presents 1NC (One Nation Crew).
[edit] Biography
[edit] Early years
This section does not cite any references or sources.
Please improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. (December 2007)
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Kirk was raised by his aunt, Gertrude Franklin, after being abandoned by his parents. He developed a talent for music early, playing the piano at age four and becoming music director of his church, Greater Strangers Rest, at age eleven. After leading the DFW Mass Choir at the 1990 Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention, he organized "The Family", a seventeen-voice choir, in 1992.
[edit] Musical career
He signed with Sparrow Records in 1993, releasing Kirk Franklin & The Family. It spent almost 2 years on the gospel charts, also charted on the R&B charts (very rare for a Gospel artist), and went platinum. It stayed at #1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart for 42 weeks, into 1995. [2] 1997 brought another album, a collaboration with God's Property, aptly named God's Property from Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation. The single, "Stomp", featuring Cheryl "Salt" James (of Salt-N-Pepa), was a huge hit, enjoying heavy rotation on MTV and other music channels, charting at #1 on the R&B Singles Airplay chart for 2 weeks, and even making it in to the Top 40. God's Property from Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation was #1 on the R&B Albums chart for 5 weeks, #3 on the Pop charts, and would go on to be certified 3x platinum. It also brought Franklin another Grammy and three nominations.
The Nu Nation Project was released in 1998. [3] The first single, "Lean on Me", featured R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Bono of U2, Crystal Lewis, and the Family. It was followed by "Revolution" (featuring Rodney Jerkins). Both songs were considerable hits. The Nu Nation Project went on to top the Billboard Contemporary Christian Albums chart for 23 weeks and the Billboard Gospel Albums chart for 49 weeks, and brought Franklin his third Grammy.
In 2001, Franklin oversaw the soundtrack for the film Kingdom Come. The soundtrack featured Jill Scott, Mary Mary, 1NC, AZ Yet, and others. A notable song from the soundtrack was "Thank You" (Kirk Franklin feat Mary Mary).
2002's The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin topped the Gospel Albums chart for 29 weeks, was #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and was certified Platinum. The album featured collaborations with Bishop T.D. Jakes, Shirley Caesar, Tobymac, Jaci Velasquez, Alvin Slaughter, and Yolanda Adams.
In 2004, Franklin was featured on the song "How Many Lashes" together with Yolanda Adams, on the album The Passion of the Christ: Songs.
On October 4, 2005 Hero was released in the United States. The album was certified Gold on December 2, 2005 (2005-12-02) and Platinum on December 14, 2006 (2006-12-14) by the Recording Industry Association of America [4]. It was #1 on both the Billboard Top Christian and Top Gospel albums. The first single, "Looking for You", was a hit, as was the follow-up "Imagine Me", which made it onto the R&B Charts. In December of 2006, Kirk Franklin won two 2007 Grammy Awards, for Hero. Additioanlly, Hero was the 2007 Stellar Awards CD of the Year. [5]
In 2006, Franklin released Songs for the Storm, Volume 1 which topped the Top Gospel albums.
He was also featured on the song, "Lose My Soul" on the album Portable Sounds (US #10, Top Christian Albums #1), which sold over 50,000 units in its first week alone. He was also featured on the compilation Interpretations: Celebrating The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire with the cover "September."
Kirk Franklin's 10th album, The Fight of My Life, was released in the United States on December 18, 2007 (2007-12-18). The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at #33 with 74,000 copies sold in the first week. [6] It reached #1 on the Top Gospel and Top Christian albums charts and #7 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. [7][8] The first single, "Declaration (This is It)," was released on October 23, 2007 (2007-10-23) and reached #53 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. [8]
[edit] Personal life
In 2006, Franklin appeared together with his wife on The Oprah Winfrey Show on the subject of pornography. During the show, entitled Famous Gospel Singer Admits His Addiction to Porn, he admitted to struggling with a porn-addiction for many years. Franklin had informed his wife of his addiction after first having proposed to her to share the pornography together, which she rejected. Kirk stated in the interview that he sought help through Christian counseling and finally considers himself to be free from his addiction. As of the interview, he had been clean for over five years. [9]
[edit] Musical influence
Franklin has collaborated with many Gospel music artists including Mary Mary, Tonéx, Donnie McClurkin, Richard Smallwood, Crystal Lewis, Shirley Caesar, tobyMac, Jaci Velasquez, and Willie Neal Johnson. He also has collaborated with mainstream artists such as Bono, Mary J. Blige, and R. Kelly on the hit single from his album The Nu Nation Project, "Lean on Me."
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
''Kirk Franklin & the Family''
Released: June 29, 1993 (1993-06-29)
Format: CD
Label: Sparrow Records
Certification: Platinum - November 14, 1995 (1995-11-14) [4]
Tracks: 10
Singles: "Why We Sing"
''Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas''
Released: November 7, 1995 (1995-11-07)
Format: CD
Label: Interscope Records
Certification: Gold - January 22, 1999 (1999-01-22) [4]
Tracks: 11
Singles: "Now Behold the Lamb"
''Whatcha Lookin' 4''
Released: April 30, 1996 (1996-04-30)
Format: CD
Label: GospoCentric Records
Certification: Gold - August 16, 1996 (1996-08-16)
Platinum - May 28, 1997 (1997-05-28) [4]
Tracks: 15
Singles: "Melodies From Heaven"
''God's Poperty From Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation''
Released: May 27, 1997 (1997-05-27)
Format: CD
Label: Interscope Records
Certification: Gold - July 30, 1997 (1997-07-30)
Platinum - July 30, 1997 (1997-07-30)
2x Platinum - March 04, 1998 (1998-03-04) [4]
Tracks: 13
Singles: "Stomp", "You Are The Only One"
''The Nu Nation Project''
Released: September 22, 1998 (1998-09-22)
Format: CD
Label: Interscope Records
Certification: Gold - January 20, 1999 (1999-01-20)
Platinum - January 20, 1999 (1999-01-20)
2x Platinum - March 28, 2000 (2000-03-28)
3x Platinum - October 19, 2001 (2001-10-19) [4]
Tracks: 17
Singles: "Lean on Me (feat. Bono, Crystal Lewis, Mary J. Blige and R. Kelly)", "Revolution (feat. Rodney Jerkins)", "Gonna Be A Lovely Day"
''Kirk Franklin presents 1NC''
Released: August 15, 2000 (2000-08-15)
Format: CD
Label: B-Rite Music
Tracks: 18
Singles: "Nobody"
''The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin''
Released: February 19, 2002 (2002-02-19)
Format: CD
Label: GospoCentric Records
Certification: Gold - March 20, 2002 (2002-03-20)
Platinum - May 19, 2003 (2003-05-19) [4]
Tracks: 18
Singles: "Brighter Day"
''A Season of Remixes''
Released: 2003
Format: CD
Label: GospoCentric Records
Tracks: 6
''Hero''
Released: October 4, 2005 (2005-10-04)
Format: CD
Label: GospoCentric Records
Certification: Gold - December 02, 2005 (2005-12-02)
Platinum - December 14, 2006 (2006-12-14) [4]
Tracks: 20
Singles: "Looking for You", "Imagine Me"
''Kirk Franklin Presents: Songs For The Storm Vol. 1''
Released: November 7, 2006 (2006-11-07)
Format: CD
Label: GospoCentric Records
Tracks: 12
Singles: "Look At Me Now"
''The Fight of My Life''
Released: December 18, 2007 (2007-12-18)
Format: CD
Label: GospoCentric Records
Tracks: 16
Singles: "Declaration (This is It)"
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[edit] Other appearances
Live in Washington D.C. (Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir album; Director [10])
Released: 1991
I Sing Because I'm Happy (Georgia Mass Choir album; Piano, Vocals [10])
Released: 1992
Live from Salt Lake City Utah (Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir album; Director [10])
Released: 1992
You Can Make It If You Try (Carnell Murrell album; Director [10])
Released: 1992
Chief Cornerstone (Gospel Music Workshop of America Men's Choir album; Piano, Leader [10])
Released: 1993
Deliverance (Myrna Summers & DFW Choir album; Director [10])
Released: 1993
Holy One (Trinity Temple Full Gospel Mass Choir album; Soloist [10])
Released: 1993
Lost Without You: Soulful Songs for Love and Marriage (Various Artists album; Performer)
Released: March 22, 1994
Label: Capital Records
Tracks: "Real Love"
R. Kelly (R. Kelly album; Choir Director [10])
Released: 1995
Label: Jive Records
Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (Original Soundtrack album; Producer [10])
Released: 1996
Get on the Bus (Original Soundtrack album; Keyboards, Vocals, Producer, Performer [10])
Released: 1996
Greatest Hits (Georgia Mass Choir album; Vocals [10])
Released: 1996
WOW 1997: The Year's 30 Top Christian Artists and Songs (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 1996
Brand New (Salt-n-Pepa album; Performer [10])
Released: 1997
Label: Next Plateau, London Records
Christmas Is... (Various Artists album; Performer [10])
Released: 1997
Finally Karen (Karen Clark-Sheard album; Critic [10])
Released: 1997
Label: Island Records
Glory of Gospel, Vol. 1: Best of Inspirational Music (Various Artists album; [10])
Released: 1997
Live in Indianapolis (Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir album; Director [10])
Released: 1997
Soul Train Christmas Starfest (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 1997
Dancin' in the Spirit, Vol. 2: The Gospel Jam (Various Artists album; Vocals [10])
Released: 1998
GMWA Live Collectors Edition (Rev. James Cleveland album; Performer [10])
Released: 1998
Gospel Out-Takes: Good Cuts (Various Artists album; Vocals [10])
Released: 1998
Living the Dream: A Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 1998
MTV Jams (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 1998
The Prince of Egypt [Inspirational] (Original Soundtrack album; Vocals, Producer, Performer [10])
Released: 1998
Spirit of Power: Inspirational Hits of Gospel (Various Artists album; Performer [10])
Released: 1998
Trin-I-Tee 5:7 (Trin-i-tee 5:7 album; Producer [10])
Released: 1998
Live Praise and Worship from Christ for the Nation (Various Artists album; Soloist [10])
Released: 1999
M2K: Music for the Millenium (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 1999
Spiritual Love (Trin-i-tee 5:7 album; Performer [10])
Released: 1999
Touched by an Angel: The Christmas Album (Original Television Soundtrack album; Producer [10])
Released: 1999
Fearless (Crystal Lewis album; Vocals, Producer, Vocal Arrangement [10])
Released: 2000
Hallelujah Halloween XXX (Various Artists album; Soloist [10])
Released: 2000
His Woman His Wife (Original Soundtrack album; Keyboards, Producer [10])
Released: 2000
M2K Gospel 2000 (Various Artists album; Performer [10])
Released: 2000
Play It to the Bone (Original Soundtrack album; Producer [10])
Released: 2000
Top 20 Gospel, Vol. 3: Gotta Tell the World (Various Artists album; Performer, Soloist [10])
Released: 2000
Whatever It Takes (Various Artists album; Background Coordinator [10])
Released: 2000
WOW Gold (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2000
Boycott [HBO Film] (Original Soundtrack album; Performer [10])
Released: 2001
Kingdom Come [Original Soundtrack] (Original Soundtrack album; Producer [10])
Released: 2001
N.E. X-Perience, Vol. 1 (Gary Mayes/Nu Era album; Inspiration [10])
Released: 2002
This Is Gospel: Meditation (Various Artists album; Performer [10])
Released: 2002
WOW Christmas [Red] (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2002
WOW Gospel 2002 (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2002
God & I (Papa San album; Producer [10])
Released: 2003
Out the Box (Tonéx album; Piano [10])
Released: 2003
Label: Verity Records
Re:Mix Momentum (Tobymac album; Guest Appearance [10])
Released: 2003
Label: ForeFront Records
Ringleader (DJ Maj album; Vocals, Guest Appearance [10])
Released: 2003
Label: Gotee Records
Shirley Caesar and Friends (Shirley Caesar album; [10])
Released: 2003
U Turn (Brian McKnight album; Vocals [10])
Released: 2003
Label: Motown Records
WOW Gospel 2003 (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2003
Even More (Anthony Evans album; Piano, Programming, Vocals, Producer, Guest Appearance [10])
Released: 2004
He-Motions (T. D. Jakes album; Script [10])
Released: 2004
Passion of the Christ: Original Songs Inspired by the (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2004
WOW Gospel 2004 (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2004
Day by Day (Yolanda Adams album; Producer [10])
Released: 2005
Label: Elektra Records, Atlantic Records
Gospel Legends [DVD] (Various Artists album; Performer [10])
Released: 2005
Gospel Legends [Malaco 3 CD] (Various Artists album; Performer, Soloist [10])
Released: 2005
The Gospel [Original Soundtrack] (Original Soundtrack album; Producer [10])
Released: 2005
Men of Gospo, Vol. 1 (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2005
"Shelter in the Rain" (Stevie Wonder album; Vocal Arrangement, Vocal Producer [10])
Released: 2005
Label: Motown Records
A Time to Love (Stevie Wonder album; Arranger, Producer [10])
Released: 2005
Label: Motown Records
Wow #1s: 31 of the Greatest Christian Music Hits Ever (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2005
Boyz in the Sink (VeggieTales album; Vocals, Performer, Guest Appearance [10])
Released: 2006
Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir [601] (Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir album; Director [10])
Released: 2006
Georgia Mass Choir [DVD] (Georgia Mass Choir album; Performer [10])
Released: 2006
Gospo Classics, Vol. 2 (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2006
Men of Gospo, Vol. 2 (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2006
Not in My Family: Songs of Healing and Inspiration (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2006
Soul Togetherness 2006 (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2006
Collaborations [Circuit City Exclusive] (Jill Scott album; Producer [10])
Released: 2007
Da T.R.U.T.H. and Friends Live! (Da’ T.R.U.T.H. album; Guest Appearance [10])
Released: 2007
Label: Cross Movement Records
Essential Donnie (Donnie McClurkin album; Guest Appearance [10])
Released: 2007
Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind (Various Artists album; Drums, Keyboards, Programming, Producer, Executive Producer [10])
Released: 2007
Noel (Josh Groban album; Arranger, Director [10])
Released: 2007
Patty Kark Christmas: At the Manger (Patty Kark album; Arranger [10])
Released: 2007
Portable Sounds (Tobymac album; Vocals (bckgr) [10])
Released: 2007
Label: ForeFront Records
Very Best of Praise and Worship, Vol. 2 (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2007
Wow #1's (Various Artists album; Producer [10])
Released: 2007
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[edit] Music Videos
"Melodies From Heaven"
"Stomp" (featuring Cheryl "Salt" James of Salt-N-Pepa)
"You Are The Only One"
"Lean On Me"
"Revolution"
"Thank You" (feat. Mary Mary)
"Nobody"
"Brighter Day"
"Looking for You"
"Imagine Me"
"September" from Interpretations: The Music of Earth, Wind, & Fire
"Don't Cry"
"Let It Go"
"Declaration (This is It)"
[edit] Filmography
Celebration of Gospel: Taking You Higher (Performer [11])
Released: 2007
The Rance Allen Group: The Live Experience (Performer [11])
Released: 2004
WOW Gospel 2002: 12 Top Videos (Performer [11])
Released: 2002
Kirk Franklin: The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin (Executive Producer [11])
Released: 2002
Journeys in Black: Kirk Franklin (aka BET Journeys in Black: Kirk Franklin; Participant [11])
Released: 2001
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[edit] Billboard chart history
[edit] Albums
Year Album Chart Peak [8][7]
1993 Kirk Franklin & the Family Top Gospel Albums 1
1994 Top Contemporary Christian 1
Top Heatseekers 2
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 6
The Billboard 200 58
1995 Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas Top Gospel Albums 1
Top Contemporary Christian 2
Billboard 200 60
1996 Whatcha Lookin' 4 Top Gospel Albums 1
Top Contemporary Christian 1
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 3
Billboard 200 23
1997 God's Property Top Gospel Albums 1
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 1
Billboard 200 3
1998 The Nu Nation Project Top Gospel Albums 1
Top Contemporary Christian 1
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 4
Billboard 200 7
2002 The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin Top Gospel Albums 1
Top Contemporary Christian 1
Billboard 200 4
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 4
2005 Hero Top Gospel Albums 1
Top Contemporary Christian 1
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 4
Billboard 200 13
2006 Songs For the Storm, Volume I Top Gospel Albums 1
2007 The Fight of My Life Top Gospel Albums 1
Top Christian Albums 1
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 7
Billboard 200 33
[edit] Singles
Year Single Chart Peak [8][7]
1998 "Lean on Me" Billboard Hot 100 79
1999 "Lean on Me" Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks 26
"Revolution" Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks 59
2005 "Looking for You" Billboard Hot 100 61
"Looking for You" Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks 5
2006 "Imagine Me" Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks 52
2007 "Declaration (This is It)" Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 44
2008 "Declaration (This is It)" Adult R&B Airplay 17
[edit] Awards
Year Award-giving body Award
1996 Grammy Awards Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album: Whatcha Lookin' 4 [12]
1997 Grammy Awards Best Gospel Album By Choir or Chorus: God's Property [12]
1998 Grammy Awards Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album: The Nu Nation Project [12]
2000 Stellar Awards Artist of the Year [13]
Song of the Year: "Lean On Me" [13]
Producer of the Year: The Nu Nation Project [13]
CD of the Year: The Nu Nation Project [13]
Contemporary CD of the Year: The Nu Nation Project [13]
Music Video of the Year: "Lean On Me" [13]
Contemporary Choir of the Year: The Nu Nation Project [13]
Rap Hip-Hop Gospel CD of the Year: The Nu Nation Project [13]
2002 Stellar Awards Urban/Inspirational Performance of the Year for Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary: "Thank You" [13]
2003 Stellar Awards Artist of the Year: The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin [13]
Song of the Year: "Hosanna" [13]
Producer of the Year: The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin [13]
CD of the Year: The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin [13]
Music Video of the Year: "Hosanna" [13]
2006 Grammy Awards Best Gospel Song: "Imagine Me" [12]
Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album: Hero [12]
American Music Awards Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist
BET Award Best Gospel Artist
2007 Stellar Awards CD of the Year: Hero [5]
BET Award Best Gospel Artist
[edit] Additional reading
Franklin, Kirk [1998-10-1]. Church Boy. Thomas Nelson. ISBN 0849940508.
Jones, Hatti [2004-11-3]. Free to Dream: The Real Story of Kirk Franklin and his Friends. AuthorHouse. ISBN 1418462756.
Waldron, Clarence (2007-10-29), "Kirk Franklin's new mission: finding gospel's next superstar and boosting the music's appeal", Jet (Magazine/Journal) 112 (17): 60(5)
Slagle, Dana (2005-12-26), "Kirk Franklin healed from 20-year addiction; filled with Christmas joy", Jet (Magazine/Journal) 108 (26): 52(6)
"Kirk Franklin's Joyful Noise", Guideposts, 1997
[edit] External links
Official website
Kirk Franklin music videoes on Yahoo! Music
Kirk Franklin at the Internet Movie Database
Kirk Franklin at All Music Guide
One Nation Crew at All Music Guide
Kirk Franklin at MySpace
