Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin is an American gospel singer, songwriter, producer and choir director, born January 26, 1970. He rose to prominence in the 1990s leading large gospel choirs, most notably Kirk Franklin and the Family, and became a defining figure in bringing gospel music into the mainstream by blending it with R&B, hip-hop and pop production styles.

Franklin's approach broke from traditional gospel conventions by incorporating contemporary urban sounds, funky grooves and radio-friendly hooks, drawing both praise for expanding gospel's audience and some criticism from more traditional corners of the genre. His work helped pave the way for gospel and Christian music to cross over onto secular charts and radio.

Over a career spanning decades, Franklin has released numerous albums and singles that became staples of gospel radio and church services alike, including songs such as «Melodies from Heaven», «I Smile» and «Now Behold the Lamb». He has collaborated widely across genres, working with R&B and hip-hop artists as well as within the gospel choir tradition, and has received numerous Grammy Awards, establishing himself as one of the most influential and commercially successful gospel artists of his generation.