Kirk Franklin

Kirk went on to win 9 Dove, 33 Stellar and 3 Grammy Awards in the Gospel music field.  Franklin just recently released his new CD HERO.  His desire is that it reflects his growth from his first CD released over a decade ago to his current roles as husband, father, businessman, youth pastor and now, new record label CEO. 

With extreme contraversy, in the summer of 1994, Kirk Franklin made musical history and forever altered the face of contemporary Gospelwith the release of his debut album, Kirk Franklin and the Family, the first Gospel album to sell more than a million units.

After a decade on the charts, the biggest-selling Contemporary Gospel artist in Soundscan history is poised once again to make a resounding debut with the release of HERO and as an entrepreneur and head of his own entertainment venture: Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Although he is busy promoting his new CD, he took time to acknowledge Hurricane Katrina victims in Detroit at the Live Again Benefit concert held at Straightgate church under the leadership of Bishop Andrew Merritt.

He also sat down with Urban Gospel News and talked with us about his passion for helping others, the release of HERO, his remarkable career and how music influences this generation.

Click to hear some of the interview.

In addition to the first single, “Looking For You,” a signature hype record -- featuring the classic Patrice Rushen sample “Looking For You”-- that Kirk’s fans have come to love and expect from him, the CD includes the title track, “Hero,” which chronicles the journey of mankind from destitution and depravity to redemption and restoration, and features guest vocals by one of the legendary Clark Sisters, Dorinda Clark-Cole. 

“Let It Go,” featuring guest vocals by tobyMac and Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D., is a haunting musical testimonial where Franklin tells of a past filled with sex, drugs, pornography, insecurity and growing up without a father.  “Without You,” one of the most intimate moments on the CD, features a rare and deeply personal lead vocal from Franklin himself as he expresses his deepest sentiments of dependency on Christ. 

The one and only Stevie Wonder makes a featured guest appearance on the Motown-inspired song, ”Why,” a semi-tongue-in-cheek take on many of the social ills plaguing society, both inside and outside the church, that also features a scorching percussion by Sheila E.  Several other tracks round out HERO including, ”Afterwhile,” featuring Yolanda Adams’ velvety vocals along with a gentle piano accompaniment delivering a message of assurance and encouragement that will undoubtedly resonate with all who hear it.