Kirk Franklin
What is Kirk Franklin known for?
Kirk Franklin is a renowned American gospel musician, singer, songwriter, and choir director. He is highly regarded for his contributions to contemporary gospel music, receiving numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
How many albums has Kirk Franklin released?
Kirk Franklin has released a total of thirteen studio albums to date. His discography includes popular albums such as Kirk Franklin & The Family, Hello Fear, and Losing My Religion, among others.
Can you provide a brief biography of Kirk Franklin?
Kirk Franklin was born on January 26, 1970, in Fort Worth, Texas. He began his music career as a choir director and gained widespread recognition with his debut album, Kirk Franklin & The Family, in 1993. Since then, he has become one of the most successful gospel artists, blending gospel music with contemporary R&B and hip-hop elements. Kirk Franklin‘s uplifting and inspirational music has touched the lives of many listeners around the world.
Around “Love theory”
Franklin’s latest musical offering – and 13th studio album – is the aptly titled LONG LIVE LOVE from his RCA-distributed label, Fo Yo Soul Recordings. But even before the album’s May 31 release date, its lead single is already laying some serious groundwork.
“Love Theory” bowed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and kept the position locked for nine weeks. The vibrant track marked the singer’s record-breaking seventh No. 1 and second start at the top of the chart. With 1 million US streams in its first week per Nielsen Music, “Love Theory» also opened at No. 1 on gospel streaming songs as well as gospel digital song sales. Her colorful and energetic video has racked up over 2.5 million YouTube views and counts.
“When people can see themselves as loved, no matter who or how they are, it gives them more capacity to love,” says Franklin; which is the inspiration for “Love Theory” and the theme of the video. “It’s my constant story about this message of love, thelove of God and me trying to play my role in this conversation. »
Other notable conversation starters on the 10-track LONG LIVE LOVE include the introspective “Just for Me,” the insightful “Father Knows Best” and the cautionary “Idols.” As the very first song Franklin wrote for the album, “Idols” is the album’s hinge. It addresses the issue of people putting too much emphasis on things like their career, body image, and money. Or on their service to God; it sometimes becomes more important than the man himself.
“We live in a time when so many things compete for our hearts’ attention,” Franklin says. “They don’t all have to be bad, but these things can become what we care about more than they should. The “idols” and all the songs on the album came into view – a tapestry of what I believe, what I feel, what I want and my struggles. It’s the good, the bad and the ugly. “
After selecting 50 to 60 song ideas, Franklin began collaborating with his fraternity of co-producers, Ron Hill, Shaun Martin, Max Stark and S1. His latest album, 2015 REM, influenced Losing My Religion (winner of the GRAMMY Award for Best Gospel Album in 2017). He boasted of inviting gospel artists and R&B, including Kim Burrell, Lalah Hathaway, Tasha Cobbs And Tamela Mann. Franklin chose to let the music – a tasty blend of gospel, R&B, hip-hop and other influences – take the lead on LONG LIVE LOVE.
“The process of this album was unique,” Franklin says, “because I had literally written all the songs before I started recording. This has never happened before. This allowed me to see lyrically and melodically if the music could stand on its own without production. Often I think popular music can be too dependent on production. »
Celebrating his 26th career anniversary this year, the winner of more than 40 Stellar Awards and 16 Dove Awards is also busy pushing the boundaries in other projects. Franklin took his GRAMMY total to 16 Grammys at the 61st ceremony This year’s annual in Tori Kelly’s first foray into gospel, the Franklin-produced Hiding Place won best gospel album. “Never Alone,” Franklin’s co-written single from the album, was named best gospel performance/song.
In 2020, Franklin has his eyes set on another successful Exodus Music & Arts Festival, fantastic additions to the Kirk Franklin Praise channel on SiriusXM, and starting production on his bio-pic with Sony.
“You already know what I’m going to say,” Franklin replies with a hearty laugh when asked the secret to his professional longevity and his tireless drive to keep pushing. “It’s because of someone bigger than me and you.” I am the most imperfect person in the world. But to have the opportunity to be here again and communicate this faith that I believe in… I don’t know what more to ask for. »
