Take 'Em to Church!: Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin's aunt, Gertrude Franklin, believed so much in his talent that she collected and resold aluminum cans in order to afford piano lessons for him at the tender age of four. By age seven, he was able to read and write music as well as play by ear. By age 11, he joined Dallas's Mt. Rose Baptist Church adult choir and shortly thereafter was named music director.

(Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for GMA)