Kirk Franklin

Singer A pioneer of the urban contemporary gospel sound, Kirk Franklin is the host of BET's weekly gospel program Sunday Best. Franklin can be credited with giving devotional music a new edge and bringing gospel music to the hip hop generation. The Fort Worth, Texas, native was a gifted musician since his childhood, playing piano and singing in the church choir. After rebelling as a teenager, Franklin returned to the church following the shooting death of a friend. Working with ensembles like The Family and God's Property, and Nu Nation, Franklin has racked up numerous platinum albums and Grammy Awards. Although deeply observant of his faith, Franklin has worked with secular artists like R. Kelly and Bono, expanding his already broad repertoire.