Soul Train Awards 2023: 5 Fascinating Facts About the Gospel Maestro Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin's incredible journey parallels his musical genius. Spanning three decades, Franklin has consistently delivered soul-stirring performances and achieved chart-topping hits. He's now nominated for the "Best Gospel/Inspirational Award" at the upcoming "Soul Train Awards" 2023, alongside Shirley Caesar, Koryn Hawthorne, Erica Campbell, and Maverick City Music. Before the winner is revealed, here are five key facts to get to know this year's nominee, Kirk Franklin, a little better.
His aunt raised him
Kirk was born on 26th January 1970 in Fort Worth, Texas. However, circumstances caused his aunt Gertrude to raise him. She recycled aluminum so that he could take piano lessons.
He's self-taught
Kirk’s musical journey began at a young age. By age four, he was already playing the piano, reading, and writing music, but he is a largely self-taught musician. He developed his unique style by ear, blending various genres, including gospel, R&B, and hip-hop.
He’s open about his personal struggles
Kirk has mostly always been open about his struggles with addiction and personal challenges. His transparency about these issues has made his music entertaining and deeply relatable.
He’s highly decorated
During his career, Kirk has earned fifteen Grammy Awards, thirteen Dove Awards, and twenty-eight Stellar Awards.
He’s worked with other artists
Kirk has collaborated with numerous other artists across genres, including Babyface, Stevie Wonder, Bono, The Clark Sisters, Mary J. Blige, and many more.
He’s a philanthropist
Outside of working with Award-winning artists, Kirk has also partnered with organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Heart Association, and other groups such as World Vision and Feed the Children to address issues of hunger and poverty around the world.
He’s an author
Kirk is also a writer and motivational speaker. His first book was Church Boy: My Music and My Life, a memoir about his journey as a musician and growing up in the church. He’s written books like The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms and The Fight of My Life: Confessions of an Unlikely Worshiper.
“Soul Train Awards” 2023 premieres Sunday, November 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
