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KIRK FRANKLIN

 There was a time when contemporary gospel music leaned toward inspirational, “positive” messages set to lightly groovin’ tracks that appealed primarily to adults. That was prior to 1993 – before Kirk Franklin arrived on the scene. He injected the music and the culture of contemporary Christianity with a long-lasting energy shot that’s still going. He infused faith-walking with vigorous, youthful excitement and placed godly messages in the same heavy rotation as other urban pop music. Beyond the music, Kirk is a hero and an example to anyone who thinks their life is beyond redemption, having risen from the bleakest streets to the highest heights.

This Grammy-winning, multi-platinum, crossover gospel king was the first gospel artist to sell more than a million copies of his first album (Kirk Franklin & The Family). With hits such as “Stomp,” “Whatcha Lookin’ For,” “Looking for You,” “Revolution,” and “Lean on Me,” Kirk ascended to the upper echelons of gospel and pop. He’s the biggest selling gospel artist in Nielsen Soundscan history with more than 12 million albums sold and more than 20 #1 singles at Gospel radio, plus 5 Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, 34 Stellar Awards (gospel), 12 Dove Awards (CCM), 4 NAACP Awards, 2 BET Music Awards, and a Soul Train Award on his mantle.

Kirk’s new book, The Blueprint: A Plan For Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham/Penguin), is in stores and available online, and he’s working on his twelfth album expected at the end of 2010. A devoted husband, Kirk and his wife, Tammy, have been happily married for 14 years and are proud parents of four children.

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Check out Kirk Franklin’s Website!