Franklin, forty-six, is the most successful contemporary gospel artist of his generation, but he isn't a singer. He plays the piano, but only intermittently onstage, more to contribute to the pageantry than to show off his modest chops.

Which church does Kirk Franklin attend?

Rose Baptist Church choir. After a brief period of rebellion in his teens, Franklin dedicated himself to music and to his faith. Backed by his 17-member choir, the Family, comprised of friends from his days spent in the church choir, Franklin has been composing and recording songs since 1991.

When did Kirk Franklin start singing?

Franklin began his professional career in 1992 with his seventeen-piece choir group Kirk Franklin & The Family. Their self titled debut album was released in 1993 and spent 42 weeks atop Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart. Earning platinum sales status, it was the first gospel album to sell over a million units.