Gertrude Franklin is the mother of Kirk Franklin. Gertrude’s son Kirk Franklin is a successful and popular songwriter, choir director, gospel singer, rapper, record producer, and author. He is an actor and producer. He has appeared in some films and TV Series including Sister, Sister, Joyful Noise, Kingdom Business, and The Night Before Christmas. He is known for his work in Norbit (2007), Any Given Sunday (1999), and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996).

Gertrude Franklin: Bio Summary

Gertrude Franklin Adopted Kirk Franklin

Gertrude Franklin is the woman who raised Kirk Dewayne Franklin. Gertrude is not the mother of Kirk but she is said to be his aunt. She took Kirk in after he was abandoned as a baby by his mother. According to Kirk Franklin, he was born Kirk Mathis but his name was changed to Kirk Smith when his biological mother married a man in the military so he ‘could be on his insurance’.

Kirk Franklin said that he was dumped but Gertrude Franklin who was a widow accepted him and legally adopted him. She gave him the last name of her husband Jack Franklin, who was deceased. Gertrude did her very best to take good care of Kirk Franklin as her own child. She supported Kirk by raising money from recycled aluminum cans. She raised money for Kirk to take piano lessons from the age of four.

Kirk Franklin was able to read and write music while also playing by ear. The family were devout Christians and reportedly members of Mount Rose Baptist Church in Fort Worth. When Kirk was seven years old, Gertrude Franklin turned down Kirk’s first contract. Kirk became part of the church choir and became music director of the Mt. Rose Baptist Church adult choir at age 11.

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Kirk Franklin rebelled against his strict religious upbringing when he was a teenager. He was 15 years when he witnessed the death of a friend by shooting. Devastated by the death of his friend, Kirk returned to the church, joined the choir, and again directed the choir. He became the co-founder of the gospel group, The Humble Hearts. Meanwhile, Gertrude is said to have been a singer and voice teacher by profession.

According to LA Times, Kirk Franklin said of his mother Gertrude Franklin: “She taught me everything. She taught me how to respect people and respect myself, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”