Kirk Franklin Signs Exclusive Deal with Zomba

• Kirk Franklin & The Family, his debut album (1993), the first Gospel album of the Soundscan era to cross over to the R&B and Pop charts and sell 1 million copies (RIAA platinum);
• God’s Property (1997), the all-star project that became the biggest-selling Gospel album ever at triple platinum, and the first Gospel album to hit #1 on the R&B chart;
• The Nu Nation Project (1998), whose centerpiece “Lean On Me” (with guest vocals by R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, and U2’s Bono) made history when it became the first Christian single nominated for the Song Of the Year Grammy Award; and
• Rebirth Of Kirk Franklin (2002), which swept the Stellar Awards as CD Of the Year, with its hit single “Hosanna” taking Song Of the Year and Video Of the Year awards, as Franklin was named Artist Of the Year and Producer Of the Year.

Kirk Franklin’s mission on behalf of Fo Yo Soul Entertainment – “to creatively impact the world through the roster of artists and resources with Christ centered, innovative products and services” – has been at the heart and soul of his artistry since he first emerged from the Fort Worth, Texas church environment more than a decade ago. Raised up in the church by his aunt, and trained on piano at age four, he was leading the Mt. Rose Baptist Church adult choir by age 11. Franklin was a gifted youth, but his career was nearly short-circuited by violent teenage rebellion.

Jolted back into the fold of his church, Franklin began to envision a sound that fused traditional Gospel with the R&B, rock and pop that he heard. It was an eclectic mix that ran from the funk of Cameo, George Clinton and Rick James, to the rock of U2, INXS, and Depeche Mode, to name a few. Franklin’s life took a dramatic turn when a demo of his local 17-voice ensemble reached GospoCentric founder Vicki Mack Lataillade, who signed Franklin immediately. Within six months, Kirk Franklin & The Family (also known as Why We Sing) had launched the label to platinum status.

As a musician, producer, songwriter, label executive and businessman, church leader and Urban role model, Kirk Franklin is a welcome addition to the ZLG roster.