Kirk Franklin tour stops at Stambaugh MODERN GOSPEL’S FOUNDING FATHER

By John Benson | entertainment@vindy.com

11111 Today, when he’s not performing, Franklin can be seen regularly as the host of the gospel talent show “Sunday Best,” which is the highest-rated gospel program in BET network history. He also continues to tour, including a Sunday show at Stambaugh Auditorium.

Here are 10 things you might not have known about Franklin:

22222. At the age of 12, Franklin became his church’s music director.

3. While Franklin was raised in a strict religious home, he rebelled in his teens before returning to the church after the shooting death of a friend.

4. The singer-songwriter got his start with Kirk Franklin & The Family, which watched its 1993 self-titled debut effort remain at No. 1 on the gospel charts for 43 weeks.

5. In 1998, Franklin created The Nu Nation Project, which released a cover of Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” featuring the likes of R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige and Bono.

6. Around the turn of the century, Franklin went solo with his 2002 album “The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin” going No. 1 on not only the gospel chart but also the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop album chart.

7. During his career, Franklin won seven Grammy Awards, 13 GMA Dove Awards and 15 Stellar Awards.

8. Franklin became a best-selling author in 2010 with his book “The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms.”

9. Playing the role of Baylor Sykes, Franklin appeared in 2012 feature film “Joyful Noise.”

10.Next month, Franklin releases his new CD “Losing My Religion,” which includes lead single “Wanna Be Happy.” The new song already went to No. 1 on the gospel chart.