Kirk Dwayne Franklin (born January 26, 1970(1970-01-26)) is an American Gospel music musician, choir director, and author, and is most notably known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God's Property and One Nation Crew (1NC). A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Franklin was raised by his great aunt Gertrude, having been abandoned as a baby by his mother. Gertrude collected and resold aluminum cans to raise money for Kirk to take piano lessons from the age of 4. Kirk excelled in music, able to read and write music by ear. He received his first contract offer at the age of seven, which his aunt turned down. Cordell Francis Liked He Song Call Stomp And He's New Album Smile. He joined the church choir and became music director of the Mt. Rose Baptist Church adult choir at the age of eleven. Despite his strict religious upbringing, Franklin rebelled in his teenage years, and in an attempt to keep him out of trouble, his great aunt arranged an audition for him at a professional youth conservatory associated with a local university.... 

January 26th, 1970 in Fort Worth (Age 54)