Nationally renowned gospel music icon Kirk Franklin considers himself “deep Fort Worth.”
Growing up, he bought his Easter clothes from the Salvation Army on East Lancaster Avenue. While no longer in business, the Tandy Center, Jolly Time Skating Rink and the Stripling & Cox department store were all staples during his upbringing, he told attendees at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting.
“Fort Worth is my home, and there is no other place I’d rather be,” Franklin said.
Fort Worth council members recognized Franklin during a Feb. 10 meeting and honored him as a “Biblical, Black historic figure in modern gospel music,” Chris Nettles said.
The 20-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer is one of the biggest names in gospel music.
Council members Deborah Peoples, Mia Hall and Nettles presented the recognition to Franklin Tuesday evening, sharing how the singer’s musical origin story began in Fort Worth.
Franklin was born to teenage parents and adopted by a relative at the age of 4. When he was just 11, he became the music director for New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church’s adult choir in the Morningside neighborhood, Peoples said.
As a student at O.D. Wyatt High School, he studied music with the Singing Chaparrals and Jewel Kelly, a renowned Fort Worth educator and gospel music director. At 15, he also co-founded a gospel group called the Humble Hearts.
Gospel singer Kirk Franklin acknowledges a person in the crowd as Fort Worth City Council honors him with a recognition. (Drew Shaw | Fort Worth City Council)
Franklin’s “commitment to nurturing talent and uplifting communities” is evident through initiatives such as Camp Lotus, a weeklong music camp for high schoolers.
“Kirk Franklin remains a trailblazer whose impact transcends music,” she added.
Franklin thanked the council for the recognition.
“This is really kind of y’all,” he said. “I love Fort Worth, and this is a beautiful moment to remind me that Fort Worth loves me.”
Marissa Greene is a Report for America corps member, covering faith for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org.
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