Kirk Franklin to Receive Black Music Icon Award at 2025 Recording Academy Honors

Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin

GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Kirk Franklin will be honored at the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors presented by the Black Music Collective on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. Franklin will receive the prestigious Black Music Icon Award, a recognition given to Black music creators whose influence on the industry has shaped its evolution and whose legacy continues to inspire generations worldwide.

“Kirk has not only revolutionized gospel music but has also bridged the gap between genres, redefining the possibilities of musical expression and inspiring generations with his message of hope and faith,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “His unwavering dedication to his craft and his legacy of service embody the very essence of the Black Music Icon Award. We look forward to honoring Kirk for his profound influence on the industry and the countless lives he continues to touch worldwide.”

With 20 GRAMMY Awards to his name, Franklin is a trailblazer in the gospel genre, fusing gospel, R&B, and hip-hop to create a unique sound that has achieved widespread crossover success. His debut album Kirk Franklin & The Family made history as the first gospel album to sell more than a million copies, spending 100 weeks on the Billboard Gospel charts. Known for hit songs such as “Stomp,” “Revolution,” and “Brighter Day,” Franklin’s music has transcended the gospel genre and transformed it into a global movement of faith, hope, and unity.

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Franklin’s influence stretches far beyond his music career. With 13 gold and platinum-certified albums, nine Dove Awards, 33 Stellar Awards, and a Soul Train Award, his legacy is unmatched. Franklin’s collaborations with artists like Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, and Chance the Rapper have consistently bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream music, making him a key figure in the music industry.

In addition to his music, Franklin is a philanthropist and mentor, leading the Kirk Franklin Foundation to promote community outreach, education, and empowerment for urban youth. His leadership of iconic urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God’s Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC) has been instrumental in shaping the genre and dominating the Billboard Gospel charts.

As a writer, Franklin also authored The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms in 2011, offering a transparent approach to navigating life’s challenges, from marriage to politics to faith.

The Recording Academy Honors event will once again be produced by MVD Inc, with Adam Blackstone returning as music supervisor for the evening.