Kirk Franklin Net Worth: Artist Among Richest Gospel Singers In The World

Kirk Franklin has become a beloved and influential figure in the gospel music world and released many hits since making his debut in the ‘90s. After decades of redefining what gospel music is all about, here’s how much he's earned in his career.

One of the richest gospel musicians in the world, Franklin, 51, is worth around $8.5 million, per Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth comes from his earnings as leader of several urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God's Property and One Nation Crew (1NC), among many others, and as a solo artist.

Franklin remains highly popular nearly three decades into his career. He was the second on the list of top-performing gospel artists of 2020, beaten only by Kanye West, Billboard reported.

The gospel musician, choir director and author formed The Family, a 17-member choir composed of Franklin’s neighbors and friends, back in 1992. Franklin and the Family’s success came after gospel record magnate Vicki Mack-Lataillade heard their demo and signed them to her label, GospoCentric. Their eponymous debut album in 1993 went on to sell over a million copies.

Since then, Franklin has sold over 12 million albums and has over 20 no. 1 gospel hits, per Tuko. He also has three Billboard Hot 100 singles under his belt.

The Family was only the first of his many projects. In 1998, he also formed Nu Nation, which produced some of his biggest singles outside of the gospel music community, “Lean On Me” and “Revolution.” The project had collaborations with Mary J. Blige and producer Rodney Jerkins, according to All Music.

After some legal drama between him and members of The Family, he went on to launch his solo career. “The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin” was released in 2002 to both critical and commercial success, earning him several Grammy awards including best contemporary R&B gospel album and best gospel song.

In 2019, he released “Long Live Love,” which saw him receiving his 14th and 15th Grammy awards: best gospel album and best gospel performance/song.

Franklin made headlines over the weekend after his son Kerrion released an audio recording of some family drama on Instagram, The Washington Post reported. The “Revolution” singer can be heard saying to his 32-year-old son, “I will break your neck. Don’t you ever disrespect me.”

Franklin has since apologized for the matter and explained the dynamics of their "toxic" relationship in a Twitter video.