Kirk Franklin and the Family

Kirk Franklin and the Family (Live) is the debut album released by Kirk Franklin. This is also the debut album by Franklin in collaboration with his seventeen-voice formed choir, the Family. It was released on June 29, 1993, and it was his first album.[2] With sales of 2 million units,[3] it is one of the best-selling gospel albums of all time.

Kirk Franklin and the Family Live!
Live album by
Kirk Franklin & the Family
ReleasedJune 29, 1993
RecordedJuly 25, 1992 (1992-07-25)
VenueGrace Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fort Worth, Texas
GenreUrban contemporary gospel
Length53:54
LabelGospoCentric
ProducerRodney Frazier
Arthur Dyer
Kirk Franklin & the Family chronology
Kirk Franklin and the Family Live!
(1993)
Christmas
(1995)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]

Background information

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The album was recorded live on July 25, 1992 (1992-07-25) at Grace Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fort Worth, Texas[4] and produced by Rodney Frazier and Arthur Dyer.

All songs on the album were written and arranged by Kirk Franklin. "Speak To Me" includes partial adaptation of a Stanley Brown/Hezekiah Walker composition.[5]

Track listing

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# Title Time Lead vocals Notes
1. Why We Sing 5:55 Kirk Franklin Contains re-sung lyrics from "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" performed by Ethel Waters, based on Gospel hymn written by Civilla D. Martin & Charles H. Gabriel
2. He's Able 4:05 Kirk Franklin; David Mann
3. Silver & Gold 4:52 Cassandra Cleveland
4. Call on the Lord 3:32 Sheila Brice
5. Real Love 5:22 Teresa Young; Dalon Collins; Yolanda McDonald
6. He Can Handle It 5:09 Kirk Franklin
7. A Letter from My Friend 5:41 Dalon Collins
8. The Family Worship Medley 7:55 Terri Pace; Nelda Washington; Demetrius Herefort; Darrell Blair; Tamela Mann
9. Speak to Me 4:19 Kirk Franklin; Byron Cole
10. Till We Meet Again 7:14 Carrie Young-Davis; Ramona White; Duawne Starling

Charts

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Certifications

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The album was certified Platinum on November 14, 1995 (1995-11-14).[11]

Personnel

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Vocalists

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  • David Mann
  • Elder Jonathan Drummond
  • Dalon Collins
  • Byron Cole
  • Minister Darrell Blair
  • Tommy Colter
  • Duawne Starling
  • Sheila Brice
  • Ramona White
  • Nelda Washington
  • Terri Pace
  • Carrie Young-Davis "Mousie"
  • Kesha Grandy
  • Tamela Mann
  • Jeannette Williams
  • Demetrius "Dee" Hereford
  • Yolanda McDonald
  • Teresa Young
  • Cassandra Cleveland-Robertson

Musicians

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  • Jerome Allen - bass
  • Eric Morgan - drums
  • Jerome Harmon, Bobby Sparks - keyboards
  • Anthony Thomas - bandleader

Awards

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The album won a GMA Dove Award for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year at the 24th GMA Dove Awards in 1993.

References

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  1. ^ AllMusic review
  2. ^ Kirk Franklin & Family
  3. ^ MacDonald, Patrick (December 14, 2001). "The gospel according to Kirk Franklin: lively and lucrative". Seattle Times. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  4. ^ Kirk Franklin and the Family (Live) CD (2001)
  5. ^ Franklin, Kirk (1993). Kirk Franklin & The Family (CD inset). Kirk Franklin. GospoCentric Records/Sparrow Records. p. 6.
  6. ^ "Kirk Franklin Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  7. ^ "Kirk Franklin Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  8. ^ "Kirk Franklin Chart History (Top Gospel Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  9. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  10. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  11. ^ RIAA website