Gospel music legend and Fort Worth native Kirk Franklin will be honored with the Black Music Icon Award at the Recording Academy Honors ahead of the 2025 Grammys.

Franklin is credited with revolutionizing gospel music, blending it with R&B and hip-hop elements to make the genre more accessible to mainstream audiences.

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The decorated gospel artist has earned 20 Grammy Awards over his decades-long career, making him one of the most influential figures in contemporary gospel.

Franklin grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and attended Oscar Dean Wyatt High School. He later pursued his passion for music, which launched him into a groundbreaking career in gospel music.

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