GRAMMY 'Best Gospel Album and Song' for Kirk Fanklin

On a 2012 GRAMMY night remembered for an emotional tribute to tragic death of Witney Houston, Christian singer and songwriter of Witney's 1996 hit 'Joy' carried off the top GRAMMY Award for Best Gospel Album and for Best Gospel Song.

Mega-talented urban gospel singer-songwriter, author and choir director Kirk Franklin's song and album 'Hello Fear' took the GRAMMY awards for Best Gospel Song and Best Gospel Album. On a GRAMMY night ruled by Brit music star Adele - with six top GRAMMYs, and steeped in memories and tributes to soul legend, Witney Houston, it was Kirk Franklin's unique sound that established the 'Urban' genre as a mainstream gospel voice.

Album born out of a troubled past

'Hello Fear' is Kirk Franklin's eleventh career album. The new album echoes the struggles of a troubled past and looks to a future built on courage and faith that doesn't turn back. Title track and GRAMMY award winner 'Hello Fear' is a strong and deremined statement that says goodbye to the ghosts of Franklin's and welcomes a new spirit of grace and freedom.

Starting with the ironic greeting 'Hello Fear', Kirk Fanklin recounts emotions of loss and hurt moving through the song's gentle urging rhythms to theultimate sincere welcome, 'Hello Grace.' Track two of the album is Kirk Franklin's own rhythmic narrative poem telling 'The Story of Fear' - the back story to Kirk and the whole emotion of the song and album.

Songs and music with fearless future

'Hello Fear' is wide ranging mix of vocal, instrument and acoustic sounds. Primarily an urban gospel collection there is, to use an over used cliché, "something for everyone". From the driving bounce of 'Today' with Kirk Franklin's recognisable voice-overs to the transcendent, pure choral of 'Never Alone' there is a versatility here that's allowed to stand up and shine.

In 'Hello Fear' it's as though Kirk Franklin has finally said 'Hello to grace'. Living up to his brave, forward facing image on the album cover, Kirk Franklin explores what he can do with sounds of pure gospel, blues, pop, dance, and choral. There's deep worship in 'But The Blood' and a simple, easy-to-sing, joyous and straightforward song in 'God Like You'. The guest vocals are strong and dynamic, able to sing to each other's strengths in harmony. Sober and serious when they have to be and able to have fun and rejoice when they don't.

Kirk Franklin: artist snapshot

Abandoned as a baby, Kirk Franklin was raised by his great aunt Gertrude. She recognised his musical talents and recycled aluminium cans to pay for piano lessons.
Soon able to read and write music, and play by ear Kirk Franklin was offered his first contract at the age of seven - which his aunt turned down. Instead he joined Mount Rose Baptist Church choir and became music director at the age of eleven.

Rebelling in his teens, Gertrude got him an audition at the professional youth conservatory of the local university. His girlfriend's pregnancy and behavioural problems led to his eventual expulsion.

Personal tragedy returned him to church and the co-foundation of gospel group The Humble Hearts. By age twenty, Franklin had been seen and signed by gospel music legend Milton Biggham to lead the choir at the 1990 Gospel Music Workshop of America. Kirk Franklin is best known for urban gospel choirs 'The Family', 'God's Property' and 'One Nation Crew.'

Christian GRAMMY winning music available now

Kirk Franklin's 'Hello Fear', is ready to order now at Eden.co.uk with free delivery on orders over £5. See website for current offers and features including selected sample listening.