Kirk Franklin To Be Honored with Black Music Icon Award During Grammy Week

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A huge honor for Kirk Franklin. The gospel music legend will be celebrated with the Black Music Icon Award at the 2025 Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective.

The Black Music Icon Award celebrates Black, music creators whose commitment to their craft has shaped the industry and inspires people around the world. Since 1997, Franklin has won 20 Grammys. He also has 23 Dove Awards, 23 Stellar Awards, an American Music Award and a Soul Train Music Award. His groundbreaking debut album “Kirk Franklin & The Family” was the first gospel album to sell more than a million copies. It stayed on Billboard’s Gospel charts for 100 weeks. This year, he’s up for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album for “Father’s Day.”

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Franklin is best known for revolutionizing gospel music by blending that genre with R&B and hip-hop. He knows how to dominate the gospel charts all while achieving crossover appeal. The Recording Academy feels Franklin’s well-rounded impact on the music industry makes him the appropriate honoree. His legacy resonates on a global level. He’s able to unite audiences through the power of faith through songs like “Stomp,” “Revolution” and “Brighter Day.”

“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,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement. “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.”

The 2025 Recording Academy Honors takes place on January 30 during Grammy Week, the lead up to the annual Grammy Awards. The Grammy Awards is set for February 2.

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