Long before you go to No. 1 with his genre-defying signature hit, there were years when it was questionable whether Kirk Franklin would even survive.

Abandoned by his parents when he was 4 years old, Kirk was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, by an elderly aunt. With finances being tight, the two collected cans and paper to be recycled and used the money to pay for piano lessons. Apparently, those music lessons were well worth it. At age 11, Kirk was appointed minister of music, leading the adult choir at his aunt’s church.

1. Speaking of Hot
Kirk confesses, “I’m still not where I want to be in my walk, but I’m in hot pursuit of Him.”

2. Turning Up the Heat
No matter how he dresses, Kirk always leaves an indelible image. Foremost fashion faux pas:  dressing for an outside venue when the service was held indoors.  It wasn’t just the music that was hot.

3. Well-Versed
Currently, Kirk is tuned into Proverbs 3:5. (Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.)

4. Extended Family
Technically, Kirk is a solo artist; but he always travels with a posse of stellar singers and musicians. In his search for talent, he looks for people with “great hearts. It always starts with the heart of the person,” Kirk says. He views his relationship with his ensembles as one of being “a big brother or father figure.”

5. Safe at Home
Yes, Kirk is a natural performer; but he’s also at home, at home. “My desire is to be a passionate father and attentive husband,” he asserts. He loves going to movies and Chuck E. Cheese’s with his kids to “watch them have what I never had.” While most gospel music is based in Nashville, Detroit or Los Angeles, he remains true to his roots in Dallas. “It’s all I’ve ever known.”