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By Tiffany Jackson
Who’s the little man with the energy of a lightening rod and a warm loving heart, I am talking about gospel powerhouse, Kirk Franklin. He rocked the house on Sunday evening at the Ft. Worth Bass Performance Hall. He delivered a solid energy packed performance. From his background singers to the musicians, the energy was live. Black, white, purple and blue, he had everyone in the house on their feet. He sung both new and old favorites that kept an interactive crowd.
The special edition to the show was the choir from his former high school, O.D. Wyatt. Although they were young performers, their voices possessed a professional tone. They proved that they knew how to act up for God.
Another special treat came in the form of a birthday tribute to Kirk Franklin’s daughter, Kennedy who turned 11-years-old. The female background singers harmonized an untradional rendition of Happy Birthday. Kirk says that he asked his daughter if it was ok to have the concert on her birthday and she agreed it was fine. It was a beautiful sight to see.
Oh, but let us not forget Kirk Franklin’s seven-year-old son Za Za who played heavily on the drums. Like his father, he showed that he too had a lot of might in a short little package.
Comedy was also an important part of the concert. Who knew that Kirk was such a comedienne. Even though the concert was fun, Kirk became serious when he started talking about his childhood.
“I grew up during a time when being a church boy was not cool,” he confessed. “I was talked about and I struggled but today I am glad that God saw me through, now today it is cool to be a Jesus Freak.”
Kirk’s struggle has lasted for many years because when he first started performing, it was such a controversy with the style of music. Some have felt that his music is borderline secular but this has not stopped the performer from praising God. Since forming the group Kirk Franklin and The Family in 1992, Kirk music has topped the charts both the gospel and R&B charts. This has been a first in history for a gospel artist to have continued success in both worlds. Some say it is great because he has been able to reach the younger generation but others still question his motive.
Regardless, 10 albums later, Kirk continues to make music people hurry to the local record stores to buy. With his latest album, The Fight of My Life, it shows that his life is still a struggle but with the help from his Father, (God) he is sure to rise to the top. People left in satisfaction after the show.
“I really enjoyed myself and I am so glad that I came,” said Dallas’s Rosalind Doss.
The hall’s usher also had great things to say.
“Kirk Franklin really knows how to keep a crowd entertained; that was a good show,” she said smiling.
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