Get ready to clap your hands and raise your voice during a spirited show by Kirk Franklin with special guest Mary Mary! This soulful Texan native will arrive at the Frank Erwin Center March 26 for an inspiring and rousing show that is sure to leave a lasting impact on all who attend!

In 1993, when Franklin first entered the music world, he rocketed to success with his self-titled album Kirk Franklin & The Family. The album spent 100 weeks at the top of Billboard magazine’s gospel charts becoming the first gospel album ever to sell over a million units. Not to be pigeon-holed as solely a gospel artist however, Franklin has branched out and even been responsible for many mainstream successes such as 1995’s “STOMP” which played on MTV.

In the past 13 years Franklin has won three Grammy’s, 33 Stellar and nine Dove Awards. Franklin and has been put into the category of past gospel greats such as Thomas A. Dorsey and Andrea Crouch. Never to be seduced into the easy life by fame, Franklin is now delving once more into uncharted territory as the head of the entertainment company: Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Inc.

Fo Yo Soul is more than your average record label, it stems from Franklin’s experience growing up on the streets with a devoutly religious aunt to guide him at home. Franklin has described the label as a way to bring the church back to a generation he feels has moved away from gospel music. The mission statement states, “We’re seeking to creatively impact the world through the roster of artists and resoures with Christ centered, innovative products and services.”

“ I can look over my life and career now and see both seasons of success as well as struggles and pitfalls, but I still believe that it’s God working in me,” says Franklin. “There’s nothing any different in me than what’s in any Christian artist. I’m just very grateful that God is using my experience, my imperfections, and that when he gives me a song, it’s a song that connects with people.”

Joining Franklin on the tour is Mary Mary, the collaboration of sisters Erica and Tina Campbell. The sisters had early success with their first two albums Thankful and Incredible, but they took a break before releasing their new self-titled album. The two decided to focus on starting their families and are taking their new roles as moms in stride. “The Dixie Chicks have seven kids under four between the three of them. We think we can do it with one child each if they can do it with seven,” says Tina.