Church Boy: My Music & My Life

by Kirk Franklin, Jim Nelson Black

When he fell from a darkened stage in November 1996, Kirk Franklin could easily have been killed. That ten-foot plunge might have ended the career of one of America's most exciting young prodigies. But thanks to his dramatic recovery, the fall added not only a new dimension to his story but it brought Kirk Franklin to the attention of millions who otherwise might never have heard the name. Today Kirk Franklin is bigger than ever. His recordings have topped the charts, selling more copies in less time than any gospel musician in history. He has won every award gospel music has to offer but his own success is the last thing on his mind. This is the story of a young man from the poor side of town. He was taunted and teased as a child, but his faith and his remarkable musical talent helped him overcome the odds. In these pages Kirk Franklin reveals the real source of his strength. "What motivates me," he says, "is the knowledge that God has redeemed me from the pain and the hurts and the sin of my past and given me a new joy I can't even explain. It's not just for show," he says. "It's the truth, and that's what I want to express."

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Christian

232 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[David Eversole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this look into Kirk Franklin's life. He was upfront about his struggles, from childhood through the present. He shared areas where he needed to improve and how he had people to help hold him accountable, yet he did so without giving us too much detail. I enjoy his music and will continue to do so because I believe Kirk loves the Lord and desires to live his life for Jesus.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has grown up listening to gospel music all my life, no one is as well known in the gospel music genre as Kirk Franklin. Through this book, Kirk provides a first hand account of his life from being raised by his grandmother’s sister, to feeling like an outcast among his peers, his tumultuous teenage years as his eventual discovery and love for gospel music as a way to share the love of God with others.

I was impressed that Kirk doesn’t sugarcoat his life experiences but instead embraces them and even expresses regret in some cases. Through surviving the hardships of his life, he feels that these challenges and God have helped him become a better man.

The book is divided into three parts: beginnings, transitions, and expectations. The beginning portion of the book focuses on the accident which nearly ended Kirk’s life in 1996 and his recovery from that accident. The first portion of the book also focuses on Kirk’s upbringing by his aunt Gertrude and the feelings the come with being raised by an sixty-four year old woman.

The transitions portion of the book focuses on Kirk’s middle school experiences and what lead up to him become heavily involved in gospel music. During this section of the book, Kirk writes of being sexually actIve starting at age 14 as well as his eventual decision to accept God in his life. This section of the book ends with Kirk being invited to perform at various gospel music workshops and his stance on religion which is while he’s always ready to be a witness for his faith, he’s not going to force it on people or be overly aggressive.

In the expectations portion of the book focuses on Kirk’s accepting the influence he has in gospel music as well as staying true to God, himself, his wife, kids and those he interacts with. He ends the book by being hopeful of the future and having an opportunity to spread the word of God to as many people as possible. Throughout this book, Kirk is grateful for God allowing him to live and spread the message of God and love to the world.

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Church Boy is a solid memoir. Kirk Franklin provides adequate background, lightly touches on his upbringing and natural music talent. Then he overs school and early year's in the chruch. As I listened, it felt like Franklin was honest and had more to say that was carefully coded. He alluded to things that are certainly his to keep private.

I enjoyed hearing how he was adopted, loved, groomed and then slightly lost his way. It appeared that Franklin was destined to be “God's Child” even when trying to get into mischief. The pivotal moment that he chose a better future was uplifting and left me smiling. The details are like solid unfinished tracks. I look forward to reading a part two and hope that Franklin clears up what he didn't say in Church Boy.

[ToniReads_1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read about Kirk Franklin and his life growing up, It's always good to hear about someone's beginnings especially when they are humble enough to be very open about it and share it.

[Stephen Matlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stories of Kirk Franklin's early years. His passion certainly has not dimmed.

[Donnisha Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. One day I'm gonna read it again just for memories' sake.

[Silas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an autobiography of an Adventist man named Kirk Franklin, I really enjoyed the book and it’s very inspirational and relatable story to me. This book should let you know that your life is a treasure that should be valued every day. His career is on singing and has some very powerful music as he grows his relationship in this book with God. His life story is interesting to hear and I think you should give this book a good review.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy his music more than I enjoyed his autobiography, but it is a decent read and quick to get through. There seems to be some issues he has gone through/is going through with homosexuality, since that is the only "sin" that is really identified in this book. It seems that the accusations that were made about him early on shaped his position on homosexuality, so much as to to say that in one point in the book, he mentions hanging out with the wrong crowd, and lists "gay people" as part of that crowd. Since when did it become evil to be around gay people? He declares at the end that he is not homophobic and believes that homosexuality is a choice - a wrong choice - that Jesus can make right. Perhaps we disagree on some issues and approaches theologically, but I appreciate his open reflection and authenticity in his work/ministry. Thank you, Brother Kirk, for your inspirational soul!

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the autobiography of the gospel music singer, Kirk Franklin. It covers his impoverished childhood in his great aunt's home in east Fort Worth to his success in the gospel music industry. His talent for piano and singing showed up very early. He was leading his Baptist church choir by the time he was eleven. As his church music career developed, his lifestyle fit more with his urban life. He did try to reconcile his faith in God to his songs. I'd have preferred a life following God, then writing songs to reflect that walk. Franklin developed many good contacts in the music industry and was a hard worker and talented performer.

[Be · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Great!

[RYCJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from the repetitiveness, I ended up finding this memoir uplifting.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed his book. Many times we forget that artists are people too. They struggle just like we struggle and they are capable of coming back just as we are.