**GRAMMY® WEEK EVENT TO BE HELD AT THE FAIRMONT CENTURY PLAZA ON THURS, JAN. 30, 2025**

**SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JAN. 8, 2025)** – On **Thurs, Jan. 30, 2025**, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer, **Kirk Franklin** will be celebrated at the fourth annual Recording Academy® Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective, at the Fairmont Century Plaza. Franklin will receive the **Black Music Icon Award**, which celebrates Black music creators whose commitment to their craft has profoundly shaped the industry and whose legacy of service inspires countless people around the world.

“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,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “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.”

Franklin, a 20-time GRAMMY Award-winning gospel artist has revolutionized the gospel music genre by blending gospel, R&B, and hip-hop. A Fort Worth, Texas, native, Franklin began playing piano at age four and directing choirs at 11. His debut album, *Kirk Franklin & The Family*, was the first gospel album to sell more than a million copies, spending 100 weeks on the Billboard Gospel charts. Known for hits like “Stomp,” “Revolution,*”* and “Brighter Day,” Franklin’s music has achieved widespread crossover success and transformed the genre. Through the joint-venture partnership between RCA Records and his company, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Franklin has fostered diverse, Christ-centered content while mentoring urban youth. His 13 albums, all certified gold or platinum, have earned him nine Dove Awards, 33 Stellar Awards, and a Soul Train Award. Collaborating with artists like Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, and Chance the Rapper, Franklin has consistently bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream music, reaching broader audiences. In 2011, he also authored *The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms*, which focuses on a transparent approach to addressing issues ranging from marriage and politics to sex and religion. Through his foundation, he leads community outreach initiatives focused on education and mentorship, empowering future generations and promoting personal growth through faith and music. Franklin’s renowned leadership of urban contemporary gospel choirs—including The Family, God’s Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC)—continues to dominate the Billboard Gospel chart while achieving mainstream success. A trailblazer in music, Franklin’s legacy resonates globally, uniting audiences through the power of faith.

Returning for the fourth consecutive year to produce the Recording Academy Honors event is **MVD Inc**, with **Adam Blackstone** also returning as music supervisor for the evening.

*The [2025 GRAMMYs](https://www.grammy.com/news/2025-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list), officially known as the [67th GRAMMY Awards](https://www.grammy.com/awards/67th-annual-grammy-awards-2024), will air live on CBS and Paramount+ on **Sunday, Feb. 2**. Watch highlights from the 2025 GRAMMYs on [live.GRAMMY.com](https://live.grammy.com/).*

*The 2025 GRAMMYs telecast will be reimagined to raise funds to support wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals impacted by the [wildfires in Los Angeles](https://www.recordingacademy.com/news/la-fire-relief-musicares-recording-academy). Donate to the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' [Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals](https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief).*

*In light of the [wildfires impacting Los Angeles](https://www.recordingacademy.com/news/la-fire-relief-musicares-recording-academy), the 2025 GRAMMY Week event schedule [has been repurposed](https://www.recordingacademy.com/press-releases/recording-academy-condenses-grammy-week-activities) to focus on raising funds to support wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals. Donate to the [Recording Academy's and MusiCares' Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals](https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief).*

**ABOUT MVD INC**\
MVD Inc is a trailblazing global agency redefining the intersection of culture, creativity, and brand storytelling. Founded by visionary sisters Miatta Johnson and Massah David, MVD pushes boundaries to deliver groundbreaking campaigns that resonate globally and shape industries. With an unmatched ability to translate cultural moments into iconic experiences, the agency has set new standards across music, film, fashion, and technology. From Sony Pictures to Universal Music Group, ESSENCE, and the Recording Academy, MVD’s work not only drives results but sparks conversations and influences the cultural zeitgeist.

**ABOUT THE BLACK MUSIC COLLECTIVE**

The Black Music Collective is a hub for power players in Black music, across all genres, under the GRAMMY roof, bringing together creative geniuses and business leaders to set unified goals, align on a shared agenda, and build community. For more information on the Black Music Collective, visit[ here](https://www.recordingacademy.com/inclusion/black-music-collective). For exclusive content, please join the Black Music Collective's social communities on[ Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/blackmusiccollective/?hl=en) and[ Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackmusiccollective/).

**ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY**

[The Recording Academy](https://www.recordingacademy.com/?utm_source=comms&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=) represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the [GRAMMY Museum®](https://grammymuseum.org/?utm_source=comms&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=), advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through [MusiCares](https://www.musicares.org/?utm_source=comms&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=), and celebrates artistic excellence through the [GRAMMY Awards](https://www.grammy.com/awards?utm_source=comms&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=) — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the GRAMMY Awards and the Recording Academy, please visit [GRAMMY.com](https://www.grammy.com/?utm_source=comms&utm_medium=referral) and [RecordingAcademy.com](https://www.recordingacademy.com/?utm_source=comms&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=). For breaking news and exclusive content, [follow @RecordingAcad on X](https://twitter.com/recordingacad), ["like" Recording Academy on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/RecordingAcademy/), and join the Recording Academy's social communities on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/recordingacademy/), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/grammy), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@grammys), and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/recordingacademy/). For media assets, please visit the [Recording Academy's Press Room](https://www.recordingacademy.com/press-room?utm_source=comms&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=).

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Black Music Collective

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