Kirk Franklin to Receive 2025 Black Music Icon Award at Recording Academy Black Music Collective Event

On Thursday, Jan. 30, 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 in Los Angeles. 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,” Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. “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, 54, has won 20 Grammys since 1997, including collaborations with Maverick City Music and Tori Kelly. He has also won 23 GMA Dove Awards, 23 Stellar Awards, an American Music Award and a Soul Train Music Award, among others.

Adam Blackstone will return as music supervisor for the Recording Academy Honors event. Blackstone won a Primetime Emmy in 2022 as music director of The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent

MVD Inc. will returning for the fourth consecutive year to produce the event.