Bursting on the scene in the early ’90s was a unique ensemble of singers who gave birth to what we now know as Urban Contemporary Gospel Music. Their unmistakable vocal style and flair became the sound of the ’90s and early 2000s. That ensemble was Kirk Franklin and The Family. This Iconic group lit up the charts and toured the world, collecting multiple GRAMMY®, Stellar, NAACP Image, and Dove Awards, and selling over 7.5 million records and singles that reached Gold and Platinum status. Their vocals were the backdrop of hits “Why We Sing,” “Conquerors,” “Silver and Gold,” “Now Behold the Lamb,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and “Whatcha Lookin’ 4.” The group is now known as THE FAMILY, and they are back!
After an almost 30-year hiatus, the twelve dynamic voices of The Family have returned to Gospel music with a renewed mission, shared healing, and a testimony of what happens when purpose outlasts pain. The Family members are: Kisha Grandy–Lee, Dalon Collins, Carrie “Mousie” Collins, Darrell Blair, Teresa Rucker, Jeannette Johnson, Yolanda McDonald, Ramona Barlow White, “Mother” Shelia Brice, Demetrice Clinkscale, Nelda Washington, and Stephanie Glynn.
The iconic sound, vibrant energy, and undeniable anointing that this aggregation of singers possesses remain evident today. Their current single, “Jesus,” is heard on the chart-topping soundtrack from the movie Love Mountain. With this single, The Family has been preparing for their reunion project TOGETHER FOREVER, set to release on October 3, 2025. Their long-awaited EP is available now for eager fans to pre-order or pre-save on Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.
This 30-year reset of The Family is being facilitated through a joint venture between veteran producer and songwriter Ernest J. Lee (David’s Dance Music) and music mogul Kerry Douglas (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide.) This dynamic partnership is poised to bring The Family’s nostalgic sound back to their fans from the ’90s and to the new generation of Gospel music lovers.
The Family gave a showstopping performance and a glimpse of their return at the 40th Annual Stellar Awards Pre-Show in August. They are set to attend the 10th Annual Avidity Awards being held on November 1, in Dallas, TX. They will be honored with special musical tribute and the Avidity Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Family invites everyone to save the date for their album release celebratory concert on October 12. Hosted by Carmina Barnett and Aldren McCullar, A Night With The Family will take place at New Breed Christian Center, 4500 S. Riverside Dr, Fort Worth, TX.
The Family is the iconic group that changed the sound of Gospel forever and is back to continue the legacy and amplify the power of Gospel music.
