The Iconic group The Family (formerly known as Kirk Franklin and The Family) is together forever and has returned after 30 years to release an album of nostalgic hits and new songs.
TOGETHER FOREVER is the reunion record of the ’90s multiple GRAMMY®, Stellar, NAACP Image, and Dove Award-winning ensemble who took the world by storm. Their urban contemporary sound, fueled by the writing and production genius of Kirk Franklin, became the soundtrack of an era in Gospel music that still holds a powerful impact today. The group’s self-titled debut album, KIRK FRANKLIN & THE FAMILY, was released in 1993 and spent over 100 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Gospel Chart, crossing over to the R&B chart. This was the first Gospel album to sell over 1 million copies.
The Family is the voice behind the hits “Conquerors,’ “Silver And Gold,” “Melodies From Heaven,” “Now Behold The Lamb,” and “Whatcha Lookin’ 4.”
“I am so glad they are back! Their stories have changed, but their sound is the same,” says Autumn Cannon Elmore, KGGR Dallas Radio Program Director.
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 are the twelve voices who carry forward the mantel and legacy of The Family’s iconic status. Their reunion has afforded the group precious moments of reminiscing, renewing their mission, and sharing their personal stories of three decades of pain, power, and purpose.
TOGETHER FOREVER is produced by Ernest J. Lee (David’s Dance Music) and Kerry Douglas, CEO of Blacksmoke Music Worldwide is executive producer. Douglas’ Blacksmoke Music Worldwide is the label home of The Family and many more creative and collaborative projects including THE BLACKSMOKE COLLECTIVE album and forthcoming THE BLACKSMOKE COLLECTIVE CHRISTMAS Vol. 1.
“The first session I had with The Family confirmed I had indeed made the correct decision in this season,” Ernest J. Lee explains. “When they sing together, the richness of their voices is nothing short of amazing. It’s an honor to do this not only because they deserve to be heard again on the big stage, but also because this is a testament that God’s plan and purpose for your life never expires! No one can kill what God has ordained.”
The album begins with a throwback medley featuring their hits and fan favorites, including “Conquers,” “Watcha Lookin’4,” “Melodies From Heaven,” and “Silver and Gold.” New tracks on the album include “Expectancy” featuring Earnest Pugh and “Yeah, Yeah,” written by Ernest J. Lee and original group member Kisha Grandy-Lee.
The Family’s legacy and reunion are being embraced and celebrated by the Gospel music industry. Their radio single, “Jesus (I Love You Lord Today),” continues to rise on the radio charts, breaking into the Top 50 of the Gospel Mediabase Airplay Chart. The iconic singers perform their single in the official music video for “Jesus (I Love You Lord Today)”. Director Shaylen Young of Believe It Network/Grind Zoo Media, captures the unmatched sound, grace, energy, and anointing of the group that is visibly stronger, more refined, and genuine today. Watch the video here.
The Family has also been awarded the 2025 Avidity Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor is given by The Avidity Awards, which hosted their 10th annual award ceremony in Dallas, TX. The Family’s lifetime achievement honor has been earned – they are change agents and trendsetters for the evolution of sound in Gospel music. The Family is focused on carrying the reunion forward, protecting the legacy, and amplifying the name of Jesus through the power of Gospel music.
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