Best Selling Contemporary Gospel Artist Kirk Franklin Returns With All New Album - HERO

Kirk Franklin, who is undeniably one of Gospel music's best selling artists and it's biggest star, is scheduled to release his fifth album, "HERO" on October 4, 2005. "HERO", the first release on Franklin's new Fo Yo Soul Entertainment label (in association with Zomba Label Group) and his first since 2002's platinum-selling The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin, represents the next level in the internationally known artists' career.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050823/NYTU151 )

The Texas native, who made musical history and forever altered the face of contemporary Gospel with the release of his multi-platinum selling debut album Kirk Franklin and the Family in 1993, still remains the biggest-selling urban contemporary Gospel artist in Soundscan history.

The album is a collection of songs that reflect Franklin's growth and progression from the cutting edge record-breaking artist on his biggest song to date, "Stomp", to his current roles as husband, father, businessman, and youth pastor. As always, Franklin offers inspiring, encouraging music for ALL people in and out of the church. A host of musical all-stars have joined Franklin on the "HERO" project, including Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, Ty Tribbett, Dorinda Clark-Cole, tobyMac, and P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval.

The first single, "Looking For You", is a blazing party track featuring a sample from the classic Patrice Rushen hit song "Haven't You Heard." The summer anthem impacts at urban and gospel radio on August 29th and will also be accompanied by a 12 inch that will be serviced to DJ's and clubs. This follows recent high profile appearances including Bishop TD Jakes' Mega-Fest 2005 and a national performance on TBN. Franklin will also be hitting the road this fall on a promotion tour in support of the album. For additional information and a listing of tour dates go to Franklin's new website -- http://www.kirkfranklin.us/.

"HERO" in-stores everywhere October 4, 2005.

For More Information: Sonia Muckle/Zomba Label Group (212) 824-1370 Jojo Pada/ Zomba Gospel (212) 824-1233

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050823/NYTU151
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

SOURCE: Zomba Label Group

CONTACT: Sonia Muckle of Zomba Label Group, +1-212-824-1370, or Jojo
Pada of Zomba Gospel, +1-212-824-1233

Web site: http://www.kirkfranklin.us/