Kirk Franklin and Pastor Hezekiah Walker Named BMI Trailblazers

Kirk Franklin (L) and Pastor Hezekiah Walker (R)

BMI will salute gospel leaders Kirk Franklin and Pastor Hezekiah Walker at the 13th annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon in Nashville on Friday, Jan. 13. The invite-only event will take place one day before the 27th Annual Stellar Awards, to be hosted at Rocketown.

Franklin was the first gospel artist to sell more than one million albums, and has exceeded sales of 15 million, making him the best-selling contemporary gospel artist in SoundScan history. In addition, Franklin is one of gospel’s most decorated creators with 20 No. 1 singles on gospel charts, seven Grammys, 37 Stellar Awards, 14 Dove Awards, and six NAACP Image Awards.

Franklin’s volunteer efforts contribute World Vision and the Children’s Defense Fund, for which he was an Ambassador.

Pastor Hezekiah Walker has led the Love Fellowship Choir, one of gospel music’s most influential groups that infuses traditional gospel and choir music with hip-hop and funk. Pastor Walker is a multiple Grammy winner and has taken home 11 Stellar Awards, and has had numerous nominations for Dove, NAACP Image, and Soul Train honors.

Walker founded Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church and Hezekiah Walker Ministries, which serve as brick and mortar churches in New York and Pennsylvania, and resource centers for congregations all over the country.