Kirk Franklin is an American gospel music singer, songwriter, musician, choir director and author. He is known as one of the most successful contemporary gospel artists, having sold over 13 million albums worldwide and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Determining how much Franklin charges for a performance depends on various factors like the type of event, length of performance, and Franklin’s availability.
Typical Performance Fees
Based on publicly available data from booking sites, news reports, and interviews, Kirk Franklin’s typical performance fees range from $75,000 to $150,000 or more. This can vary greatly depending on the factors mentioned above.
Some examples of his past performance fees include:
- $100,000 for a 75 minute set at the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series in Central Park in 2018
- $150,000 for a full concert at Megafest in Dallas in 2016
- $85,000 for a 60 minute set at the Essence Festival in New Orleans in 2019
For smaller events, speeches, or appearances, Franklin may charge between $30,000 to $75,000 for a 30-60 minute set or talk.
Factors Affecting Performance Fees
Several key factors can affect how much Kirk Franklin charges per show:
Type of Event
Franklin commands higher fees for exclusive solo concerts and festival headlining sets compared to charity events or corporate performances.
Length of Performance
Longer sets, sometimes with multiple costume changes and segments, demand higher rates. A 60-90 minute high energy concert set will be priced higher than a 30 minute keynote speech.
Location
Performances in major cities and venues allow Franklin to charge more compared to rural or remote locations due to higher production costs.
Timing
Peak holiday seasons, weekends, and periods aligned with new album/single releases drive up Franklin’s fees due to higher demand.
Expenses
The organizer is responsible for covering travel, lodging, food, production, and Franklin’s full rider requests apart from the base performance fee.
Availability
Franklin’s packed touring and recording schedule also influences fees based on his availability for specific dates.
How Kirk Franklin Sets His Fees
As an award-winning star with decades of success, Kirk Franklin likely has significant say in setting his own appearance and performance fees. Some of the factors he may consider include:
- His current celebrity status and draw
- Usual fee range for equivalent artists
- Overhead production costs
- Earning potential of the event based on audience reach
- Promotional opportunities
That said, Franklin does make special exceptions for charity events or causes he strongly supports, where he may waive portions of his typical fee.
Booking Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin is represented by ICM Partners, one of the biggest talent and literary agencies in the world. Event organizers interested in booking Franklin can contact ICM to check his availability and obtain a quote.
Some key steps for booking Franklin include:
- Send an official request to ICM describing your event details including date, location, expected audience, and desired length of performance.
- If available, Franklin’s team will respond with a performance fee quote based on your event.
- Negotiate contract terms like payment schedules, technical requirements, travel accommodations, and performance set details.
- Coordinate marketing, PR, and merchandise plans around Franklin’s appearance.
- Make sure to fulfill contract riders about stage setup, dressing rooms, catering, security, and hospitality.
While Kirk Franklin has expensive performance fees, he delivers an amazing concert experience that drives attendance and buzz for events. With thoughtful planning and negotiations, organizers can make the finances work through sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise etc.
Notable Performances
Here are some of Kirk Franklin’s most prominent performances over his long career:
Year | Performance | Location | Event |
---|---|---|---|
1994 | Stomp | Dallas, TX | Franklin’s first live album |
1999 | The Nu Nation Project | Detroit, MI | Tour for Franklin’s third studio album |
2005 | Hero | Los Angeles, CA | Grammy Awards – Performed with Yolanda Adams |
2009 | Declaration | Johannesburg, SA | Performed first concert in South Africa |
2015 | Wanna Be Happy? | Dallas, TX | Performed at 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards |
2018 | Love Theory | New York, NY | Good Morning America Summer Concert Series |
Conclusion
Kirk Franklin’s success has made him one of the highest paid performers in gospel music today. While his minimum fees tend to start around $75,000, for major concerts and festivals Kirk Franklin can command $100,000 to $150,000 or more. Factors like event type, location, availability, and production costs impact his fees. Through smart negotiations and marketing, event organizers can book Franklin and leverage his star power, while still managing costs through sponsorships and merchandising. Ultimately, securing Kirk Franklin is a major coup for any event due to his reputation for exhilarating live performances.