Kirk Franklin shows DC fans some love with free listening party for new CD 'Long Live Love,' opens up about personal struggles
By Mona Austin Ahead of the May 31 release of his 13th studio album, Kirk Franklin blessed his most faithful fans in DC with a free listening party on Wednesday. Held at Bishop Alfred C. Owens' Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church and hosted by local radio personality Cheryl Jackson of Praise 104.7-FM, the Q&A format of the event had an intimate vibe as Franklin took questions from and selfies with a few audience members, between playing cuts from the album. Kirk is the first to admit that singing is not his forte. He shines brightest as musician, producer and songwriter. Franklin is truly in his element as a writer on the "Long, Live, Love" project. Fans have grown accustomed to jammable beats and feel good hooks, but this work is more heart-impacting as he lends the same strong pen he displayed for Tamela Mann's hits to himself to provoke self examination and spiritual excavation with the goal of embracing God's matchless kind of love. God's...