The Family, the gospel group originally introduced as Kirk Franklin & The Family, will continue its return with a live recording Saturday, Aug. 1, in Houston.
Twelve of the group’s 17 original members will participate in the reunion. They will revisit music that helped reshape contemporary gospel during the 1990s while preparing to record something new. Kirk Franklin will not participate in the recording.
The group recorded its self-titled debut in Fort Worth in 1992 and released it the following year. Led by “Why We Sing,” the album spent 42 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s gospel albums chart and became a platinum-selling breakthrough.
Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas and Whatcha Lookin’ 4 followed. Together, those releases extended a run that helped move choir-driven gospel further into radio, retail and popular culture.
A Reunion and a New Chapter
The Houston event will serve as both a reunion and a new chapter for The Family. The group plans to revisit songs associated with its history, including “Why We Sing,” “Silver and Gold,” “Now Behold the Lamb,” “Melodies From Heaven,” “Conquerors” and “Whatcha Lookin’ 4.” The singers will also capture a new live recording.
Those songs did more than fill a catalog. They became choir standards, radio fixtures and recurring tests of whether everyone in the alto section had practiced.
The Family has reunited for several appearances in recent years, including performances connected to Kirk Franklin’s Reunion Tour. This recording puts the original singers at the center rather than treating them solely as part of Franklin’s larger touring production.
The Family’s Live Recording Experience begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in Houston. Admission is free with an advance reservation, but seating is limited.