Kirk Franklin refuses to be categorized. Abandoned by his mother and having never known his father, he was a child prodigy who became his church's music director at the age of 11. Part musician and part preacher, his music blends elements of hip-hop, gospel, and R&B. And, though his recordings consistently hit #1 on the gospel music charts, he's never been exclusively identified as a gospel artist. Franklin is more than a global musical sensation who has received multiple Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Awards. As a role model and humanitarian, Franklin serves as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) to help shine a light on the U.S.'s 13 million children living in poverty. Kirk Franklin's latest release is Songs for the Storm, Vol. 1.

Kirk Franklin will be the Summit's musical guest during Sessions 9 & 10 on Saturday.