Kirk Franklin is speaking candidly about a business decision that still follows him decades later. During a recent Instagram Q&A, the gospel legend said his biggest regret in music was giving away his publishing rights at just 22.
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Franklin said he was trying to survive at the time and did not understand the value of what he owned.
“Most of you know my biggest musical regret,” he said. “I regret that at 22 years old, because I was hungry and homeless, that I did not understand the value of what I had in my hand.”
He explained that losing control of his songwriting and publishing affected more than his own pockets. “I did not understand the value of my songwriting and music publishing and what that meant for my children’s children,” Franklin said.
The multi-award-winning artist added that choices made from desperation can carry long consequences. “And I made decisions out of ignorance and out of hunger that have affected me in ways that have had long-term implications.”
Now, he says relief may be on the way. Franklin revealed that copyright reversions could soon allow him to reclaim those rights as he approaches 57.
“Now, the grace is at my age, now there are some reversions that I soon will be blessed to experience,” he said.
Even with the regret, Franklin kept perspective.
“All things work together for good,” he said, later adding that “fruit out of season will kill you.”
Franklin previously shared that he received some of his publishing rights in his 40s. However, when he turns 57 on January 26, 2027, that could ensure him his rights back or a large payout. Either way, this music icon is counting down.
