Celebrating Gospel Royalty: Birthday Blessings for the Week of January 25th

As we journey through the final week of January, iPraiseRadio.com takes a moment to celebrate the birthdays of some of gospel music’s most influential voices. This week brings us the birth anniversaries of trailblazers who have shaped contemporary gospel music and inspired millions worldwide. From groundbreaking artists to powerful preachers, we honor these servants who continue to spread the Good News through their gifts.

Kirk Franklin – January 26

The Reigning King of Urban Gospel Turns 56

Kirk Dewayne Franklin, born January 26, 1970, in Fort Worth, Texas, celebrates another year of blessing the world with his revolutionary approach to gospel music. Raised by his aunt after being abandoned as a baby, Franklin discovered his calling early, becoming music director of the Mt. Rose Baptist Church adult choir at just eleven years old.

Franklin’s impact on gospel music cannot be overstated. With 20 Grammy Awards to his name, he has spent a record-breaking 100 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Songwriters chart. His innovative fusion of gospel, R&B, and hip-hop has redefined contemporary gospel music for more than three decades, with hits like “Stomp,” “Revolution,” and “Looking for You” achieving widespread crossover success.

Recent Achievements:

• Released the uplifting single “Do It Again” in 2025
• Received the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards for his enduring influence across music and entertainment
• Set to receive the Black Music Icon Award at the 2026 Recording Academy Honors on January 29, 2026, celebrating his transformative impact on gospel music
• Featured on his 2023 album Father’s Day which earned him his 20th Grammy Award
• Debuted his original series Den of Kings, which drew over one million views in its first week

Through his joint-venture partnership between RCA Records and his company, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Franklin continues to foster diverse, Christ-centered content while mentoring urban youth.

Tye Tribbett – January 26

Urban Gospel Innovator Celebrates 50 Years

Thomas Tyrone “Tye” Tribbett, born January 26, 1976, in Camden, New Jersey, shares his birthday with Kirk Franklin and brings his own unique fire to gospel music. The son of a pastor and minister, Tribbett grew up immersed in church life, beginning to play piano at age ten and later forming the McGriff Singers with his siblings.

The three-time Grammy Award winner is known for his explosive energy, powerful vocals, and ability to blend traditional gospel with contemporary sounds. As founder of Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing (G.A.), he revolutionized gospel music with his “raggedy” yet anointed vocal style and dynamic performances.

Recent Achievements:

• Currently in the midst of his 2025-2026 tour schedule, performing across the United States
• Nominated for Best Gospel Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for Only On The Road (Live)
• Named one of the Top Gospel Artists of 2025-2026
• Continues to pastor Live Church in Orlando, Florida, alongside his wife, Shanté Tribbett
• Has collaborated with mainstream artists including Will Smith and Usher, bringing gospel influence to wider audiences

Creflo Dollar – January 28

Influential Pastor and Teacher Marks 64 Years

Creflo Augustus Dollar Jr., born January 28, 1962, in College Park, Georgia, celebrates another year of ministry as the founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International. Beginning his ministry in 1986 with just eight people in an elementary school cafeteria, Dollar has built a global ministry that now reaches approximately 30,000 members at the main campus and over 6,000 at the New York location.

Dollar received his Bachelor of Science degree in education from West Georgia College in 1984 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Oral Roberts University in 1998. His television program, Changing Your World, broadcasts both in the United States and internationally, reaching millions with his teachings.

Recent Achievements and Evolution:

• In 2022, Dollar made headlines by formally retracting his long-held teachings on mandatory tithing, stating that the practice is not required for New Testament believers—a significant shift that demonstrated his willingness to reassess doctrine
• Shifted his ministry focus in the 2010s toward what he terms the “Gospel of Grace,” moving away from prosperity theology
• Continues to publish CHANGE magazine, a quarterly international publication with nearly 100,000 subscribers
• Maintains an active preaching schedule at World Changers Church International
• Celebrated his 40th anniversary in ministry, having married Taffi Dollar in 1988

Marvin Sapp – January 28

Gospel Music Legend Celebrates 59 Years

Bishop Marvin Louis Sapp, born January 28, 1967, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has blessed the gospel music world with one of its most recognizable and beloved voices. Beginning his singing journey at age four, Sapp has grown into a seven-time Stellar Award winner and 11-time Grammy nominee.

Sapp’s biggest breakthrough came with his 2007 album Thirsty, featuring the chart-topping single “Never Would Have Made It,” which became an anthem for believers worldwide. In 2010, he became the second all-time highest charting gospel artist in Billboard history. After dropping out of Aenon Bible College, he was invited by gospel great Fred Hammond to sing with Commissioned in 1991, launching his professional career.

Recent Achievements:

• Currently serving as senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel in Fort Worth, Texas, after previously founding the Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids
• Continues to release new music and minister through regular sermons
• In October 2019, appointed Rory Marshall as the new Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center, demonstrating his commitment to raising up new leadership
• Released multiple chart-topping albums including Thirsty and Here I Am
• Maintains an active ministry presence while honoring the legacy of his late wife, MaLinda Sapp, who passed away in 2010, and raising their three children
• Remembering Dorothy “Love” Coates – January 30

A Gospel Icon’s Enduring Legacy

On January 30th, we honor the memory of Dorothy Love Coates (born Dorothy McGriff on January 30, 1928—April 9, 2002), one of gospel music’s most influential and powerful voices. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Coates overcame a difficult childhood—her minister father left when she was six—to become a transformative figure in gospel music.

Coates began playing piano at Evergreen Baptist Church at age ten and later formed the McGriff Singers with her siblings, who had a weekly radio broadcast on WJLD. In 1947, she joined the Gospel Harmonettes (originally the “Gospel Harmoneers”), becoming their lead singer and primary songwriter.

Her Lasting Contributions:

With her “raggedy” voice and preacher’s fire, Coates could outsing the most powerful hard gospel male singers of her era. She wrote more than 300 outstanding songs, many covered by notable performers including Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Mahalia Jackson, and the Blackwood Brothers.

Her most famous compositions include:

• “You Can’t Hurry God (He’s Right On Time)”
• “99 and a Half Won’t Do”
• “That’s Enough”
• “Human Bondage” (a civil rights freedom song)

Civil Rights Activism:

From 1959-1961, Coates became deeply involved with the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. She regarded jail time for her activism as an honor and took traditional gospel songs, changing them to fit contemporary events. In 1964, she wrote “The Hymn” on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Cultural Impact:

While Coates vigorously rejected all offers to cross over to pop or soul music, artists including Little Richard imitated her sanctified singing style. Her influence can be heard in secular hits like Wilson Pickett’s “99 and a Half Won’t Do” and The Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love”. Her recording of “No Hiding Place” was featured in the 1990 film Ghost, earning her the biggest payday of her legendary career.

She also appeared in films The Long Walk Home (1990) and Beloved (1998), leading a chorus of formerly enslaved singers.

Dorothy Love Coates died on April 9, 2002, in Birmingham, Alabama, at age 74, leaving behind two daughters and a legacy that continues to inspire generations of gospel artists.

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A Week of Blessings

This remarkable week reminds us of gospel music’s rich heritage and exciting future. From Kirk Franklin’s genre-defying innovations to Tye Tribbett’s dynamic praise, from Creflo Dollar’s evolving teachings to Marvin Sapp’s soul-stirring vocals, and the enduring legacy of Dorothy Love Coates—we celebrate servants who have answered the call to spread God’s message through music and ministry.

As we honor these birthdays, let us remember that their gifts are not their own but belong to the One who anointed them. Happy birthday to these mighty warriors of faith, and eternal honor to the memory of Sister Dorothy Love Coates.

“I’ve been anointed to sing gospel music, I can’t walk away from this gift.” – Dorothy Love Coates

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Join us in celebrating these gospel legends! Share your favorite songs, sermons, or memories from these artists in the comments below.

For more gospel music news, artist features, and inspiration, stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com—where we celebrate the sound of heaven 24/7.