Christian Singer Kirk Franklin Makes History with #1 New Single 'Wanna Be Happy?'

By Tricia N. Newell
Kirk Franklin
"Wanna Be Happy?" - Franklin's first new song in four years, from his forthcoming eleventh album, has debuted at #1 and breaks the record to become the best first-week digital single in gospel sales history.  Fo Yo Soul Recordings

Nine-time GRAMMY® winning recording artist, songwriter and super producer Kirk Franklin, continues his track record of making a strong impact on popular music with the release of his new single "Wanna Be Happy?"

"Wanna Be Happy?" - Franklin's first new song in four years, from his forthcoming eleventh album, has debuted at #1 and breaks the record to become the best first-week digital single in gospel sales history.

With a first-week gospel sales record of 11,882 digital units "Wanna Be Happy?" surpasses the first week sales (11,008 units) of Franklin's last #1 single "I Smile," from the chart-topping Gold album HELLO FEAR.

"This is great news for both Kirk Franklin and the entire gospel genre," said Mark Michel, VP of Sales, RCA Inspiration. "We haven't seen first week numbers like this in gospel since his last record four years ago. We're all very excited about this single and his forthcoming album."

Following the debut of "Wanna Be Happy?" on the Steve Harvey Morning Show and with a live performance on the Season 8 finale of BET's Sunday Best, Kirk Franklin has crafted a song that once again resonates with the masses, setting the stage for what he's calling his "most intentional work" yet. Kirk Franklin's new album is scheduled for release this November.

"Wanna Be Happy?" is now available everywhere music is sold digitally.

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