Kym Franklin is an international recording artist signed to Aardvark Records in London, England. She is a vocalist, lyricist, composer and master voice instructor. Her music is an eclectic mix of gospel, R&B, folk, rock, jazz and classical with a solid foundation of heart and soul. Kym has a simple but powerful mission; to uplift and inspire, to remind us of our purpose and ultimately reassure us that we are loved.
Kym Franklin was awarded a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance/Vocal Pedagogy (with emphasis in Choral Conducting) from Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois, in January 2000. She graduated from Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois, in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. While touring in Washington D.C. with the Elmhurst College Concert Choir, Kym's unique style of singing caught the attention of Robert Convery; a world-renowned 20th century classical composer, who was inspired to write a song cycle specifically for her to perform.
In November of 2000, Kym was given the opportunity to tour Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark with gospel great Jesse Dixon and the Chicago Gospel Singers. During this tour a representative of VME music (Germany) took notice of Kym's singing style and as a result, she was asked to be the "Black Soloist" for VME's Gospel News 2001 tour of Europe. She was so well received that she was again contracted for their summer 2002 tour of Germany and a workshop in Spain. Kym traveled to Bern, Switzerland along with Jesse Dixon in April, 2002 to participate in the 27th annual International Montreaux Blues and Jazz Festival. In January 2001, Kym was awarded "Female Singer of the Year 2001" at the International Model and Talent Association Convention (IMTA) held in Los Angeles, competing with over three thousand hand picked contestants from all over the world.
Kym has shared the stage with such noted artists as Jesse Dixon, Chuck Berry, Elsa Harris, Ethel Holloway, Al Green, MC Hammer, Taylor Dane, Bill Cosby, and the O' Jays . Most recently, Kym has provided back-up vocals for R. Kelly. She conducts vocal workshops in the Chicago area as well as in Europe, and has performed throughout the US, Jamaica and Europe.
As an educator, Kym is currently teaching private voice and piano at The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, IL. She was the Director of the Choral Department at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois for three years and was the Gospel Choir Director at Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois.
Kym stays busy on the stage, in the studio and on regular European tours. She is pursuing opportunities that will allow her to live her simple but powerful mission through music. |
