About Kam Franklin

Kam Franklin is an interdisciplinary artist, songwriter, vocalist, producer, and cultural connector whose work transcends genre and medium to speak to the core of our shared humanity. Best known as the lead singer and songwriter of acclaimed Gulf Coast soul band The Suffers, Franklin has also established herself as a writer, orator, actress, visual artist, entrepreneur, and advocate, using her platform to champion more inclusive environments for Black, queer, femme, and non-binary artists.

Since forming The Suffers in 2011, Franklin’s collaborations have cemented her reputation as an artist’s artist and fearless creative partner. She contributed vocals to the 2026 Grammy-winning album A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, honoring Clifton Chenier. In 2022, she founded Bayou City Comeback Chorus, a 20-piece social justice music collective, and has since released two EPs with the group, blending psychedelic funk and traditional choral music. In 2021, she joined Chaka Khan, Margo Price, Brandi Carlile, Yola, and others for Allison Russell’s “Once and Future Sounds” at Newport Folk Festival. Her credits also include recording with Grammy-winning Tejano legends La Mafia, performing with the Houston Symphony, and performing alongside Jon Batiste, Questlove, Judith Hill, and Fred Wesley in Washington, D.C.

Franklin is also a member of Antone’s 50th Allstars, a collective celebrating the legacy of Austin’s legendary blues institution. Their debut release received a 2026 Austin Music Award for Best Blues Album. Her collaborative work has connected her with artists including Jim James, The Very Best, Gary Clark Jr., Son Little, Bun B, Lisa E. Harris, Paul Wall, Kevin Morby, Jackie Venson, Lake Street Dive, Living Colour, Bad Brains, Fishbone, Dispatch, Lucius, Lurrie Bell, and others. Her ability to move between soul, Americana, blues, country, gospel, hip-hop, funk, and experimental forms has established her as a singular voice within contemporary roots music.

Beyond the stage, Franklin is an in-demand speaker, panelist, writer, and arts advocate. She has contributed writing on race, gender, music, and culture to Forbes and Vice, appeared on Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead podcast, and spoken at museums, festivals, universities, and nonprofit organizations nationwide. She previously served on the board of directors of HeadCount and as an elected Governor for the Texas and Oklahoma Chapter of the Recording Academy. She also served as the chapter’s inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassador and inaugural Black Music Collective Chapter Ambassador.

On August 28, 2026, Franklin released her debut solo album, Land of the Neon Sun, through her independent label, Homegirl Island Records. Co-executive produced by Franklin and Margo Price, with additional production from Bhi Bhiman, the album features collaborations with Kevin Morby and Jackie Venson. Mixed by Steve Christensen, Jim Eno, and John Allen Stephens and mastered by Chris Longwood, the 12-song album honors Americana roots while embracing experimentation, individuality, and vulnerability.

Land of the Neon Sun marks a new chapter in Franklin’s artistic evolution and reflects her ongoing commitment to honoring musical traditions while pushing them toward new possibilities.