the Franz Family

Southern, traditional, and contemporary gospel music to “lift up Christ and uplift His church” is a fitting theme for the ministry of Dean and Leslie Franz, and their oldest son, Michael. The singing Franz Familyactually began some twenty-five years ago, when Dean and Leslie formed their first gospel quartet. They traveled extensively for almost twenty years with two other families in the upper Midwest, albeit on a part-time basis.

In the past quarter century, they have traveled thousands of miles, and have been a part of hundreds of concerts and special events. From 1974-1987, their Southern gospel singing group, A New Song,was featured regularly on Dean’s father, the late Pastor Herb Franz’s weekly evangelistic radio broadcasts originating from Cloquet, Minnesota.

Both Dean and Leslie enjoy a rich heritage of gospel music, growing up with the music of the Blackwood Brothers, Stuart Hamblen, Ira Stanphill, Mosie Lister, Thomas A. Dorsey, John W. Peterson — not to mention Charles Wesley and Fanny Crosby. Shortly after their marriage in 1972, Dean and Leslie began singing and performing together. At the same time, they and their children were being introduced to the music of another generation of gospel singers and songwriters like Bill and Gloria Gaither, Dottie Rambo, Dallas Holm, Rusty Goodman, Andre Crouch, Ronnie Hinson, Joel Hemphill, Phil Cross, Geron Davis, Daryl Williams, and Lanny Wolfe — to mention only a few.

Dean comments, “We love all music that glorifies God and points people to Christ, whether it be a hymn, a praise chorus, or a southern or contemporary gospel song. I guess like anyone else, we have our favorites. But we have come to see that if a song speaks to us, it usually will speak to others, too.” Don’t miss an opportunity to see and hear the Franz Family share from their hearts, words of encouragement and hope, as they present the stirring gospel songs of yesterday and today.

To Our “Home Base” Church Page…
To The Franz Family Page (i.e., ALL of us)…