performers back

Starr Franklin

Sharlette Marie “Starr” Franklin is a songwriter, psalmist, director, author, and pastor. Starr loves to sing, write, direct choirs, write plays and has ministered to thousands of people both in the U.S. and Europe. Her directing of choirs started when she was about 7 and created so much excitement that it later led her to direct a thousand voice choir throughout West Germany. Called to global ministry, she created the first Gospel Choir consisting of thirty four (34) diverse nationalities in an Assembly of God church in the South Bay area of Hawthorne, CA.

Choreographer and winner of McDonald’s Gospelfest in the earlier years, Starr sang and ministered with members of the great Mighty Clouds of Joy and Albertina Walker. While living in Europe for years, Starr started a gospel group called Evangelistic Express, which won many competitions. Starr also sang in a German band and toured all over the Western region.

Associate Pastor to Pastor Daryl Coley Ministries, Starr also served as contract negotiator for many Stellar, Dove and Grammy nominees and winners such as Kirk Franklin, Daryl Coley, Kurt Carr and Lawrence Matthews. These are also a few of the artists she has recorded and/or performed with, but also includes people like Tramaine Hawkins, Donald Lawrence, Yolanda Adams, Clint Brown, Mary Mary and many others.

Member of GMWALA chapter and IMC ( Interdenominational Mass Choir) both under the direction of Rodena Preston, (sister of the late great Billy Preston) which performed last year at a church in Temecula. Co-wrote theme song with friend Billy Preston for a gospel group “Togetherness Band”, Starr continues to write various style of songs ranging from fun children styles to heartfelt inspirational tear jerkers. Whatever the Lord gives her; she does it faithfully and full of passion.

Currently a member of Faithful Central Bible Church, led by her Bishop, Dr. Kenneth Ulmer, Starr pastors from the pew to those who can be reached by someone close at hand. She travels around the country and has recently moved to the Inland Empire area where she believes God wants to use her and bring joy and healing to others through her special gifts of encouragement and performing arts.

The international author of Why Storms Are Needed along with several other inspirational and reference books, Starr will take you on a journey of how God healed her from a stroke, blindness and complete paralysis on her left side. Discover in her book “Why Storms Are Needed”, how all of us must have 3 stages of faith.

Starr has 20+ yrs of experience working with at-risk youth, young adults and their families to build self-awareness, self-esteem and self-empowerment. Her passion to change lives, heal wounded hearts and restore battered souls through love fulfills God’s purpose as she does that through her non-profit organization Side of Life Foundation.

Side of Life Foundation is a non-profit organization that mentors and ministers to at-risk youth, young adults and women throughout the United States and abroad. She’s willing to have a listening ear to many that call her for counseling. Starr has served to date over 2000 individuals and families that now have the tools to live a better life and not a bitter life.

Mother of two boys and a beautiful adopted daughter, who are the love of her life, Starr encourages them to love God and others. She is the spiritual mother to thousands more from every walk of life and places around the world like Ireland, Cairo and Korea.

When you encounter Starr, you immediately know that she comes to bring joy where there is sorrow and hope for someone’s tomorrow. It is a mission and a vision that will not die with Starr, but through her ministry of books, songs and powerful messages, her voice will continue for generations to come. For information on Starr’s book Why Storms are Needed

Contact info: Stewardlinks@yahoo.com