Discover the complete Aretha Franklin biography — the Queen of Soul’s early life, family, four children and sons, major pop songs including “Respect” and “I Say a Little Prayer” with Burt Bacharach, civil rights legacy, and details about her death in 2018.
Aretha Franklin (March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018), known worldwide as the “Queen of Soul,” was one of the most influential singers, songwriters, and pianists in music history. With her powerful, gospel-rooted voice, she dominated soul, R&B, Aretha Franklin pop songs, and jazz, selling over 75 million records and earning 18 Grammy Awards. She became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1987) and remains a symbol of civil rights, female empowerment, and musical excellence.
Early Life and Aretha Franklin Family
Aretha Franklin biography begins in Memphis, Tennessee, where she was born Aretha Louise Franklin. She was the fourth of five children born to Reverend C.L. Franklin (Clarence LaVaughn Franklin), a renowned Baptist minister, civil rights activist, and gifted singer, and Barbara Siggers Franklin, a gospel singer and pianist. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where her father pastored New Bethel Baptist Church. Their home hosted gospel legends like Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward.
Aretha’s mother died of a heart attack when Aretha was just 10 years old. She began singing solos in her father’s church as a child and recorded her first gospel album at age 14 (“Songs of Faith”).
Aretha Franklin family included sisters Erma Franklin and Carolyn Franklin (both singers) and brother Cecil Franklin, who later became her manager.
Aretha Franklin Children / Sons
Aretha Franklin children were central to her life. She was a devoted mother to four sons while building her legendary career:
- Clarence Franklin (born January 28, 1955, when Aretha was 12) — Named after her father. He has special needs and has lived under legal guardianship.
- Edward Derone Franklin (born August 31, 1957) — A gospel singer who occasionally performed with his mother.
- Ted White Jr. (born 1964, known professionally as Teddy Richards) — Son from her marriage to Ted White. He is a musician and guitarist who played in Aretha’s band.
- Kecalf Cunningham (born 1970) — Son with Ken Cunningham. He has worked in gospel rap and music.
After her death, her sons were involved in estate matters, as she left no formal will. The family ultimately reached resolutions to support Clarence and divide assets.
Marriages and Personal Life
Aretha married twice:
- Ted White (1961–1969) — Her first husband and early manager.
- Glynn Turman (1978–1984) — Actor and second husband.
She faced significant challenges, including the 1979 shooting of her father (who died in 1984 after years in a coma) and her own health struggles.
Career, Aretha Franklin Pop Songs & Burt Bacharach Connection
After early gospel success and a jazz/pop phase with Columbia Records, Aretha found her voice at Atlantic Records in 1967. Producer Jerry Wexler helped create timeless hits such as:
- “Respect” (1967) — Her defining anthem.
- “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”
- “Chain of Fools”
- “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”
- “Think”
Her Aretha Franklin pop songs in the 1980s, including “Freeway of Love,” “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?,” and the No. 1 duet with George Michael “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” showed her enduring crossover appeal.
Burt Bacharach Aretha Franklin: She delivered a masterful, soulful version of the Burt Bacharach and Hal David classic “I Say a Little Prayer” (1968), which became one of her most beloved recordings.
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Activism and Legacy
A lifelong civil rights supporter, Aretha performed for Martin Luther King Jr. and sang at his funeral in 1968. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005) and Kennedy Center Honors.
Aretha Franklin Death
Aretha Franklin death came on August 16, 2018, at age 76 in her Detroit home. The cause of death was advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET), a rare form of pancreatic cancer she had battled privately for years. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit. Her passing prompted global tributes and highlighted her enduring impact.
Final Legacy
Aretha Franklin’s music — from raw gospel to electrifying soul and pop — continues to inspire. Her voice, resilience, and cultural influence make her the eternal Queen of Soul. Recommended: Watch the documentary Amazing Grace or listen to her classic albums.
