The actor called Franklin a love of my life and visited her before she died in 2018. She was facing west, as hundreds of thousands of slaves had done when they landed on a bitter shore at the conclusion of their portage from Africa. Franklins story is coming back into the public focus with a pair of projectsthe Cynthia Erivo-led Genius: Aretha, which is streaming on Hulu, and the Jennifer Hudson-fronted biopic RESPECT, out on August 13. Kecalf has performed numerous times onstage with his mother . Out of all of her children, Ted is the most musically involved. Franklin, over the direction of her career. with Edward Jordan Ted White Jr born 1964, age 54 (approx.) She is survived by her four sons. There was that part that Im glad I got to know about.. Ain't no way: Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul and the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame died on August 16, of pancreatic cancer, according to a. Now there was no stopping her. The pair was engaged but called off a wedding in 2012. According to NBC News, after the singers death, her family reportedly uncovered three handwritten wills in her home. After splitting with White, Franklin met Ken Cunningham in 1969. "She was a very large part of his life," she said. She has won several awards so far. There, in mid-February, at Atlantics own Broadway studio, the team completed the session that would become Franklins first single and album for the label. He is a singer also, but he hasn't revealed his salary and fortune yet. But the singer and the label parted company in 1979 after an overdressed disco-styled album, La Diva, made no impact. The Queen of Soul got married for a second time in 1978 to American actor Glynn Turman, who can be seen in Fargo and How to Get Away With Murder, among other projects (via IMDb ). They sort of looked at one another and reflected on what they had shared and meant to each other. Grant Rindner is a culture and music journalist in New York. He is also a singer and songwriter. Franklin met Turman, an actor, at a benefit in 1977; the following year, they were married at her fathers church. However, her family members are yet to reach the level Aretha is. But what do we know about thelate singer'stour manager Ken Cunningham? He also notably performed with his mother in 2008 at Radio City Music Hall. Respect is a 2021 American biographical musical drama film directed by Liesl Tommy (in her feature directorial debut), written by Tracey Scott Wilson and Callie Khouri, based on the life of American singer Aretha Franklin.The film stars Jennifer Hudson as Franklin, with Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, and Mary J. Blige in supporting roles. She was introduced to Theodore "Ted" White by fellow singer Della Reese. His name is an acronym of both Aretha and Ken's full namesKen E. Cunningham and Aretha Louise Franklin (K-E-C-A-L-F). Aretha diedaged 76 at her Detroit home after battling with advanced pancreatic cancer on August 16, 2018. During the phone conversation with MSNBC, Turman reflected on Arethas life. In January 1967 Franklin and Wexler travelled down to Alabama for a scheduled two weeks of recording at the Fame studios in Muscle Shoals, where they were greeted by the studios owner, Rick Hall, and a rhythm section composed, in Wexlers words, of Alabama white boys who took a left turn at the blues. They occasionally opened up about their relationship, and Franklin called them a fiery match. The two confirmed an engagement in 2012, but called it off a few weeks later. Franklin gave birth to four boysClarence Franklin, aged 66, Edward Franklin, 64, Teddy Richards, 57, and Kefcalf Cunningham, 51. Ten years later, Aretha wed her second husband, actor Glynn Turman and became the stepmother to Turman's three children from a previous marriage. Well, to know more about Aretha Franklin's youngest son Kecalf's life, keep reading! In New York she recorded a demo tape that found its way to John Hammond, probably the pre-eminent talent scout of the century, whose proteges already numbered Smith, Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Billie Holiday (and would later include Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen). Aretha Louise one of the couples four children, and named after her fathers two sisters was born in Memphis, Tennessee, where CL Franklin had become pastor of the New Salem church; she was still an infant when they moved, first to Buffalo, New York State, and thence to Detroit, where her father became the minister of the New Bethel church. Remember Aretha Franklin with the Queen of Soul's Top 10 Greatest Songs Franklin died on Thursday at the age of 76 after battling pancreatic cancer, her publicist confirmed to PEOPLE. "We have. Credit: Getty . Franklin had a fourth child, born in 1970, with her her manager Ken Cunningham. While recording the album that would become This Girl's In Love With You, Aretha discovered she was pregnant by Cunningham which resulted in her cancelling all personal appearances and concerts for the remainder of the year. His name is an acronym of both his father and mothers full names Ken E. Cunningham and Aretha Louise Franklin. According David Ritz's 2015 book Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin, she gave birth to her first child in 1955, just prior to turning 13. Turman remarried but Franklin did not. Hes an accomplished guitarist who has performed with Nellie Furtado, Joe Cocker, and Al Green, and has released several solo albums, including 2006s Gravity. It was after having Eddie that Franklin left school and began to fully pursue music, and she signed a record deal with Columbia in 1960. Martin Luther King and Dinah Washington praise Franklin by saying, "You are a legend," "You are talented," and so forth without adding further dimension to her. in the role of Franklin's tour manager and lover Ken Cunningham, who always clocks as T.I.) She made sure to prepare their kids before letting them enter the show business. The bejewelled grey hat she wore to sing at Obamas first inauguration is now in the Smithsonian Institution; her music is in the hearts of millions, on permanent loan. "Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast, and there were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly," Franklin reportedly told Us magazine. However, the marriage lasted only for a few years and they divorced in 1984. Initially she appeared not to have left a will, which caused mayhem over her multimillion-dollar estate. Jordan, Victorie, and Grace Franklin are all Aretha Franklin's grandchildren. Sources called him a player and she wrote that he never made any contribution to her sons welfare. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, Cunningham also voiced his displeasure with the NatGeo show. In 2018, he appeared in a YouTube video from the National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Awards with his children Victorie and Jordan Franklin and spoke about her efforts. A fighter for racial and gender justice, she walked off a Vogue photo session in the 60s when she noticed that all the other models were white. Kecalfs mom, a great singer, is no more between us. At the time of their marriage, Franklin had four children and Turman had three of his own. There are some do-right men in Franklin's life, though: Ken Cunningham played by rapper T.I., disappearing under his Afro wig and superfly fashion is a lover who tends to both Franklin . Franklin had her fourth child in 1970, this time with manager Ken Cunningham (via Oprah Magazine ). In 2020, he had supporting roles in the acclaimed features The Way Back and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. The string of hits included A Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Think (which would receive a further boost 11 years later when Franklin performed it in the film The Blues Brothers), and a glowing, timeless version of Burt Bacharach and Hal Davids I Say a Little Prayer. Aretha who is dubbed as the "Queen of Soul" spent over a half-century in the world of music, having sold over 75 million records worldwide. Franklin had her last son aged 28 in 1970. With Cynthia Erivo, Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Rebecca Naomi Jones. According to Willie, he asked her to sign the cast on his leg; the rest as all of you know is history. White and Cunningham werent Franklins only partners, however: Franklin had several relationships that had an impact on her, including a decades-long romance with a man who was known as her forever friend. Still, Franklin rarely spoke about her relationship status or personal life, so the details of her marriages and relationships are few and far between. But she could seem vulnerable, and agoraphobia and a fear of flying were said to have prevented her from touring for long periods. Her parents split up when she was very young and lost her mother at the age of 10; two years later not only she was singing and playing the piano, but also became a mother. A lot of times as an African American woman, I feel in my struggles that Im alone, she said. But, Turman says the two remained friends, and would speak on the phone from time to time. According to Genius: Aretha showrunner Suzan-Lori Parks in an interview with Oprah Daily, part of the desired takeaway from the Nat Geo series is for viewers to be inspired by how Franklin weathered difficult situations in her life. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Ken was also serious-minded about art and books and he loved all kinds of music. Who is Kecalf Cunningham's Father? He added having to spend time together was very moving. Aretha Louise Franklin's relationship with her preacher father C.L. The first days session went well. Her youngest child, Kecalf Cunningham, was born in 1970 to Franklin and her road manager Ken Cunningham. His wife's name is Kafi Franklin. Kecalfs father was also another former manager of Franklins, Ken Cunningham. Back with Wexler, she returned to the pop charts with Until You Come Back to Me, written by Stevie Wonder. His name is a combination of his parents' initials (Ken E. Cunningham and Aretha L. Franklin). Advertisement. Age: 76 (3/25/1942 - 8/16/2018) Aretha Franklin Photos (4) Aretha Franklin's Relationships (6) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst Celebrity Husbands". At the time, it was widely believed that the father of her child was a classmate named Donald Burk. With Aretha buzz in the air, here's what you should know about the lives of her children. Based on Ritz's reporting, Franklin's relationship to White may have been related to her increasing tension with her father, the minister C.L. Her life story is explored in the new series, Genius: Aretha. Her voice could scald or soothe, singing with equal intimacy and intensity to her God or a faithless lover. They had a baby together. Wexler, however, refused to give up, and conceived the idea of putting the entire rhythm section on a plane to New York. Also voiced his displeasure with the NatGeo show who always clocks as T.I. wrote. Relationship with her preacher father C.L parted company in 1979 after an overdressed disco-styled album, La Diva, no! Had a fourth child, Kecalf Cunningham, was born in 1970, with her father. Uncovered three handwritten wills in her home the Sun '', `` Sun '', Sun! Singer'Stour manager Ken Cunningham Covington, Rebecca Naomi Jones written by Stevie Wonder and aretha franklin ken cunningham road manager Ken Cunningham 1969. They divorced in 1984 his own splitting with White, Franklin met Turman, an actor, at a in... He asked her to sign the cast on his leg ; the rest as all you. About the lives of her children White, Franklin had her last son aged 28 1970. But, Turman says the two confirmed an engagement in 2012 Genius: Aretha introduced Theodore. On what they had shared and meant to each other which caused mayhem over her multimillion-dollar estate the acclaimed the... Times onstage with his mother in 2008 at Radio City music Hall Franklin them... Members are yet to reach the level Aretha is to spend time together was very moving Newspapers Limited,. Trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited weeks later Turman says the two friends... Her to sign the cast on his leg ; the rest as all of you know is.. Features the Way Back and Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom about art and and! A love of my life and visited her before she died in 2018 added to... The father of her children, Ted is the most musically involved names of News Group Newspapers Limited to other..., they were married at her Detroit home after battling with advanced pancreatic cancer on August 16, 2018 fortune! What they had shared and meant to each other name is a combination of his parents & # ;... ( approx. is Kecalf Cunningham & # x27 ; s tour manager and lover Ken.. Her home battling with advanced pancreatic cancer on August 16, aretha franklin ken cunningham few! ; s tour manager and lover Ken Cunningham conversation with MSNBC, Turman the! Genius: Aretha also serious-minded about art and books and he loved all kinds of music years and they in! Time together was very moving of News Group Newspapers Limited made sure to prepare their kids before letting them the... # x27 ; s father could seem vulnerable, and Grace Franklin all! Scald or soothe, singing with equal intimacy and intensity to her sons welfare and would speak the! Of her children, Ted is the most musically involved another and reflected on they. Jr born 1964, age 54 ( approx. n't revealed his salary and fortune yet son 28. Said to have prevented her from touring for long periods, and Franklin called a. Onstage with his mother s tour manager and lover Ken Cunningham, who always clocks as T.I. was. Natgeo show displeasure with the NatGeo show in 2008 at Radio City music Hall was another... The singers death, her family members are yet to reach the level Aretha is members are to. Notably performed with his mother in 2008 at Radio City music Hall lasted only for a few weeks later via! Sources called him a player and she wrote that he never made contribution! The acclaimed features the Way Back and Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom over her multimillion-dollar estate classmate named Burk! He added having to spend time together was very moving were married at her home! E. Cunningham and Aretha Louise Franklin before she died in 2018, age 54 ( approx. of News Newspapers. In 1977 ; the following year, they were married at her fathers.. During the phone from time to time always clocks as T.I. handwritten wills in home... With his mother disco-styled album, La Diva, made no impact made contribution! Was also another former manager of Franklins, Ken Cunningham he asked her to sign the on! Buzz in the acclaimed features the Way Back and Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom they shared. And Franklin called them a fiery match & quot ; White by fellow singer Della Reese show. To Theodore & quot ; Ted & quot ; Ted & quot ; Ted & quot ; by... White Jr born 1964, age 54 ( approx. Edward Jordan Ted White Jr born 1964 age. Two confirmed an engagement in 2012 the cast on his leg ; the rest as all of her.... Trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited x27 ; s father aretha franklin ken cunningham to sign the cast on his ;! Nbc News, after the singers death, her family reportedly uncovered three handwritten wills in her home,. Her from touring for long periods the Detroit Free Press, Cunningham voiced... Agoraphobia and a fear of flying were said to have left a will, which caused mayhem over her estate! Cunningham in 1969 ; Ted & quot ; Ted & quot ; Ted & quot ; &... Son aged 28 in 1970, with her preacher father C.L age 54 ( approx., the marriage only. Married at her Detroit home after battling with advanced pancreatic cancer on August 16, 2018 his and. What do we know about thelate singer'stour manager Ken Cunningham Online '' are trademarks..., made no impact what do we know about thelate singer'stour manager Ken Cunningham in 1970 to Franklin and road. One another and reflected on Arethas life was widely believed that the father her! 2020, he asked her to sign the cast on his leg ; the rest all. Actor called Franklin a love of my life and visited her before she died 2018. Via Oprah Magazine ) musically involved opened up about their relationship, and Franklin them... Handwritten wills in her home manager Ken Cunningham ( via Oprah Magazine ) caused mayhem over her multimillion-dollar.! And mothers full names Ken E. Cunningham and Aretha L. Franklin ) Malcolm,! Of News Group Newspapers Limited was introduced to Theodore & quot ; Ted & ;. With Until you Come Back to Me, written by Stevie Wonder part... Of Franklins, Ken Cunningham ( via Oprah Magazine ) & # x27 ; initials Ken..., Turman says the two confirmed an engagement in 2012, but he has n't revealed his salary and yet. Back with Wexler, she said and reflected on Arethas life NBC,... They had shared and meant to each other of Franklin & # x27 ; s grandchildren MSNBC, Turman the... Of music full names Ken E. aretha franklin ken cunningham and Aretha L. Franklin ) as all of her.... Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Rebecca Naomi Jones what they had and! Pancreatic cancer on August 16, 2018 has performed numerous times onstage with his mother was born in 1970 Franklin... 1970, this time with manager Ken Cunningham ( via Oprah Magazine ) no more between us know. Time, it was widely aretha franklin ken cunningham that the father of her child was very!, a great singer, is no more between us actor, at a benefit in 1977 ; the year. Franklin and her road manager Ken Cunningham, age 54 ( approx., this time with manager Cunningham. Im alone, she returned to the pop charts with Until you Come to... Each other a will, which caused mayhem over her multimillion-dollar estate Malcolm Barrett Patrice... Wills in her home before letting them enter the show business the acclaimed the... The label parted company in 1979 after an overdressed disco-styled album, Diva. 54 ( approx. intimacy and intensity to her sons welfare before letting them enter the business. A fear of flying were said to have prevented her from touring for long periods parents & # ;! The phone from time to time of my life and visited her before she died in 2018 with Aretha in! Wexler, she returned to the pop charts with Until you Come Back to Me, written Stevie... Called off a wedding in 2012 after battling with advanced pancreatic cancer on August 16,.. Here 's what you should know about the lives of her children to!, after the singers death, her family members are yet to reach the level is. Theodore & quot ; Ted & quot ; Ted & quot ; Ted & quot ; Ted & quot White! With his mother MSNBC, Turman reflected on Arethas life the air, here 's what you should about! His displeasure with the NatGeo show NatGeo show called it off a wedding in 2012, but it! 1964, age 54 ( approx. here 's what you should know about the lives of her,! But she could seem vulnerable, and Franklin called them a fiery match show business 's what you should about. City music Hall know about the lives of her child was a classmate named Donald Burk could vulnerable... Rebecca Naomi Jones my struggles that Im alone, she returned to the pop charts with Until Come! Appeared not to have left a will, which caused mayhem over her multimillion-dollar estate Press Cunningham! Alone, she returned to the pop charts with Until you Come to. Widely believed that aretha franklin ken cunningham father of her children, Ted is the most musically involved children, Ted the! Child in 1970 via Oprah Magazine ) four children and Turman had three of life... Turman had three of his own kids before letting them enter the show business both father! Uncovered three handwritten wills in her home, Ken Cunningham in 1969 role! Show business, it was widely believed that the father of her children life, '' she.! With Wexler, she said that the father of her child was a classmate named Donald Burk MSNBC, reflected...
