At a Glance
- Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, left behind four sons who kept their lives largely out of the spotlight.
- The late singer died of pancreatic cancer on Aug. 16, 2018 at age 76, sparking a multi-year legal fight over her estate.
- A 2014 handwritten will ultimately awarded her Michigan home-valued at $1.1 million-to her youngest son, Kecalf.
Aretha Franklin’s family history is as rich as her music catalog, yet it remained largely private. She had four sons-Clarence, Edward, Teddy Richards, and Kecalf-each with distinct paths. Their stories unfolded after her passing, revealing both intimate family moments and a contentious battle over her legacy.
The Early Years of a Teenage Mother
Aretha welcomed her first son, Clarence, on Jan. 28, 1955, while still a pre-teen. She later explained that her grandmother, sister, and cousin stepped in to babysit so she could maintain a social life. In 1995, she told Ebony that she wanted to “be in two places at the same time.” She never publicly disclosed Clarence’s father, but a handwritten will later named Edward Jordan Sr. as the father of her two older children and stated he made no contribution to their welfare.
Her second son, Edward, was born Jan. 22, 1957. After Edward’s arrival, Aretha dropped out of school to focus on her burgeoning music career. Despite the sacrifices, she continued to nurture her children, and Edward later followed in her footsteps as a gospel singer.
In 1961, at age 19, Aretha married music manager Ted White. Together they had a son, Ted White Jr., who professionally goes by Teddy Richards. The marriage ended in 1969, and in 1970 Aretha gave birth to her youngest son, Kecalf Cunningham, with road manager Ken Cunningham. Kecalf’s name blends his mother’s initials-A.L.F.-with his father’s.
A Quiet Life in the Shadow of Fame
The four sons largely stayed out of the public eye, but they were deeply involved in Aretha’s life. When the singer died, they described her as the “matriarch and rock of our family.” In a statement, they said, “In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.”
Their private lives varied. Clarence, who faced an undisclosed mental illness, spent time in assisted-living facilities and was not involved in the estate dispute. Edward, a gospel performer, endured a brutal assault in 2010 that required jaw surgery. Teddy Richards pursued a career as a singer-songwriter, releasing several albums and collaborating with high-profile artists. Kecalf, a gospel rapper, also performed with his mother and has children who are aspiring musicians.
The Estate Battle
Aretha died without a formal will. Two handwritten documents-one from 2010 and another from 2014-were discovered in her home. Both called for the brothers to share income from her music and copyrights. However, the 2014 document also allowed Kecalf and his grandchildren to inherit Aretha’s Bloomfield Hills, Michigan home.
A probate trial began in Michigan in July 2023. The jury ruled in favor of the 2014 will. After the verdict, Aretha’s grandchildren stepped forward to hug Kecalf and Edward. “I’m very, very happy. I just wanted my mother’s wishes to be adhered to,” Kecalf told the Associated Press. “We just want to exhale right now. It’s been a long five years for my family, my children.”
The will was carried out by a judge in November 2023, finalizing the distribution of the estate.
Legacy and Public Reaction
Kecalf publicly criticized the 2021 biopic “Respect,” starring Jennifer Hudson, for not consulting him or the family. He questioned the filmmakers’ omission of the family’s perspective, arguing that a story about a living person should involve the living relatives.
The family’s story illustrates the tension between public legacy and private life. While Aretha Franklin’s music continues to inspire, her sons have had to navigate their own identities while honoring their mother’s memory.
Key Takeaways
- Aretha Franklin’s four sons kept a low profile, yet their lives intersected with her career and legacy.
- The estate dispute hinged on two handwritten wills, ultimately favoring the 2014 document.
- Kecalf’s criticism of the biopic highlights the ongoing debate over artistic representation and family rights.
