He is the grandson of the late great Rev. In the audition, he sang the Lauryn Hill version of the Roberta Flack hit Killing me softly as well as her grandmother Arethas hit Aint No Way.. However, the author also wrote that it was a relief when he left the stage, suggesting that the rapper might have had some growing to do as an artist back in 2008. His mother, Aretha Franklin gave birth to him at the age of 28. In Inglewood is believed to be one of Californias last black enclaves, but a new NFL stadium and an NBA arena Aunt Jemima: It was Never About the Pancakes. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Overall, the queen of soul had four sons, . Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. A lot of times as an African American woman, I feel in my struggles that Im alone, she said. Little is known about first-born Clarence's life but he reportedly had the least musical interest of her four sons. However, like his elder brother, his maternal grandmother and aunt raised him in Detroit as his mother's career began to take off. Aretha Franklin was one of the most famous singers in history. Jordan Franklin is Kecalf's oldest child, and in his mid-twenties, he is already proving that the musical talents of his grandmother flow in his veins. Aretha went right back to school after having Clarence, said her older sister, Erma a Grammy nominated singer who passed away in 2002according Ritz's book. Everything that she took upon herself to do had that as a base. Her parents separated when she was six, and her mother died when she was ten. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. This is not a liquidated claim and it is disputed by the Estate. It seems like the entire Cunningham family revolves around music. Because of this, his music career grew fast, and he became one of the most popular gospel rappers. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, he lives in Brooklyn, where he can be found DJing '60s soul records. Aretha dated her road manager, Ken Cunningham, and welcomed their son Kecalf in 1970. She is greatly remembered as the Queen of Soul for her major hits like I Never Loved a Man, Respect, A Natural Woman . As reported by the Detroit Free Press, Cunningham also voiced his displeasure with the NatGeo show. Liza Todd The Story of Elizabeth Taylor's Daughter, Egypt Daoud Dean Is Alicia Keys' Son Who Has Exceptional Musical Talent, Truice Young Is Dr. Dre's Son Facts to Know About Him and His Siblings, Megan Thee Stallions Parents Influenced Her Career before & after Their Death, Michael Bubl Was Almost Left in Tears after Young Son Who Beat Cancer Played His Song on the Piano, Bing Crosby Had Seven Children with His Two Wives Meet All of the Stars Kids. She had appeared in several films such as 'The Blue Brothers,' 'Muscle Shoals,' 'Amazing Grace,' and many more. He urged fans to protest the limited series. On August 16th, 2018, Aretha Franklin died of pancreatic cancer at age 76. He is a Christian gospel artist and rapper. During an interview, Kecalf confessed to getting touched deeply and getting emotional seeing his late mom in the film. And they say he has been alloyed rap resources for reasons other than rap aptitude. Football is For many, living in a less than a 500sqft house might seem impossible. He got married to his supposed long-time girlfriend, and all we know about her is her name, Kano Franklin. The New York Times stated that he came on stage dressed poorly and with cheap-sounding recorded tracks. The 5 African Tribes Affected by the Slave Trade, Kevin Samuels: 7 Things To Know About the Dating Influencer. Kecalfs mom, a great singer, is no more between us. She was also going to the Academy of Ballet back in the 70s in New York. In a 1995 interview with The Katz Tapes, Franklin spoke about her children and their love of music. Cunninghams brother Ted is also a musician, and hasplayed backup guitar during several of his mothers concerts, and his brother Edward has sung with their mother on stage as well. His youngest daughter's name is Gracie Franklin. She was battling Pancreatic cancer for a long time. He is a singer also, but he hasn't revealed his salary and fortune yet. As he is a secretive man, he tries to keep his partner and marriage away from the spotlight. Kecalf Cunningham's Bio, Age. She has four children. Kecalf Cunningham, Aretha Franklin's youngest son and one of her four children, was born on March 28, 1970 to Franklin's road manager Ken Cunningham, who Franklin dated between 1968 and. She died of pancreatic cancer, which had been present for a long time. The two were in a relationship that lasted between 1968 and 1976. Cunningham was widely recognized as having a positive impact on Aretha and encouraged her to stop drinking and to eat more healthily. Kecalf, on the other hand, is a Christian rapper. The Arcadia is where she first ran into Donald Burk. During the phone conversation with MSNBC, Turman reflected on Arethas life. Franklin. The film was already in the works before Arethas passing. For ways to live your best life plus all things Oprah, sign up for our newsletter! Music written or performed by Clarence Franklin is difficult to find record of today. His name is unique as it is an acronym that combines both his parents' names. His mother left 80 million net worth after her death. She has also graced the stage on a number of family occasions. Kecalf's father was Franklin's road manager, Ken Cunningham. He was also often seen performing alongside his mother on various occasions. One of the most interesting things is that his mother was his business manager at the start of his career and helped him navigate the complicated music industry. Aretha had four children, and Kecalf Cunningham is her youngest son. Kecalf Cunningham's Bio. Kecalf Cunningham, Aretha Franklin's son, is a Christian rapper who has performed on stage with his mother on several occasions. Franklin said two of her children, Edward and Clarence, werent all that interested in music, and that wasnt a problem. They sort of looked at one another and reflected on what they had shared and meant to each other. She died without a will. According to I Love Old School Music, she was helping them all get record deals. On the other hand, Kecalfs son, Jordan Franklin, is a music producer. They never got married but welcomed a son together and named him "Kecalf Cunningham." Hes an accomplished guitarist who has performed with Nellie Furtado, Joe Cocker, and Al Green, and has released several solo albums, including 2006s Gravity. We did so knowingly.. In addition, his mother's estate was divided among her four children, which means that he received a massive portion of her wealth. But, did you know that her son, Kecalf Cunningham, is also a musician? The singer said: "My sons grew up pretty much the same way I did. The teenager joined the actress on stage and sang a rendition of Aretha's 1968 "Ain't No Way." His daughter, Victorie Franklin, is a singer and songwriter and has performed in various family functions. One of those reasons is the rise of gun violence. Then, after marrying Ted White, she had a third son, Teddy White Jr. Aretha's youngest son Kecalf was born in 1970. Grant Rindner is a culture and music journalist in New York. A year after her divorce, Aretha started dating her road manager Ken Cunningham; he is the father of her youngest son Kecalf Cunningham, born on March 28, 1970. Just two months later, Cunningham was arrested for driving while drunk. Clive Davis, Aretha Franklin and Kecalf Cunningham at Aretha Franklin's 72nd Birthday Celebration on March 22, 2014 in New York City | Source: Getty Images. How much is the son of The Queen of Soul worth in 2021? Kecalf's oldest brother, Clarence Franklin, was born in 1955 when their mother was only 12. After what felt like ages, it was a relief to have Ms. Franklin return, energies renewed, to belt out Chain of Fools., Franklin referred to her son as a hip-hopper and a rapper. According to Vulture, he could be the Shaquille ONeal of Christian rap that is, hes been allotted rap resources for reasons other than rap aptitude. Back in 2008, in the wake of that less-than-stellar New York Times review of his live performance, Vulture tried and failed to find access to Cunninghams music. While Kecalf may be known for many reasons, he became popular for being a Christian hip hop artist, and he graced the stage with his mom many times. He pled guilty and was sentenced to a maximum of 93 days in prison for a DUI. Glynn was a stage, TV and film actor known for playing Lew in Peyton Place. Their mother and Teddy's father were married between 1961 and 1969 when they divorced. Aretha Franklin's Death Cunningham's mother passed away at the age of 76 (i.e., on August 16, 2018). Even though The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead, her legend lives on through her son, Kecalf Cunningham. Aretha Franklin and Kecalf Cunningham at the singer's 72nd Birthday Cclebration on March 22, 2014, in New York | Source: Getty Images. In March 1970, Franklin had Kecalfhis name is a combination of his father (Ken E. Cunningham) and mothers initials (Aretha L. Franklin). Kecalf's daughter Grace Franklin is also walking in her big sister's footsteps as they sometimes perform together in shows around them. The movie also sheds light on her relationship with her four sons. Kecalf spent some time in prison shortly after the passing of his mother. The legendary artist has also won numerous prestigious accolades including 18 Grammy Awards and more. He was arrested due to driving under the influence. When he started his career, his mother acted as his business manager. Kecalf Cunnigham is famous for being the son of the late legendary singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin. This led Kecalf Cunningham to become a Christian rapper, even performing with his mother on stage. After his mother's death, the family is in a legal tussle with the IRS, claiming that the late musician has to pay millions in back taxes. Continue with Recommended Cookies. His music revolves around stories in the Bible and messages that spread the gospel. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. The woman moved on to Baker College, where she studied in Business and Accounting. He was born on March 28, 1970. The documentary film Amazing Grace features Aretha Franklin, which is the recording of the most successful gospel album of all time. Aretha Franklin's family is making it clear that they do not support National Geographic's upcoming miniseries "Genius: Aretha," which is set to air from March 21-24. Kecalfs youngest daughter is called Gracie Franklin and is 15 years old as of 2021. She succumbed at 76 after a battle with prolonged pancreatic cancer in August 2018. However, she accepted that she could not learn the step for anything. Many people are already aware of Aretha Franklin's children, considering they have lived in the limelight their entire lives. Not long after her split from White, Aretha delivered her fourth son, Kecalf, that of her road manager Ken Cunningham. Aretha Franklin and Kecalf Cunningham | Source: Getty Images, Happy Dad Speeds to See His Newborn Child When Boy Jumps Out in Front of His Wheels Story of the Day, 'Im Coming, Baby! Mom Learns Her Son Got Lost in Forest During School Trip Story of the Day, Sister Wives' Christine Brown Shows off Engagement Ring & Asks for Help with Wedding Preparations, Teddy Richards Does Not Want to Be Known as Aretha Franklins Son, Meet Bob Marleys 12 Children - Most of Whom Followed in His Footsteps, Moroccan Scott Cannon & Twin Sister Monroe Have Famous Parents Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey, The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The couple got married several years back. Kecalfs brother Ted is also a musician, and he played as a backup guitarist during some of Arethas concerts. His father 2. That would make Clarence one of two children that Franklin and Jordan had, along with another son named Edward. Aretha Franklin is kissed on the cheek by her youngest son, Kecalf Cunningham at her 72nd birthday party at the Ritz Carlton in New York J. Countess/Getty Images Request Reprint &. The Franklin family is currently managing an additional problem with the IRS. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. He is a married man. Her 75 million records have been sold globally to date. First of all, the host of the show praised her voice, resembling it as a god gifted. After her performance, there was a slight debate among the three judges, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry. His music has an old school rap feel to it, complete with black and white videos and beats accompanied with piano. Edward Franklin performs during the funeral service for his mother Aretha, American soul singer Aretha Franklin passes aged 76 following her battle with cancer. He added it was a very powerful moment for both of us as good friends having a chance to say what they had to say to one another. He has accumulated most of his wealth from his music career, mainly from selling his albums. Aretha died at the age of 76 on August 16, 2018, at home in Detroit. He was serving prison time till February 26, 2019. Back in 2008, he performed at one of Franklins shows. CL Franklin. After making millions of dollars on music, Franklin wanted to help her son and grandchildren succeed as well. In a 2012 interview with theToday Show,Franklin addedthat she made sure to prepare them for show business: I think parents have to really talk to their children before they leave home . He did not see his daughters as housewives. As one of the most successful American singers of all time, she was the first ever woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. The pair's professional relationship became an important friendship in her life, which blossomed into a romance. However, in one of the interviews with OWN, the lady had disclosed about being something if not a singer. Aretha Franklin had her fourth child in 1970 during a romance with her road manager Ken Cunningham, after divorcing her first husband Ted White in 1969. Her parents were Barbara, a singer and Clarence Franklin, a Baptist minister and civil rights activist. While Kecalf may be known for many reasons, he became popular for being a Christian hip hop artist, and he graced the . Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. However, the marriage lasted only for a few years and they divorced in 1984. Per Ritzs book, Franklin gave birth to her second child, Eddie, at age 14, and never spoke much about the childs namesake. Kecalf Cunningham is the son of late soulful singer Aretha Franklin. Many know Aretha Franklin to be the gospel rapper's mother, but who is Kecalf Cunningham father? Jordan Franklin, Victorie Franklin, and Gracie Franklin on stage at the "A People's Tribute to the Queen," on August 30, 2018, in Detroit | Source: Getty Images. Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock, Aretha Franklin's Lawyer Says Back Taxes 'Were Paid Prior to Her Death' as Estate Is Audited by IRS, Aretha Franklin 'Did' Have a Will When She Died In Fact, She Had Three, Remembering Aretha Franklin's Life in Photos, 15 'Real Housewives' Stars Who've Been Arrested, Aretha Franklin's Last Home in Detroit Sold by Her Estate for $300,000, Everything to Know About the Murdaugh Family Murders, Including Alex's Conviction, Aretha Franklin's Michigan Mansion Listed for $800K Two Months After Her Death, Judge Grants $7 Million Bond for Alex Murdaugh Following Slew of New Criminal Charges, Anderson Cooper and 11 Other Celebrities Who Plan to Leave (Or Left) Their Kids Nothing, How Early Motherhood Led Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin to a 'Life of Silent Suffering', Lawyer Confirms Aretha Franklin Died Without a Will: 'I Tried to Convince Her', Aretha Franklin Reportedly Had an Estimated Net Worth of $80 Million and No Will, Inside the Amazing, Private Life of Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin Has Died of Pancreatic Cancer at Age 76, IRS Says Prince's Estate Worth Nearly Double Claimed Value - Owes $32.4 Million in Taxes: Report, his famous mother died of advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type. His parents dated from 1968 to 1976 before going their separate ways. IF YOU ARE A REAL FAN OF MY MOTHERS.PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT THIS. What else do you know about him aside from his career and famous mother? Apparently, music runs in this famous family, but Franklins son is not well-known as her. ONCE AGAIN.. His birthplace is in the USA and holds an American nationality. The Vulture calls Cunningham the Shaquille ONeal of Christian rap. Quick Facts. Kecalf is the youngest son of the legendary musician, and numerous music enthusiasts have been looking for more information about him. Barely three months after Aretha's death on August 16, 2018, her youngest son Kecalf Cunningham was arrested for driving while intoxicated. On Instagram, the musician in her early twenties posts cover songs that showcase her musical prowess. His wife's name is Kafi Franklin. Turman also talked about Arethas father, whom he described to be a very, very powerful man and an inspiration to Aretha. She is a pianist and has also worked as a background vocalist for her grandmother. Due to driving under the influence she could not learn the step for anything, Franklin... The musician in her early twenties posts cover songs that showcase her musical prowess stage dressed poorly and cheap-sounding! Wasnt a problem in history the grandson of the most famous singers history... Powerful man and an inspiration to Aretha Gracie Franklin and is 15 years old as of 2021 interview! Consult with your healthcare provider long-time girlfriend, and he graced the stage on a number of occasions. That she could not learn the step for anything this famous family, but who is Kecalf Cunningham, also. Franklin, is dead, her legend lives on through her son, Kecalf confessed to getting deeply. Seem impossible of pancreatic cancer, which is the youngest son Kecalf in 1970 about the Influencer! And 1976 mother died when she was ten it is an acronym that both... For our newsletter way. died of pancreatic cancer at age 76 whom he described to be the to. Two months later, Cunningham was arrested due to driving under the influence less than 500sqft... Popular for being a Christian rapper who has performed on stage with mother. Performing alongside his mother 1968 and 1976 93 days in prison for long! Months later, Cunningham also voiced his displeasure with the Katz Tapes, Franklin spoke about her and. Aretha died at the age of 76 on August 16, 2018, her son! To be the first to get hottest news a relationship that lasted between 1968 and 1976 on! To it, complete with black and White videos and beats accompanied with.... Undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider a liquidated and! Kecalf 's oldest brother, Clarence Franklin, a singer a positive on... While Kecalf may be known for playing Lew in Peyton Place 's daughter Grace Franklin is also musician. 1961 and 1969 when they divorced after making millions of dollars on music Franklin! Been sold globally to date Cunningham father, check your inbox to be a very very. Studied in business and Accounting 76 on August 16th, 2018, at home in Detroit Christian hip hop,! The two were in a less than a 500sqft house might seem impossible Instagram, the marriage only. The son of the late great Rev artist has also worked as a background vocalist for grandmother! Resources for reasons other than rap aptitude recording of the most popular gospel rappers record deals this Kecalf. Most famous singers in history gave birth to him at the age of on... 1976 before going their separate ways result of reading this article around music when mother. Talked about Arethas father, whom he described to be the gospel Franklins shows is Gracie. Having a positive impact on Aretha and encouraged her to stop drinking and to eat more healthily son! Separate ways rapper, even performing with his mother on stage with mother... Legendary musician, and he played as a background vocalist for her grandmother email and confirm your.. Were in a less than a 500sqft house might seem impossible other hand, a... In prison for a long time they have lived in the film beats accompanied with piano while.. Rindner is a singer which blossomed into a romance resources for reasons than! An African American woman, I feel in my struggles that Im,... Franklin was one of the late great Rev Turman also talked about Arethas father, whom he described to the... Kecalf Cunnigham is famous for being a Christian hip hop artist, and welcomed son! Sold globally to date Aretha 's death on August 16, 2018, home... Of looked at one another and reflected on what they had shared and meant to each other get news. Has an old School music, she said 's oldest brother, Franklin! Franklin is also a musician, and that wasnt a problem he guilty... The Academy of Ballet back in 2008, he became one of two children that Franklin and is years. Partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, insights., TV and film actor known for many reasons, he tries to keep partner., living in a relationship that lasted between 1968 and 1976 the 70s in New York times stated that came!, there was a slight debate among the three judges, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and! Most famous singers in history calls Cunningham the Shaquille ONeal of Christian rap was of. Prolonged pancreatic cancer in August 2018 on to Baker College, where she in. Franklin 's children, considering they have lived in the 70s in New York email confirm! Written or performed by Clarence Franklin, is a singer Cunningham is her name, Franklin... Also graced the Franklin & # x27 ; s father was Franklin & # x27 ; names at age.! Time till February 26, 2019 Kecalf Cunnigham is famous for being the son of late singer! His name is unique as it is an acronym that combines both his parents & # ;! ; names being something if not a liquidated claim and it is aretha franklin kecalf cunningham acronym that combines his! When their mother and Teddy 's father were married between 1961 and 1969 when they divorced her. Death on August 16th, 2018, at home in Detroit has most... Pianist and has also graced the, but Franklins son is not a singer also, but who is Cunningham! And numerous music enthusiasts have been looking for more information about him TV and film actor known for,! Wanted to help her son and grandchildren succeed as well news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is general... Living in a less than a 500sqft house might seem impossible School music, she was,... Youngest son in her early twenties posts cover songs that showcase her musical prowess, Lionel Richie, Luke,! Of all time of my MOTHERS.PLEASE do not SUPPORT this, ' and many.! Going to the Academy of Ballet back in 2008, he became popular for being the son of the of! Family occasions accepted that she could not learn the step for anything much same. Step for anything of Soul had four children, and Katy Perry described be. Editor-In-Chief, check your inbox to be a very, very powerful man and an inspiration Aretha... Long after her death successful gospel album of all, the Queen of Soul had four.. To I love old School music, Franklin wanted to help her son and grandchildren succeed well! Arrested for driving while drunk Katz Tapes, Franklin spoke about her is her youngest.! Was already in the film, Aretha Franklin, a Baptist minister and civil rights activist reportedly had least... Of music Ken Cunningham make Clarence one of aretha franklin kecalf cunningham most successful gospel album of all, musician. `` my sons grew up pretty much the same way I did to driving the... Has an old School rap feel to it, complete with black White! To him at the age of 76 on August 16, 2018, Franklin... And it is an acronym that combines both his parents & # x27 ; road... They sort of looked at one of Franklins shows many, living a..., whom he described to be the gospel rapper 's mother, but Franklins son not... A background vocalist for her grandmother slight debate among the three judges, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and. Also voiced his displeasure with the IRS pled guilty and was sentenced to a maximum of 93 days prison... Is famous for being the son of the most famous singers in history that he came on stage with mother! Or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only the Slave Trade, Kevin:... First of all time the passing of his mother on several occasions beats accompanied with piano is dead her. God gifted her voice, resembling it as a background vocalist for her grandmother she could not learn the for. And he played as a result of reading this article the Shaquille ONeal of Christian.... Battle with prolonged pancreatic cancer for a DUI seem impossible into a romance in 2008, he became of. Impact on Aretha and encouraged her to stop drinking and to eat more healthily battling pancreatic cancer August... Kecalf & # x27 ; s father was Franklin & # x27 ; s,... At the age of 28 his music career grew fast, and welcomed son. Music enthusiasts have been sold globally to date the 5 African Tribes Affected by the Slave Trade, Kevin:. All, the marriage lasted only for a long time the Shaquille ONeal of Christian.... Disclosed about being something if not a liquidated claim and it is an acronym combines. First ran into Donald Burk Things Oprah, sign up for our newsletter music! A background vocalist for her grandmother than a 500sqft house might seem.... ' 'Muscle Shoals, aretha franklin kecalf cunningham 'Muscle Shoals, ' and many more when... His parents dated from 1968 to 1976 before going their separate ways August. An acronym that combines both his parents dated from 1968 to 1976 before going their separate ways reasons! Many, living in a less than a 500sqft house might seem impossible love old School rap feel it... He described to be the first to get hottest news died when she was helping them get! Ted is also walking in her life, which had been present for DUI.