Aretha Franklin parents: Meet C. L. Franklin, Barbara Siggers Franklin
Aretha Franklin was to Barbara (née Siggers) and Clarence LaVaughn “C. L.” Franklin. Her father was a Baptist minister and circuit preacher originally from Shelby, Mississippi, while her mother was an accomplished piano player and vocalist. Both Mr. and Mrs. Franklin had children from prior relationships in addition to the four children they had together.
Aretha’s parents had a troubled marriage due to Mr. Franklin’s infidelities, and they separated in 1948. After the separation, Aretha recalled seeing her mother in Buffalo during the summer, and Barbara Franklin frequently visited her children in Detroit.
Aretha’s mother died of a heart attack on March 7, 1952, before Aretha’s 10th birthday. Several women, including Aretha’s grandmother, Rachel, and Mahalia Jackson, took turns helping with the children at the Franklin home.
Aretha’s father’s emotionally driven sermons resulted in his being known as the man with the “million-dollar voice”. He earned thousands of dollars for sermons in various churches across the country and his fame led to his home being visited by various celebrities. Clara Ward was romantically involved with Aretha’s father from around 1949 to Ward’s death in 1973, though Aretha “preferred to view them strictly as friends.
