The Life Story of Aretha Franklin’s Son – Clarence Franklin

Aretha Franklin’s eldest son, Clarence Franklin, has had an eventful life. Born in 1955 to the iconic singer, Clarence is now 66 years old. Although there’s not much information available about Clarence’s current occupation and whereabouts, it is believed that he wrote some songs for his mother whch were eventually recorded by her.

Clarence was mentioned in one of Aretha’s handwritten wills which was discovered in 2019. The will revealed that Aretha had made “special provisions” for her son as he has unspecified special needs. The documents also revealed that the father of Aretha’s first child was Edward Jordan.

Aretha had four sons in total; Clarence being the eldest. He was followed by Edward Franklin, Kecalf Franklin and Ted White Jr., who are now 48-63 years old respectively. Sadly, Aretha passed away in 2018 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 76.

The news of Clarence’s special needs have put a spotlight on his wellbeing and care after his mother’s passing. In honor of her legacy and memory, many people have come forward to express ther wishes to help him live a comfortable life and be taken care of properly – all thanks to his famous mother!

Clarence Franklin: What Happened to Aretha Franklin’s Son?

Clarence Franklin is the son of legendary singer Aretha Franklin, and he is believed to have written a number of songs which were recorded by his mother. Clarence, now 66, is believed to have special nees and his current occupation and exact whereabouts are unknown.

According to Aretha’s handwritten wills, she had made “special provisions” for Clarence in order to ensure that he was taken care of after her passing. It is unclear exactly what these provisions are, but it is likely that they involve some form of financial support or assistance to help him manage his day-to-day life.

Regardless of the details, it is clear that Aretha wanted her son to be taken care of and she wanted him to have access to whatever resources and support he may need. It is not known if Clarence has been able to take full advantage of these provisions or if he has been able to live a fulfilling life since his mother’s death in 2018.

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Aretha Franklin’s First Child’s Father

Aretha Franklin’s first child was fathered by Edward Jordan. Franklin became pregnant at the age of 12 and gave birth to her son Clarence in January 1955. This information was revealed in one of her handwritten wills, discovered in 2019.

Does Aretha Franklin Have a Disabled Child?

Yes, Aretha Franklin’s eldest son Clarence Franklin has unspecified special needs. According to TMZ, he requires “financial and other forms of support.” The other three of Aretha Franklin’s sons are Edward Franklin, Kecalf Franklin, and Ted White Jr., who range in age from 48 to 63.

The Father of Aretha Franklin’s Son Clarence

Aretha Franklin’s son Clarence is the son of the late Reverend C. L. Franklin, a minister at New Bethel Baptist Church and father to Aretha and five other children. The Reverend C. L. Franklin was known for his passionate sermons and his active involvement in the civil rights movement, as well as beng an influential figure in the music industry due to his daughter’s iconic career. He was married to Aretha’s mother, Barbara Siggers Franklin, from 1952 until their divorce in 1964.

Estimating Aretha Franklin’s Net Worth at the Time of Her Death

Aretha Franklin had an estimated net worth of $80 million at the time of her death in August 2018. This figure includes nearly $1 million in uncashed checks, wich she had yet to deposit. The primary sources of her wealth came from a storied music career that spanned six decades and included classic hits such as “Respect” and “Chain of Fools.” Franklin had sold more than 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. She also earned income through endorsements and personal appearances. Over the course of her lifetime, she won 18 Grammy awards and was inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame.

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Source: rollingstone.com

The Wealth of Aretha Franklin’s Family

No, Aretha Franklin’s family was not wealthy. Aretha was born in Memphis Tennessee, but when she was five the family relocated to Detroit where her father became pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church. Her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, had a successful career as a pastor and civil rights leader, but he did not have much money or material wealth. Aretha’s mother left the home when she was just six years old, leaving her father to raise her and her siblings alone. While they were able to make ends meet financially, they were by no means wealthy.

Who Inherited Aretha Franklin’s Estate?

Aretha Franklin’s four sons inherited her estate following her passing in 2018. Her eldest son Clifford Franklin served as the executor for the estate, with Ted White Jr., Kecalf Franklin, and Edward Franklin all receiving a portion of the inheritance. The estate included a number of real estate properties, royalties from music publishing rights, personal items, and other investments. With the recent payment of the $7.8 million debt to the IRS, all four sons are able to benefit from their mother’s legacy.

The Relationship Between Aretha Franklin and Her Father

No, Aretha Franklin did not have a baby by her father. At the age of 12, she fell pregnant by a school friend called Donald Burk and gave birth to a baby boy two months before her 13th birthday whom she named Clarence after her father. Two years later, she had a second baby boy named Edward with a local friend.

Age of Edward Jordan When He Had a Child With Aretha Franklin

Edward Jordan was around 24 years old when he fathered a child with Aretha Franklin. He was born in 1931, making him 24 years old when Franklin gave birth to their son Clarence in 1955. The couple neer married, but Franklin reportedly referred to Jordan as the father of her two sons in her handwritten wills.

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Aretha Franklin’s Marital and Parental History

Aretha Franklin had four children, two sons and two daughters, from her two marriages. She was frst married to Ted White from 1961-1969 and then to Glynn Turman from 1978-1984. Her four children were Clarence Franklin (born 1955), Edward Franklin (born 1957), Ted White Jr. (born 1964) and Kecalf Cunningham (born 1970).

Aretha Franklin’s Burial Site Next to Her Father

Yes, Aretha Franklin is buried next to her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan. Along with Reverend Franklin, Aretha is also buried alongide two of her sisters, Erma and Carolyn. This cemetery is not only the final resting place of Aretha and her family, but it is also the burial grounds for civil rights activist Rosa Parks as well. All three of these influential figures are united in death at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.

Is Chad the Father of Clarence?

No, Chad is not Clarence’s biological father. He is Clarence’s step-father, meaning he is married to Clarence’s mother and has taken on the role of beig a father figure for Clarence. However, even though Chad is not Clarence’s biological dad, the two of them share a close bond and Clarence looks up to him as if he were his real dad.

Age of Clarence’s Dad

Clarence’s dad is 45 years old. His name is Mel Sumouski and he is voiced by John DiMaggio. Mel has a tough personality, but is very understanding with his kids. He is an old-fashioned hillbilly and can be quite rough around the edges.

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Source: ew.com

Conclusion

Clarence Franklin, the eldest son of Aretha Franklin, is now 66 years old and has undisclosed special needs. His exact whereabouts and occupation remain unknown, although it is believed that he wrote a number of songs which were recorded by his mother. Aretha made special provisions for Clarence in her handwritten wills, revealing her commitment to her son’s well-being even after her death in 2018. Although his life remains largely a mystery today, the legacy of Clarence Franklin will forever be intertwined with that of his mother’s.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.