Kecalf Cunningham Still Wishes Late Aretha Franklin Happy Mother's Day - Facts about Him

Publish date: 2024-05-21

Amidst the profound loss of his beloved mother, the legendary Aretha Franklin, Kecalf Cunningham continues to hold her memory close to his heart. Kecalf takes a moment to honor her iconic mother in May 2023.

Aretha Franklin left an indelible mark as a singer, songwriter, and pianist, earning her the title of the "Queen of Soul." Though Aretha has departed from this world, her fans and–most importantly, her family–continue to keep her memory and legacy alive.

Kecalf Cunningham, Aretha Franklin's son and a musician, is a loving son who deeply appreciates his mother's enduring legacy. Even his children join in, taking to social media to pay heartfelt tributes to Aretha.

Kecalf Cunningham at the "Evolution of Gospel - A Tribute to Aretha Franklin" event on September 10, 2018, in Washington | Source: Getty Images

Kecalf Cunningham Is Aretha's Youngest Son

He became a Christian rapper rapping under his birth name and has performed with his mother on different occasions. When he started his career, his mother acted as his business manager.

Photo of Aretha Franklin and Kecalf Cunningham on January 17, 1981 | Source: Getty Images

Even though Kecalf's father and Aretha never married, Kecalf's dad significantly transformed Aretha's life. Kecalf's aunt and his mom's backup singer, Brenda Franklin-Corbett, said:

"He [Ken] helped Aretha get it together. He helped her stop drinking. That was a huge blessing. Ken was also serious-minded about art and books and he loved all kinds of music. He came along at just the right time. Aretha needed a man who could point her in a positive direction."

Aretha was reportedly hesitant to remarry due to her previous difficult divorce from her ex-husband, music manager Ted White. However, the 2021 movie "Respect" mentions she was happy about having a child with Ken.

Kecalf Cunningham onstage at the BET Honors 2014 on February 8, 2014 | Source: Getty Images

Kecalf Cunningham's Siblings

Kecalf is one of Aretha's four children. Kecalf's older brothers—born from different fathers—are Clarence Franklin, Edward Franklin, and Ted White Jr., who also goes by Teddy Richards.

Clarence was born in 1955 when their mother was a pre-teen. He was named after his maternal father, Clarence LaVaughn Franklin, a minister and civil rights activist.

Clarence Franklin and a guest at his mother's funeral service at the Greater Grace Temple on August 31, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Clarence went into the music industry and took credit as the writer for some of his mother's songs. He reportedly lived in a group home outside of Detroit after he was diagnosed with a mental illness.

Meanwhile, Edward was born in 1957 to Edward Jordan, Sr. Not much is known about his dad as Aretha never opened up about her pregnancy at that time. However, young Edward became a gospel singer and also performed duets with his mother.

Kecalf and his brother Edward recently won a dispute over the validity of a handwritten document found on their mother's couch after her 2018 death.

Edward Franklin singing at his mother's funeral service at the Greater Grace Temple on August 31, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Teddy was Aretha's child with White, whom she married in 1961 but divorced due to allegations of domestic abuse. While most of Aretha's children resided with her and her family in Detroit, Teddy primarily grew up under his father's care.

Nevertheless, he maintained a strong bond with his mother and spent decades as a backup guitarist in her band. Despite his mother's encouragement, Teddy's father was less enthusiastic about his involvement in music. His mom went on to marry Glynn Turman but never had children with him.

Teddy Richards performing onstage at B.B.Kings on June 25, 2004, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Kecalf Cunningham Children

Kecalf's enduring gratitude for his mother remains as profound as ever, evident through his Instagram page, where he consistently pays heartfelt tributes not only to his mother. Kecalf once honored his mom during Mother's Day in May 2023:

"Happy Mother's Day Mom!!! Love and miss you so much❤️❤️❤️."

Kecalf is a proud father of three children: his son, Jordan, and his daughters, Victoria and Grace. He also supports their interests. All of his kids share a deep love for music and have forged a strong bond with their legendary grandmother.

Jordan has forged his path in the music industry and released his single "Good Intentions" and Smoke in My Lungs" in 2019. After his grandmother's death, his tribute showed they were very close as he called her his friend.

Victoria was born on April 19, 1999, recently graduated from Howard University, and is also making her way into the music industry. On Instagram, the musician in her early twenties posts cover songs that showcase her musical prowess.

At the 2014 BET Honors ceremony, she performed a special tribute in the presence of her grandmother. She performed "Take Me to the King" by Tamela Mann. Every year since her grandmother's death, she pays tribute to her on Instagram.

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

Grace also follows in her big sister's footsteps as they sometimes perform together in shows around them. In August 2021, Grace shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson at her grandmother's biopic premiere and sang a rendition of Aretha's 1968 "Ain't No Way."

She also stated that "Ain't No Way" was one of her best tracks from all her grandmother's songs. In February 2022, she auditioned for "American Idol" but did not go further as the judges asked her to put more time and work into practice.

While she did well in the music scene, it remains unclear if she has completed her education like her big sister, but she was recently honored with the Spirit of Detroit Award from the Denver City government for her remarkable achievements.

Kecalf and Edward Triumph over Their Mother's Unique Will

Kecalf and his brother Edward recently won a dispute over the validity of a handwritten document found on their mother's couch after her 2018 death. The document, dated 2014, has been declared a valid will by a Michigan jury, overriding a 2010 will found in a locked cabinet.

Aretha never left a formal, typewritten will, but the handwritten documents emerged in 2019 after a niece searched the home for records. Both versions of the documents indicated that the late artist's four sons would share income from music and copyrights.

In previous reports, there were differences between both wills. The 2014 record stated that it would grant Kecalf and Aretha's grandchildren her main residence in Bloomfield Hills. The 2010 record requires Kecalf and Edward to complete business classes or obtain a degree to benefit from the estate.

It appears that Kecalf was the most emotional after winning the dispute. It can be recalled that he faced legal issues after his mom's passing when he was arrested for driving under the influence.