Who Was Aretha Franklin's Mother?

In addition to her roles as wife and mother, Barbara Siggers was also active in the musical activities at Detroit'sNew Bethel Baptist Church, where her husband, C.L. Franklin (above), preached for 33 years (via Detroit Free Press). Per the Detroit Historical Society, C.L. Franklin became known throughout the United States as the man with the

In addition to her roles as wife and mother, Barbara Siggers was also active in the musical activities at Detroit's New Bethel Baptist Church, where her husband, C.L. Franklin (above), preached for 33 years (via Detroit Free Press). Per the Detroit Historical Society, C.L. Franklin became known throughout the United States as the man with the "Million Dollar Voice" after his sermons' thoughtful content and his gifted oratory style led to his work being broadcast on the radio and recorded and distributed via LP records. He also had a celebrated singing voice and toured as a gospel singer. He formed the group C.L. Franklin's Gospel Caravan, and with them, his daughter Aretha got her start as a singer and performer.

C.L. and Barbara separated in 1948 due to C.L.'s ongoing infidelities, according to Smooth Radio. Barbara relocated back to Buffalo, New York, where her own mother lived, bringing her son Vaughn and leaving Erma, Cecil, Aretha, and Caroline to be raised by their father. C.L. and Barbara never officially divorced.

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