Meet Clarence Franklin, Aretha Franklin’s Son with a Secret Talent

Clarence Franklin is the first son of the legendary singer Aretha Franklin. Most people know Aretha as the Queen of Soul, but very few know about the quiet life of her eldest child. Clarence was born when Aretha was still a child herself. He didn’t grow up in the spotlight like his famous mother. In fact, he stayed away from the public eye for most of his life.

But Clarence Franklin, Aretha Franklin’s son, had a story of his own. A story filled with music, struggles, and love. In this article, we’ll learn all about Clarence’s early life, his secret musical gift, and how Aretha cared for him until her final days. It’s a story that many people haven’t heard—but one that deserves to be shared.

Clarence Franklin Quick Bio

Born to a Legend at Just 12 Years Old

Clarence Franklin was born on January 28, 1955, in Detroit. His mother, Aretha Franklin, was just 12 years old. At that time, she was still a young girl trying to finish school and enjoy her life like any other child. But everything changed when Clarence came into the world.

Aretha named her son Clarence after her own father, Rev. C.L. Franklin, who was a well-known preacher and civil rights leader. Aretha’s family didn’t turn their backs on her. Her grandmother, her sisters, and her cousin helped take care of Clarence. They babysat him so Aretha could go to school or hang out with friends once in a while.

Being a young mom wasn’t easy. But Aretha kept moving forward. Her sister Erma said that Aretha went back to school after giving birth and did well in all her classes. She also never gave up on her dream of becoming a star.

Who Was Clarence Franklin’s Real Father?

For a long time, people believed Clarence’s father was a boy named Donald Burke. He was someone Aretha knew from school. They spent time together at a roller-skating rink in Detroit, where Aretha loved to hang out with her sisters.

But in 2019, something surprising came out. Aretha’s family found several handwritten wills in her house. One of the wills said that Edward Jordan Sr. was actually the father of Clarence. This was the same man who fathered Aretha’s second son, Edward Jr., two years later.

Aretha didn’t hold back her feelings in the will. She made it very clear that Edward Jordan Sr. never helped with Clarence’s life—not financially, not emotionally, and not in any other way. She even underlined the word “never” to make sure no one missed it.

Growing Up in the Franklin Family

Clarence Franklin grew up in a loving but busy home. His mom was quickly rising in the music world, and she had to travel a lot. That meant Clarence spent a lot of time with his grandmother and aunts, who helped raise him. They gave him the love and support he needed while Aretha worked to build her career.

Later, Clarence’s brothers Edward and Kecalf were born, and the three of them grew up together in Detroit. They were close as kids, sharing the same home and family life. Things changed when Clarence moved into care homes as he got older, but in his early years, he was a big part of the Franklin household.

Aretha may have been a superstar, but at home, she was just “Mom.” She always returned to Detroit to have her children, far from the bright lights of New York or Los Angeles. That city, her family, and her roots mattered deeply to her.

Clarence Franklin’s Secret Talent

Here’s something many people don’t know: Clarence Franklin was a songwriter. That’s right—Aretha Franklin’s son had a gift for writing music. Some of the songs he wrote were even recorded by Aretha herself. That’s a huge deal, especially coming from one of the greatest voices of all time.

Even though Clarence never became famous, he had real talent. According to reports, Aretha recorded his songs during her 1982 sessions for her album Get It Right. She made sure his work got noticed, even if it wasn’t promoted publicly.

Still, Clarence never chased the spotlight. He didn’t perform live or go on stage like his brothers. His talent stayed quiet, just like the rest of his life. But the fact that Aretha chose to sing his songs shows just how much she believed in him.

Clarence Franklin’s Mental Health Journey

Clarence Franklin, Aretha Franklin’s son, faced many personal struggles. One of the biggest was his battle with mental illness. His exact condition hasn’t been made public, but court records confirm that Clarence was diagnosed with a mental illness and lived in several assisted care facilities throughout his adult life.

Mental health is a serious topic, and Aretha took it seriously. She made sure Clarence got the help he needed and even set up special plans in her wills to care for him after she was gone. She didn’t just leave him behind—she made sure he would always be supported.

Because of his condition, Clarence lived under legal guardianship. He wasn’t part of the courtroom battle over Aretha’s estate. But his name came up in her handwritten wills many times, showing just how much she still cared for him.

The Bond Between Clarence and Aretha Franklin

Even though Clarence Franklin lived a quiet life, Aretha Franklin never forgot about him. She cared deeply for her first son. Over the years, she made sure he was safe, supported, and surrounded by love. Whenever she made decisions about her future, Clarence was always part of the plan.

Aretha didn’t talk much about Clarence in public. But in her handwritten wills, she left clear notes about how she wanted him to be treated. She asked her other sons to visit him, check on him every week, and make sure his needs were met. That shows just how strong their bond was.

Behind the scenes, Aretha made “special provisions” for Clarence Franklin. She wanted to protect him, even when she was no longer around. She knew life hadn’t been easy for him, and she did what a loving mother would do — she planned ahead for his care.

Why Clarence Franklin Was Not in the Spotlight

Unlike his brothers, Clarence Franklin never became famous. You won’t find him performing on stage, giving interviews, or posting on social media. He stayed away from the spotlight, mostly because of his health and personal needs.

Aretha never pushed him into the public eye. She understood that Clarence needed peace and privacy. While his brothers worked in music and followed in her footsteps, Clarence lived a different kind of life — one that was slower and more private.

Some may wonder why there are so few photos or stories about him. The answer is simple: his life was protected. Aretha wanted to give him safety, not fame. And that choice shows the kind of mother she was — strong, caring, and deeply thoughtful.

The Legal Battle Over Aretha Franklin’s Will

When Aretha Franklin passed away in 2018, many thought she had no will. But then, several handwritten wills were found in her home — one hidden under her couch cushions. These notes started a long legal battle between her sons.

Clarence Franklin, Aretha Franklin’s son, didn’t take part in the court trial. Because of his condition, he was under guardianship. Still, he was mentioned in all the wills. Aretha clearly wanted her estate to support him, even though the 2014 will did not list him as a direct heir.

The biggest fight was between the 2010 and 2014 wills. The 2014 version gave Kecalf the Bloomfield Hills home and made him the estate’s executor. In July 2023, a judge ruled that the 2014 will was valid. The court said Aretha’s final wishes would be followed.

What the Wills Said About Clarence Franklin

In the 2014 will, Aretha asked her other sons to care for Clarence. She told them to check on him regularly and make sure he had everything he needed. Even though Clarence didn’t inherit a house or a large share of the estate, Aretha still made sure he was looked after.

She also made a bold statement about his father, Edward Jordan Sr. She wrote that he should never handle Clarence’s money or property. She underlined the word “never” — twice. That line showed how strongly she felt.

Clarence Franklin, Aretha Franklin’s son, may not have received a big share, but his name was never forgotten. His mother’s words showed her love, and her instructions gave him protection for life.

Where Is Clarence Franklin Today?

As of 2026, Clarence Franklin still lives a quiet life. Reports say he is in a care facility near Detroit. He is not active in the public world, and he doesn’t give interviews. Most of what we know comes from family and legal records.

Even though Clarence doesn’t appear in headlines, his life is still important. He is part of one of the most famous musical families in the world. And he carries a unique story — one of strength, struggle, and quiet love.

Thanks to Aretha’s careful planning, Clarence continues to receive care. His brothers were asked to look out for him, and the estate supports his needs through a trust. In many ways, Clarence is still surrounded by the love his mother left behind.

How Clarence’s Story Adds to Aretha Franklin’s Legacy

Aretha Franklin’s legacy is not just about hit songs and awards. It’s also about her role as a mother. Her journey with Clarence shows us the challenges she faced, the strength she had, and the love she never stopped giving.

Clarence Franklin, Aretha Franklin’s son, may not have been in the spotlight, but his life shaped hers in a big way. He was part of her early struggles, her personal growth, and her deep desire to protect her children.

Aretha’s story becomes even more powerful when we see the mother behind the music. Her care for Clarence reminds us that behind every superstar is a real person — one who loves, sacrifices, and hopes for the best for their children.

Final Thoughts

Clarence Franklin lived a life most people never saw. He was born into music royalty, yet stayed far from fame. His talent as a songwriter, his quiet journey through life, and the love of his mother tell a story that matters.

Aretha Franklin gave birth to Clarence at just 12 years old. She raised him with help, supported him through struggles, and never stopped looking out for him. Even in her last wishes, she made sure Clarence would be cared for.

His story is not loud. It’s soft, private, and full of heart. And it reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful stories are the quietest ones.

(FAQs)

Who is Clarence Franklin’s real father?

This shocks many people. For years, his father was unknown. In her handwritten will, Aretha Franklin revealed that Edward Jordan Sr. was Clarence Franklin’s father. She also wrote that he never supported Clarence in any way.

Did Clarence Franklin have a job or career?

Yes, but not in a public way. Clarence Franklin worked as a songwriter. Some of his songs were even recorded by Aretha Franklin herself, which proves he had real musical talent despite living a private life.

Was Clarence Franklin married or did he have children?

No. Clarence Franklin never married and had no known children. Because of his health condition, he lived a very private life and stayed out of relationships and public attention.

What was Clarence Franklin’s net worth?

Clarence Franklin did not build personal wealth. He did not earn steady income due to his illness. Instead, Aretha Franklin set up special care and financial support for him through her estate to make sure his needs were always covered.

Where is Clarence Franklin now in 2026?

As of 2026, Clarence Franklin lives a quiet life in assisted care, likely near Detroit. He is under guardianship and stays away from the public eye. His mother’s estate still helps support him.

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