C. L. Franklin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids C. L. Franklin |
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 Franklin in 1975 |
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| Born | January 22, 1915 in Sunflower County, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Died | July 27, 1984 (aged 69) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Education | Jackson College (now Jackson State University) |
| Spouse |
Alene Gaines
(m. 1934; div. 1936) |
| Children | Six (including Erma Franklin, Aretha Franklin, and Carolyn Franklin) |
Clarence LaVaughn Franklin (born Walker; January 22, 1915 – July 27, 1984) was an American Baptist minister and a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. People called him the man with the "Million-Dollar Voice." He was the pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit from 1946 until 1979. C. L. Franklin was also the father of the famous American singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin. He had five other children: Vaughn, Erma Franklin, Cecil, Carolyn Franklin, and Carol Ellan.
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Early Life and Ministry
Franklin was born Clarence LaVaughn Walker in Bolivar County, Mississippi, in the United States. His parents, Willie and Rachel Walker, were sharecroppers. When Clarence was four years old, his father left the family. The next year, his mother Rachel married Henry Franklin, and the family took his last name.
Clarence became a preacher when he was just 16 years old. He traveled around, preaching in different places. Later, he settled at New Salem Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1944, he moved to Friendship Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York. Then, in 1946, he became the pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit.
The Million-Dollar Voice
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, C. L. Franklin became very famous. He preached all over the country, while still leading his church in Detroit. His powerful voice earned him the nickname "Million-Dollar Voice." Many of his sermons were recorded and even broadcast on the radio on Sundays. He was so popular that he could earn a lot of money for his public appearances.
Some of Franklin's most well-known sermons included "The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest" and "Dry Bones in the Valley." In 2011, "The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest" was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. This means it was recognized as an important sound recording. Franklin was also known for his singing and for a special style of musical preaching called "whooping."
Supporting Aretha Franklin
C. L. Franklin strongly supported his daughter, Aretha Franklin, in her music career. In the 1950s, he often took her with him on his speaking tours and musical events. He helped her develop her amazing talent.
Civil Rights Activism
In the 1950s and 1960s, Franklin became very involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He worked to stop unfair treatment against Black workers in Detroit. He was a close friend and supporter of Martin Luther King Jr.. In June 1963, Franklin helped lead Dr. King's freedom march down Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
Later Life and Legacy
On June 10, 1979, Franklin was shot at his home in Detroit. This happened during what was thought to be an attempted robbery. He was taken to the hospital and remained in a coma for the next five years.
His children moved him back home six months after the shooting. He received care there until 1984. C. L. Franklin passed away on July 27, 1984, at the age of 69. He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit. His friend, Reverend Jasper Williams Jr., gave the speech at his funeral.
C. L. Franklin's life and work have been remembered in popular culture. In 2021, actor Forest Whitaker played him in the movie Respect. He was also played by Courtney B. Vance in the TV series Genius.
Personal Life
C. L. Franklin married his first wife, Alene Gaines, in 1934. This marriage ended in 1936. In June 1936, he married gospel singer Barbara Siggers. They had four children together: Erma (born 1938), Cecil (born 1940), Aretha (born 1942), and Carolyn (born 1944).
Barbara also had a son from a previous relationship named Vaughn (born 1934). C. L. adopted Vaughn shortly after they married. When C. L. and Barbara separated, Barbara moved to Buffalo, New York, with Vaughn. C. L. stayed in Detroit with their four other children. Barbara visited her children in Detroit, and they also visited her in New York during summer breaks. Barbara passed away in 1952 at age 34.
See also
In Spanish: Clarence LeVaughn Franklin para niños
