Ted White (manager) facts for kids

Theodore Richard White (born March 25, 1931 – died October 26, 2020) was an American businessman, songwriter, and music producer from Detroit, Michigan. He was best known as the manager and first husband of the famous soul singer, Aretha Franklin.

Ted White also wrote or helped write many songs for Aretha Franklin. These included popular tunes like "I Wonder (Where You Are Tonight)", "Lee Cross", "Dr. Feelgood", and "Think".

Early Life and Career

Ted White was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 25, 1931. Before he became a music manager, he was involved in different businesses. He worked in real estate in Detroit and owned a chain of jukeboxes. He described himself as a "sandlot promoter," which means he organized small events.

In 1961, Ted White started managing the career of singer Aretha Franklin. This was a big step for both of them.

Meeting Aretha Franklin

Ted White met Aretha Franklin through another singer, Della Reese. They met at the Twenty Grand Club in Detroit. After dating for a few weeks, Ted and Aretha got married.

Working in Music

In 1964, Ted White started his own record label called Ston-Roc. He produced a single for a group called Tony & Tyrone. That same year, Aretha Franklin recorded a song called "Lee Cross," which Ted White wrote. However, it was released by another singer, Walter Jackson, instead. Aretha's version of "Lee Cross" was not released until 1967.

By 1967, Aretha Franklin had left her first record label, Columbia Records. Ted White helped her get a new deal with Atlantic Records. This was a very important move for her career.

Ted White and Aretha Franklin worked together on many songs. They co-wrote "Dr. Feelgood" and "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream" for her 1967 album, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You. Other artists have also recorded these songs. They also wrote several songs for her albums Lady Soul (1968) and Aretha Now (1968).

After Their Marriage

Ted White and Aretha Franklin separated in 1968. After their separation, Aretha's brother, Cecil Franklin, became her new manager. Their divorce was finalized in 1969.

Ted White Jr.

Ted White and Aretha Franklin had one son together, named Ted "Teddy" White Jr. He was born in February 1964. After his parents divorced, Teddy was raised by his father's family in Oak Park, Michigan. He would spend holidays and weekends with his mother in Detroit.

Teddy White Jr. grew up to be a musician himself. He played guitar for his mother, Aretha Franklin. Later, he became a singer-songwriter, performing under the name Teddy Richards.

Legacy and Portrayals

Ted White passed away on October 26, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. He was 89 years old.

His life and relationship with Aretha Franklin have been shown in popular culture. Actor Malcolm Barrett played Ted White in the TV series Genius. Actor Marlon Wayans also played him in the 2021 movie Respect, which was about Aretha Franklin's life.

Songs Written by Ted White

Here are some of the songs Ted White wrote or co-wrote:

• 1963: Aretha Franklin – "I Wonder (Where You Are Tonight)"
• 1964: Aretha Franklin – "Lee Cross"
• 1967: Aretha Franklin – "Dr. Feelgood"
• 1967: Aretha Franklin – "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream"
• 1968: Aretha Franklin – "Think"
• 1968: Aretha Franklin – "Good To Me As I Am To You"
• 1968: Aretha Franklin – "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone"