Kecalf Cunningham: The Private Son of Aretha Franklin You Didn’t Know About

Kecalf Cunningham is the youngest son of the legendary singer, Aretha Franklin, also known as the Queen of Soul. While Aretha was known all over the world, Kecalf lived a much quieter life. He didn’t chase the spotlight like many celebrity kids. But his story is still full of music, family, and love.

Even though most people know Aretha Franklin’s songs, many don’t know much about her children. Kecalf is one of four sons, and he shares a very special connection with his mother. He followed her into music, but in a different way — as a gospel rapper. This article will walk you through his full journey, from growing up in a musical family to keeping his mother’s legacy alive today.

Kecalf Cunningham Quick Bio

Kecalf Cunningham’s Early Life

Kecalf was born on March 28, 1970, in the United States. His full name is Kecalf Cunningham, and his name actually comes from a mix of his parents’ initials — “KEC” for his dad, Ken Cunningham, and “ALF” for Aretha Louise Franklin.

His father, Ken Cunningham, was Aretha’s road manager. They were never married, but they shared a strong bond. Ken played a big role in Aretha’s life. According to family members, he helped her during a hard time and encouraged her to focus on her health and music again.

Kecalf was the youngest of four brothers, so he grew up with a lot of family around him. He was raised in a home filled with music, faith, and love. Even though his mom was super famous, Kecalf had a childhood that was more private and peaceful than many might expect.

Growing Up With Aretha Franklin

Being the son of Aretha Franklin wasn’t always easy. While she was singing on big stages, Kecalf mostly stayed out of the public eye. But that didn’t mean he was far from her side. In fact, they had a very close relationship. Aretha supported Kecalf’s dreams and was even his business manager when he started his own music career.

At home, Aretha was more than a singer — she was a caring mom. She made sure her kids were looked after, even when her schedule was packed. And for Kecalf, her support meant the world. He once performed with her on big stages, and they often shared sweet family moments behind the scenes.

Kecalf didn’t try to be a pop star or copy his mom’s singing style. Instead, he took a different path and started doing gospel rap music with a message of faith. He stayed true to his own voice while still honoring the powerful musical roots his mother gave him.

Kecalf Cunningham’s Brothers and Their Lives

Kecalf has three older brothers, each with their own story. The oldest is Clarence Franklin, born in 1955. Clarence was named after their grandfather, Rev. C.L. Franklin, a well-known preacher. Sadly, Clarence lives with a mental illness and is under legal guardianship, so he wasn’t involved in the family’s legal matters after Aretha passed.

The second brother is Edward Franklin, born in 1957. Edward followed his mother into music and became a gospel singer. He sometimes performed with Aretha and even sang a beautiful tribute at her funeral. Edward also helped care for their mom in her final years.

Then there’s Ted White Jr., also known as Teddy Richards. He was born in 1964 during Aretha’s marriage to her first husband, Ted White. Teddy is a talented guitarist and singer. He played in Aretha’s band for many years and also created his own music. Though he grew up mostly with his dad, he stayed close to Aretha, too.

Together, the four brothers formed a tight bond, even though they all took different paths. Kecalf, being the youngest, often stayed the most private, but he was deeply connected to both his mom and his siblings.

Kecalf’s Music Career as a Gospel Rapper

Kecalf didn’t go the usual route in music. Instead of singing soul or pop, he started making Christian rap. His music talks about faith, Bible stories, and real-life lessons. It’s a mix of old-school beats and powerful words. He once performed lyrics like:

“Through immaculate conception, Gabriel gave Mary God’s directions…”

His style is simple and direct. He often uses black-and-white videos, piano background, and calm beats. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of meaning. Some people liked his clean, faith-driven music. Others thought his stage presence needed work. But Kecalf didn’t mind. He stayed focused on his message and stayed true to who he is.

One special moment was in 2017, when he performed with Aretha at the ceremony for Aretha Franklin Way, a street named in her honor. It was a proud moment for both of them, and fans saw how close they were, even through their music.

Aretha’s Support for Her Son

Aretha didn’t just support Kecalf as a mom — she also supported him in his career. She believed in his message and his talent. In the early days, she even helped manage his music and made sure he got the right deals.

She gave him the chance to perform at some of her most important events. One of those was her 72nd birthday party in New York. Another was the BET Honors show in 2014, where the whole family showed up to celebrate Aretha.

Aretha once said she was proud of her son’s work, even though it was different from hers. She wanted him to be true to himself. And that’s what Kecalf did — he used music to share his faith, honor his mom, and stay strong through hard times.

Kecalf Cunningham’s Kids and Their Talents

Kecalf Cunningham is not just a gospel rapper — he’s also a proud dad. He is married to Kafi Franklin, and together they have six children. While Kecalf likes to stay private, a few of his kids are already shining in public, especially in music.

His daughter Victorie Franklin is a talented singer and songwriter. She once sang “Take Me to the King” by Tamela Mann at the 2014 BET Honors, right in front of her grandmother. Victorie also shares her music online and often posts sweet messages to honor Aretha, especially on her birthday and Mother’s Day.

Kecalf’s son, Jordan Franklin, is a music producer. In 2019, he released songs like “Good Intentions” and “Smoke in My Lungs.” His music shows he has his own style, but you can still feel the strong family connection to music. Then there’s Gracie Franklin, Kecalf’s youngest daughter. In 2022, she auditioned for American Idol and even performed with Jennifer Hudson at the Respect movie premiere. Though she didn’t make it far on the show, she was praised for her heart and voice.

Aretha Franklin’s Will and the Big Family Dispute

When Aretha Franklin passed away in 2018, many people were shocked to learn that she didn’t leave a typed will. But later, two handwritten wills were found in her home — one from 2010 and another from 2014. This caused a big legal battle between her sons.

The 2010 will was found in a locked cabinet. But the 2014 will was found inside a notebook under the couch cushions. Kecalf believed that the 2014 version showed what Aretha really wanted.

That newer will gave Kecalf Cunningham and his children Aretha’s main house in Bloomfield Hills, which was worth over $1 million. It also named him to be in charge of the estate. In July 2023, after a long trial, a jury agreed that the 2014 will was valid. Kecalf was very emotional after the win. He said:

“I just wanted my mother’s wishes to be followed.”

His children hugged him in court. It was a moment of relief after five long years of waiting.

Kecalf Cunningham’s Jail Time After Aretha’s Death

Life wasn’t easy for Kecalf after his mom died. Just two months later, in October 2018, he was arrested for DUI (driving under the influence). He was pulled over by police, and after pleading guilty, he got the maximum sentence of 93 days in jail.

Kecalf served his time and was released in February 2019. He stayed quiet about the situation, choosing not to speak in public. But it was a hard chapter in his life, especially with the stress of his mother’s passing and the estate problems still going on.

Since then, Kecalf has kept a low profile. He has focused more on his family and his faith, slowly stepping back into music and public life when it feels right.

Kecalf’s Anger at Aretha Biopics

After Aretha Franklin passed, two big projects were made to tell her life story — the movie Respect (2021), starring Jennifer Hudson, and the Genius: Aretha series by National Geographic. But Kecalf Cunningham was not happy about either one.

He said the people behind the shows did not ask the family for help or permission. He was hurt that his mom’s story was told without involving her sons or grandchildren. He even asked fans not to support the series. On social media, he wrote:

“If you are a true fan, please do not support it. This deal was pushed through without our consent.”

To Kecalf, these shows were more about money than truth. He wanted people to know that family stories matter, and that no one should rewrite his mother’s legacy without her children.

How Much Is Kecalf Cunningham Worth?

As of now, Kecalf Cunningham’s net worth is believed to be around $22 million. While this number isn’t official, most reports agree he gained a large share of Aretha Franklin’s wealth. When she passed in 2018, her estate was valued at around $80 million.

Thanks to the 2014 will, Kecalf received her crown jewel home in Michigan and likely shares in the income from her music. He also earns from his own music and other business projects.

But for Kecalf, it’s not just about money. His main focus is on faith, family, and keeping his mother’s memory alive.

What Is Kecalf Cunningham Doing Now?

Today, Kecalf Cunningham lives a quiet life. He doesn’t do many interviews or public shows. But from time to time, he posts loving tributes to his mom on Mother’s Day or her birthday. He also supports his kids as they grow in the music world.

In recent years, he appeared at events like the “Tribute to Aretha Franklin” and was seen sharing happy moments with his children. He’s not chasing fame — he’s just living with gratitude, peace, and pride in who his mother was.

Even though he’s not in the spotlight every day, Kecalf Cunningham is still part of the music world, quietly carrying on Aretha’s legacy with care and love.

Final Thoughts

Kecalf Cunningham may not be as famous as his mother, but his life tells a powerful story. He stayed true to himself. He stood by his family. And he worked hard to honor his mom’s wishes.

He chose faith over fame, and that makes his journey even more special. Whether through his gospel rap, his children’s talents, or his quiet strength, Kecalf continues to shine in his own way.

And most of all, he makes sure that the voice of Aretha Franklin — the Queen of Soul — still echoes through every beat of his heart.

(FAQs)

How many kids did Aretha Franklin really have?

Aretha Franklin had four sons, not just one or two, like many people think! She gave birth to her first child at just 12 years old and her second by age 15.

Is Kecalf Cunningham really a father? Who are his children?

Yes, Kecalf is not only a father, but he has six children! His daughter Victorie Franklin is a singer, his son Jordan is a music producer, and his youngest, Gracie, once auditioned for American Idol.

Who is Kecalf Cunningham’s wife?

Kecalf is married to Kafi Franklin, a private woman who stays out of the spotlight. They’ve been together for years and raised a big, musical family.

What did Kecalf Cunningham look like when he was young?

In old photos, Kecalf looked just like a shy teen with big dreams. He kept a low profile while growing up, even though his mom was world-famous.

How old is Kecalf Cunningham now, and is he on Instagram?

Kecalf was born on March 28, 1970, so he’s 55 years old in 2025. Yes, he does use Instagram, where he often posts sweet tributes to his late mother, Aretha Franklin.

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