The name Barbara Siggers Franklin is known because of two things. First, she was an African-American gospel singer and pianist. Secondly, her fame was because she was the mother of Aretha Franklin, an American singer-songwriter.
Although both Barbara and her daughter are already dead, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t talk about them. This post will begin with an overview of who Barbara Siggers was, from her early life to career. We will then then talk the details of her daughter to understand what pushed her into the limelight among other things. Let’s get started!
Who is Barbara Siggers Franklin? Life and Career
Talking about Barbara Siggers, she was born on June 29, 1917. She was born in Shelby, Mississippi and holds American nationality. Barbara Vernice Franklin is her birth name and her reputation is because she was an American gospel singer and pianist.
Growing up, Barbara used to perform in church and she later became a pianist. Regarding her personal life, she got married to Clarence LaVaughn Franklin. Their wedding was on June 3, 1936. The couple then welcomed four children. Their firstborn was Emma. She was born in 1938 but died in 2002. Cecil, the second born, was born in 1940 but died in 1989.
Aretha was the third child and the one who earned much of the spotlight. She was born in 1942 and died recently in 2018. Their last child was Carolyn Franklin who was born in 1944 but died in 1988. Before she got married, Barbara had son Vaughn from a previous relationship. Her son was born in 1934 and he died in 2002.
Barbara was a gifted pianist and she didn’t shy showing off her skills. Besides, she was also regarded among the finest gospel singers in the country. Despite focusing on her role as a wife and mother, she still managed to participate in the musical affairs of the church.
Barbara’s Marriage Life
Barbara’s husband served as a pastor in the church where he sang and played piano. Unfortunately, her husband, C.L, was involved in many ongoing infidelities. For instance, he fathered a daughter with a 12-year-old congregant in Memphis in 1940.
The infidelities saw Barbara and her husband part ways in 1948 and she moved to Buffalo, New York. She went to reside with her mother and then worked on her life working in a music store where she would give private music lessons while training to be a nurse’s aide. However, she didn’t officially divorce with her husband.
Meet Barbara’s Daughter, Aretha Franklin
Among her children, Aretha Franklin is the one who got much spotlight through her career. Aretha Louise Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She was born on march 25, 1942 and died on August 16, 2018.
Over the course of her career, she was named twice by Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest singer of all time. Moreover, she was honored as the “Queen of Soul.” Her career success also helped push her mother into the limelight.