Barbara Siggers Franklin

Who was Barbara Siggers Franklin?

Barbara Vernice Siggers Franklin was the mother of legendary American soul and gospel singer Aretha Franklin and wife of C. L. Franklin, the famous black Baptist preacher.

Born and raised in Shelby, Mississippi, she married C.L. Franklin on June 3, 1936. The couple had three daughters and one son: Erma, Cecil, Aretha, and Carolyn. Prior to the marriage, Barbara had a son, Vaughn from a previous relationship, whom Rev. Franklin adopted shortly after their marriage.

Barbara was a gifted pianist and, according to Mahalia Jackson, one of the finest gospel singers in the country. Though her primary role was that of wife and mother, from the time of her marriage she actively participated in musical affairs of the various churches where C.L. served as pastor.

Marital trouble stemming from C. L.'s numerous and ongoing infidelities, caused Barbara to leave C. L. in 1948. She moved to Buffalo, New York, making a life for herself working in a music store, giving private music lessons, and training to be a nurse's aide. Barbara and C.L. never officially divorced.