Meet Kecalf Cunningham: Aretha Franklin’s Son, His Music, and His Life Today

7 minutes read

Kecalf Cunningham is the youngest son of the world-famous singer, Aretha Franklin. She was known as the Queen of Soul, and her voice touched people all over the world. But behind the spotlight, she was also a caring mom — and Kecalf was her baby boy.

Today, Kecalf Cunningham is known for his own work in music. He’s not just “Aretha’s son.” He’s a gospel rapper, a proud father, and someone who keeps his mom’s memory alive in many special ways. He has lived a life filled with music, faith, and family.

In this article, we’ll explore who Kecalf really is. We’ll look at his early life, his music, his kids, and how he’s keeping the Franklin family legacy strong in 2026. Let’s get started and learn more about this quiet but powerful soul.

Table of Contents

Who is Kecalf Cunningham?

Kecalf Cunningham was born on March 28, 1970, in the United States. His name is very special. It’s made by combining the initials of his parents — KEC for Ken Cunningham (his dad) and ALF for Aretha Louise Franklin (his mom). That’s how they came up with “Kecalf.”

Even though he was born into a famous family, Kecalf has always lived a quiet life. He didn’t chase the spotlight like many celebrity kids do. Instead, he stayed close to his mother and focused on his own path — especially in faith and music.

Now, at 56 years old (as of 2026), Kecalf is known as a soft-spoken man who shares his messages through gospel rap. He believes in God, in family, and in music that lifts people up. And that’s what makes him so interesting to learn about.

Kecalf Cunningham’s Early Life

Kecalf Cunningham was born on March 28, 1970, in the United States. He was the youngest of Aretha Franklin’s four sons. At the time, Aretha was already a rising music star, and her life was busy with shows, recordings, and travel. But when Kecalf came along, he brought something very special into her world.

His name is not common, and that’s because it was made in a very unique way. The name “Kecalf” comes from the initials of his parents: KEC for his father Ken Cunningham, and ALF for his mother Aretha Louise Franklin. That’s how they created the name “Kecalf” — a blend of both parents, showing love and unity.

Even though his parents were never married, they had a deep connection. His dad, Ken, was Aretha’s road manager, and he played a helpful role in her life. People close to the family said he helped Aretha feel calm and focused during hard times. Growing up, Kecalf was surrounded by music, faith, and family love — all of which helped shape who he is today.

Kecalf Cunningham’s Parents and Family Life

Kecalf’s mom was Aretha Franklin, one of the most powerful voices in music history. His dad, Ken Cunningham, was her former road manager. They were never married, but they shared a strong bond during their time together.

According to Aretha’s family, Ken helped her in many ways. He supported her through hard times and even helped her stop drinking. He loved books, music, and art — and he helped bring more peace into Aretha’s life when she needed it.

Kecalf also has three older half-brothers — Clarence, Edward, and Teddy (Ted White Jr.). All of them are from different fathers, and all have a deep connection to music too. So you can say music truly runs in the Franklin family.

Kecalf Growing Up as Aretha Franklin’s Son

Growing up as the son of Aretha Franklin was not always easy. She was very famous, always performing, and always in the public eye. But at home, Aretha was a mom who loved her children and kept her personal life very private.

Kecalf didn’t grow up flashing his last name around. He stayed away from drama and fame. He focused on school, music, and later, raising a family of his own. His mom protected her children from the spotlight as much as she could.

Even after Aretha passed away in August 2018, Kecalf continued to speak kindly about her. He often shares posts online about how much he misses her. It’s clear they had a close and special bond that lasted until the very end.

Kecalf Music and Gospel Rap Career

Kecalf Cunningham chose a different music path than his mom. While Aretha sang soul and R&B, Kecalf became a Christian gospel rapper. His songs are full of Bible stories, faith-based messages, and real-life lessons.

He raps under his real name — Kecalf Cunningham — and he writes most of his lyrics himself. His songs talk about things like love, family, God, and staying strong during hard times. It’s not flashy music — it’s deep and thoughtful.

Kecalf doesn’t release songs all the time. But when he does, his fans always say the same thing: his music comes from the heart. And that’s what makes his work so special, even if it’s not in the mainstream charts.

Performing with His Mother

Kecalf didn’t just grow up listening to his mom — he also performed with her. In 2008, he joined Aretha on stage at Radio City Music Hall. Later, in 2017, they appeared together again during the unveiling of Aretha Franklin Way.

He also performed at the BET Honors in 2014, where his daughter Victorie sang a tribute too. These performances showed how close the family was and how much they supported each other’s talents.

Aretha was also his business manager when he first started his music career. She believed in him and wanted the world to hear his message. Their performances together were not just about music — they were about love and respect.

Kecalf’s Children and Family Life

Kecalf Cunningham is not just a musician — he’s also a proud husband and father. He is married to Kafi Franklin, and together, they have six children — five daughters and one son.

He loves his family deeply and often shares how much they mean to him. His kids are all very talented and loving. Many of them have followed the same path in music, just like their dad and grandmother.

Kecalf keeps his family life mostly private, but he never forgets to celebrate them. He posts birthday wishes, graduation photos, and sweet messages on Instagram, always showing how proud he is of every one of his children.

Meet His Musical Children

Kecalf Cunningham’s children are not just regular kids — many of them are also talented musicians, just like their dad and grandma. Music clearly runs in the family, and his kids are now stepping into the spotlight too.

His daughter, Victorie Franklin, is a beautiful singer and songwriter. She was born on April 19, 1999 and later graduated from Howard University. She has performed live at big events, including the 2014 BET Honors, where her grandma was in the crowd smiling with pride.

His son Jordan Franklin is also in music. He works more behind the scenes and is known as a music producer. In 2019, he released songs like “Good Intentions” and “Smoke in My Lungs.” Jordan once called Aretha his “best friend” in a post after she passed away.

Grace Franklin’s Big Moments

Kecalf’s youngest daughter, Grace Franklin, is also very talented. She’s a sweet singer who has already done some amazing things. In August 2021, she sang with Jennifer Hudson during the premiere of the Respect movie about her grandmother’s life.

Grace’s favorite Aretha song is “Ain’t No Way”, and she sings it with heart and soul. In 2022, she auditioned for American Idol. The judges liked her voice, but told her to keep practicing. She didn’t make it far, but she stayed proud and kept going.

Grace was also given the Spirit of Detroit Award for her talent. She often performs with her sister Victorie, and both of them post their music online. Just like their dad, they use music to stay close to their grandma’s memory.

Kecalf’s Role in Aretha Franklin’s Estate

After Aretha Franklin passed away in 2018, there was no typed will found. But two handwritten wills showed up later — one from 2010, and one from 2014. This caused a lot of confusion in the family.

Kecalf Cunningham believed the 2014 will was the one Aretha truly wanted. That version said Kecalf and her grandkids should inherit her home in Bloomfield Hills, which was worth over $1.1 million at the time. It also gave him a special role in handling her estate.

In 2023, a Michigan jury finally decided that the 2014 handwritten will was valid. Kecalf was very emotional after the decision. He said he was happy his mother’s true wishes would now be followed. It brought peace after five years of waiting.

Personal Life and Challenges

Even though Kecalf Cunningham is very private, a few things about his personal life are known. After his mom passed away, he was arrested for DUI (driving under the influence). It wasn’t a huge public scandal, but it was reported briefly in the news.

Since then, Kecalf has kept his focus on family and music. He rarely does interviews or appears on TV. Most of the time, he shares soft, thoughtful posts online — usually about his mom, his kids, or their love of music.

He doesn’t chase fame. He enjoys quiet life, faith, and moments with the people he loves. That’s what matters most to him in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Kecalf Cunningham may not be a household name like his mother, but his story is full of love, talent, and strong family values. He is a son, a father, a gospel rapper, and someone who honors the past while raising the next generation.

He keeps his music simple and spiritual. He keeps his family close. And most of all, he keeps Aretha Franklin’s legacy alive in the most meaningful way — by living a life full of purpose and care.

So now you know Kecalf Cunningham a little better. He’s quiet, kind, and powerful in his own way — just like the music that made his mother a legend.