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The FBI tracked Aretha Franklin for 40 years - here’s why

<p dir="ltr">Until 2007, Aretha Franklin was tracked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with her bumper 270-page file recently obtained by <em><a href="https://rollingstoneindia.com/aretha-franklin-was-tracked-by-the-fbi-for-40-years-heres-whats-in-her-file/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rolling Stone</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Queen of Soul, who passed away in 2018 aged 76, was subjected to false phone calls and surveillance, as well as having her inner circle infiltrated by FBI sources, according to the outlet.</p> <p dir="ltr">Franklin’s file, first requested via the Freedom of Information Act shortly after her death, is reportedly filled with phrases such as “Black extremists”, “pro-communist”, “hate America”, “radical”, “racial violence”, and “militant Black power”.</p> <p dir="ltr">It also contained plenty of suspicion about the singer, her work, and the other artists and activists she associated with, as the FBI tried and failed to connect the Respect singer to the Black Liberation Army and other “radical” movements.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the documents, Franklin’s civil rights work and association with activists including Martin Luther King Jr and Angela Davies, became a focus for the FBI, with agents tracking her addresses, phone numbers and activities.</p> <p dir="ltr">The singer’s son, Kecalf, told the <em>Rolling Stone</em> he was unsure whether Franklin knew she was under surveillance but said it was a “waste of time” for the FBI to follow her “every move” for so many years after failing to connect her to radical movements of any kind.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm not really sure if my mother was aware that she was being targeted by the FBI and followed. I do know that she had absolutely nothing to hide though…” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It does make me feel a certain way knowing the FBI had her targeted and wanted to know her every move.</p> <p dir="ltr">"But at the same time knowing my mother and the way she ran her business I know she had nothing to hide so they wouldn't have found anything and were wasting their time. As you see…they found nothing at all."</p> <p dir="ltr">The documents obtained by <em>Rolling Stone</em>, which include some newly-declassified files and others that are heavily redacted, include a 1968 report discussing funeral plans for Martin Luther King Jr which described it as a “racial situation”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sammy Davis Jr., Aretha Franklin…of this group, some have supported militant Black power concept…[performance at MLK memorial by these prominent entertainers] would provide emotional spark which could ignite racial disturbance in this area,” it reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">The FBI also included files “just in case”, such as her 1971 contract with Atlantic Records to attempt to connect the <em>Blues Brothers</em> star’s business dealings to the Black Panther Party.</p> <p dir="ltr">Letters and reports of death threats were among the collection of documents as well, including one from a man threatening to kill her and her family and another extortion attempt against her.</p> <p dir="ltr">With some documents indicating that there are additional materials in the FBI’s possession that haven’t been released, <em>Rolling Stone</em> requested these records be made available.</p> <p dir="ltr">The FBI has yet to comment on the report.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b53d2a36-7fff-78ce-80b9-125e7216fcbd"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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“Greatest of all time”: World reacts to Aretha Franklin’s death

<p>Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has died from advance pancreatic cancer at home in Detroit, aged 76.</p> <p>The music icon was surrounded by family and friends when she died at 9.50am on Thursday local time.</p> <p>“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Aretha Louise Franklin, the Queen of Soul,” her family said in a statement issued by her publicist.</p> <p>“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart.</p> <p>“We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.”</p> <p>Her family thanked friends and supporters from all over the world for their prayers.</p> <p>“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received,” the statement read.</p> <p>“We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”</p> <p>The death of the legendary singer, known for such enduring hits as <em>Respect</em> (1967), <em>Natural Woman</em> (1968) and <em>I Say a Little Prayer</em> (1968), sparked an outpouring of love and tributes for the remarkable woman from around the world.</p> <p>Diana Ross said she was “sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.”</p> <p>Smokey Robinson said in a statement: “This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our father. I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace.”</p> <p>Barbra Streisand shared a photo of herself performing with Franklin in 2012, writing: “It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world.”</p> <p>John Legend tweeted: “Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known.”</p> <p>Barack and Michelle Obama said in a statement: “Through her compositions and unmatched musicianship, Aretha helped define the American experience. In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade-our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect.</p> <p>“She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human. And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.</p> — Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) <a href="https://twitter.com/DianaRoss/status/1030100713093967873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance – a benefit for <a href="https://twitter.com/ejaf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ejaf</a> at St John The Divine Cathedral. She was obviously unwell, and I wasn’t sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof.</p> — Elton John (@eltonofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/eltonofficial/status/1030101482731962369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha &amp; I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer,but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world <a href="https://t.co/Px9zVB90MM">pic.twitter.com/Px9zVB90MM</a></p> — Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarbraStreisand/status/1030096939109556229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <p> </p> <p>US President Donald Trump opened a Cabinet meeting at the White House today by expressing his “condolences to the family of a person I knew well”. He said Franklin “worked for me on numerous occasions,” and her “legacy will thrive and inspire” many generations.</p> <p>“She was terrific — Aretha Franklin — on her passing,” said the President, who also tweeted about the singer. “She’s brought joy to millions of lives and her extraordinary legacy will thrive and inspire many generations to come. She was given a great gift from God — her voice, and she used to well. People loved Aretha. She was a special woman. So just want to pass on my warmest best wishes and sympathies to her family.”</p> <p>Clive Davis, the music mogul who helped revive Franklin’s career in the 1980s, said he was “devastated” by her death.</p> <p>“She was truly one of a kind,” he said in a statement. “She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world.</p> <p>“Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness.”</p> <p>Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown record label, said in a statement: “A national treasure to everyone. But to me personally, Aretha Franklin was my dear, dear friend, my homegirl, and I loved her a lot.</p> <p>“From seeing her as a baby singing and playing at the piano at her father’s home, to her giving a rousing performance at the White House, she has always been amazing. No matter how the music has changed over the years, she remained so relevant.”</p> <p>In her decades-long career that spanned multiple genres, Franklin’s powerful voice that stretched over four octaves defined her place in American music history.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Aretha helped define the American experience. In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade—our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace. <a href="https://t.co/bfASqKlLc5">pic.twitter.com/bfASqKlLc5</a></p> — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1030129887623958538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">What a life. What a legacy! <br />So much love, respect and gratitude.<br />R.I.P. <a href="https://twitter.com/ArethaFranklin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArethaFranklin</a> <a href="https://t.co/400K1U5IHI">https://t.co/400K1U5IHI</a></p> — Carole King (@Carole_King) <a href="https://twitter.com/Carole_King/status/1030096175993475079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">One of the highlights of my career was singing with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArethaFranklin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArethaFranklin</a> at The Tony Awards. It was an out of body experience for me. One of greatest singers of all time. You will be missed by all. <a href="https://t.co/L8dIIhyR9Y">https://t.co/L8dIIhyR9Y</a></p> — Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealHughJackman/status/1030098224156209153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The choir of angels now have the greatest voice of all time to lead, praise and join in to sing before Jesus. I wanted to share this photo because it shows just how soulful Aretha was without uttering a word. To say I was humbled to be in her presence would be an understatement. <a href="https://t.co/R2lxjXwDO8">pic.twitter.com/R2lxjXwDO8</a></p> — Faith Hill (@FaithHill) <a href="https://twitter.com/FaithHill/status/1030110318826074112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!</p> — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1030116078125568006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul <a href="https://t.co/jW4Gpwfdts">pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts</a></p> — Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney/status/1030103284881805312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2010, <em>Rolling Stone</em> magazine named her the greatest singer of all time, male or female.</p> <p>The Hall of Fame issued a statement titled “Lady Soul”, which read: “The first woman inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Franklin was an artist of passion, sophistication and command, whose recordings remain anthems that defined soul music. Long live the Queen.”</p>

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Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is “seriously ill”

<p>Legendary singer Aretha Franklin is “seriously ill” and receiving hospice care in Detroit, Michigan, according to US media.</p> <p>“Aretha is surrounded by family and people close to her” in Detroit and “the family is asking for prayers and privacy”, reports <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.showbiz411.com/2018/08/12/exclusive-aretha-franklin-queen-of-soul-gravely-ill-in-detroit-winner-of-18-grammy-awards">Showbiz 411</a></span></em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span></strong></p> <p>The US Today show reporter Charles Croucher also shared an update on the singer’s health.</p> <p>"We know she's battled cancer since 2010 and struggled with health on numerous occasions recently. But it seems like things are in a bad state for the Queen of Soul. She is loved around the world... 18 Grammys and the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She performed on stage and on the big screen in movies as well, but it's that voice and that power that people remember so fondly," he said.</p> <p>The 76-year-old cancelled concerts earlier this year due to health concerns. She last performed at an event for Elton John's AIDS foundation in November 2017.</p> <p>“Aretha Franklin has been ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest completely for at least the next two months,” her management <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ew.com/music/2018/03/17/aretha-franklin-cancels-upcoming-concerts/">said in a statement</a></span></strong> in March.</p> <p>Last year, the Queen of Soul said she was <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/aretha-franklin-announces-retirement/">planning to retire from touring</a></span></strong> following the release of her new album. At the time, she said she wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren.</p> <p><em>Showbiz 411</em> claims Franklin is battling cancer after being diagnosed in 2010.</p> <p>However, Franklin has previously denied that she has cancer.</p> <p>The 18-time Grammy winner did confirm that she underwent surgery for an unspecified health scare in 2010.</p> <p>“He (the doctor) said, ‘The surgery that you just had is going to add 15 to 20 more years to your life’,” Franklin told <em>Access Hollywood</em>.</p> <p>Franklin is widely considered one of the greatest vocalists of all time and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.</p> <p>Some of music’s biggest stars, including Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott, tweeted their love and support to Franklin.  </p>

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Aretha Franklin breaks her silence about dramatic weight loss

<p><span>Aretha Franklin has opened up about her drastic weight loss following a fake Twitter account recently announcing her death.</span></p> <p><span>“I’m doing well generally, all tests have come back good,” the singer told <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/aretha-franklin-responds-to-rumors-of-her-death-im-doing-well/" target="_blank">Us Weekly</a></strong></span>.</span></p> <p><span>“I’ve lost a lot of weight due to side effects of medicine, it affects your weight … Thanxxxx for your concern.”</span></p> <p><span>Fans were shocked on Tuesday after a Twitter account falsely announced the 75-year-old Queen of Soul’s death.</span></p> <p><span>Franklin’s good friend and reporter Shaun Robinson addressed the rumours after the fake death hoax story was trending online.</span></p> <p><span>“Good Morning, Everyone. I just spoke to one of Ms. Franklin’s family friends in my hometown of Detroit,” Robinson tweeted. “They spoke to Aretha moments ago and asked me to tell you please don’t believe this news that was trending. Have a good day.”</span></p> <p><span>Earlier this year Franklin announced that she was </span><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/02/aretha-franklin-announces-retirement/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">retiring from music</span></strong></a><span>.</span></p> <p><span>The iconic musician explained that she wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren before they went on to university.</span></p> <p><span>“This is what I’ve done all of my life,” she said. “I feel very, very enriched and satisfied with respect to where my career came from and where it is now."</span></p> <p><span>She revealed that she plans to stay active by opening a nightclub and doing “some select things”.</span></p> <p><span>“I'll be pretty much satisfied, but I'm not going to go anywhere and just sit down and do nothing. That wouldn't be good either.”</span></p>

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Aretha Franklin’s drastic weight loss transformation will stun you

<p>Aretha Franklin has taken to social media to reveal her dramatic weight loss transformation, and as you can see below the results speak for themselves.</p> <p>The 75-year-old singer, who is popular for hits like <em>Respect</em> and <em>Say A Little Prayer</em>, looked slimmer than ever in these photos posted on Instagram recently.</p> <p><img width="498" height="440" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40475/aretha-franklin-in-text-2_498x440.jpg" alt="Aretha -Franklin -In -Text -2"/></p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram / wolf_trap</em></p> <p><em><img width="499" height="425" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40476/aretha-franklin-in-text_499x425.jpg" alt="Aretha -Franklin -In -Text"/></em></p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram / upscalemagazine</em></p> <p>Franklin recently told a US TV station that this would be her last year performing, “I am retiring this year. I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it.”</p> <p>What do you think of the transformation? What’s your favourite Aretha Franklin song? Let us know in the comments section below, we’d be keen to hear from you. </p>

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Franklin the sheepdog has roamed a town in Australia for three years

<p>A mysterious shaggy stray dog named Franklin, who has roamed the streets of a small Canberra suburb in Australia for at least three years, has become a celebrity.</p> <p>The Maremma Sheepdog has apparently been freely walking the streets of Gungahlin for years, finding food from regularly gifted bones and treats by locals and a woman who feeds him on his daily visits to her house.</p> <p>The big white shaggy dog even has his own Facebook fan page, where locals frequently post sightings of the elusive canine. Franklin has been dubbed the “Ghost Dog” due to his snowy-white coat, sudden random appearances and elusiveness</p> <p>A group of locals who regularly interact with Franklin say he generally likes to keep to himself but wouldn’t hurt a fly. However, residents of the town are debating whether Franklin should be left alone or if he does need to be caught and re-homed. The RSPCA said they have not had any complaints about the welfare of the dog.</p> <p>Mark Scarborough, who started Franklin’s Facebook page after sighting him a few times three years ago, says Franklin was adopted from the pound by a family three years ago, but escaped when brought home. He was briefly recaptured, but ran away again and has been on the loose ever since.</p> <p>“The ACT Rangers have all but given up trying to catch Franklin as he is too elusive. Others have also tried without success,” said Scarborough.</p> <p>“We have discussed Franklin with RSPCA and they have advised that the best thing we can do is to leave Franklin alone.”</p> <p>While Scarborough is worried about Franklin’s health in the “wild”, he said he wasn’t sure forcing a roof over Franklin’s head was necessarily the answer.</p> <p>"People say he needs a home, but does he?” Scarborough says, “Does he need cuddles and pats and to sleep on a bed every night? Are we romanticising that?</p> <p>"From what I've seen of him, he does look happy."</p> <p><strong><em>Scroll on the gallery above to catch a glimpse of Franklin's adeventures. To find out more, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FranklinTheGungahlinMaremma/?fref=nf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">visit Franklin's Facebook page here. </span></a></em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/09/quotes-about-dogs/">10 quotes dog lovers will enjoy</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/10/portraits-of-dogs-young-to-old/">Then and now: portraits of dogs from puppyhood to old age</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/09/dogs-can-spot-liars/">Dogs can spot liars and will disregard them</a></em> </strong></span></p>

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