Who Was Aretha Franklin First Husband
Aretha Franklin first husband was Ted White. He was a Detroit-based manager and musician who married the young singer in 1961. The relationship began while Franklin was still a teenager working with J.V.B. Records.
Marriage and Early Career
Ted White became Franklin's manager during the early years of her career. Their marriage lasted until 1969, when Franklin filed for divorce after years of reported domestic conflict. The union produced one son, Edward Franklin.
Key Biographical Details
White was several years older than Franklin and had a background in entertainment and business management. Their marriage is frequently discussed in biographies and documentaries about Franklin's life and career. Details about their relationship are also covered in reference works on Motown and soul music history.
Legacy and Later Life
After the divorce, Franklin continued to build one of the most celebrated careers in American music. Ted White remained a noted figure in discussions about her early life. For more background on Aretha Franklin, see the Britannica biography.
