FBI file shows bureau kept tabs on Aretha Franklin's activism, a common focus during the Civil Rights era
CNN
There "ain't no way" the highest domestic law enforcement agency in the country was keeping tabs on Aretha Franklin -- but they were.
The FBI kept a careful eye on the Queen of Soul and her activism, nothing unusual during the civil rights era when the bureau was monitoring a host of the movement's luminaries. Franklin was best known for her sturdy catalog of R&B and gospel hits, but the file shows her possible affiliation -- both real and perceived -- with Communist and Black liberation organizations was a regular focus for federal agents. Franklin died in 2018.
Though the documents are redacted, the agents and investigators seem to conclude there was no cause for alarm, despite the extensive monitoring. The file also outlines death threats and an extortion attempt targeting the singer, as well as a copyright infringement lawsuit.
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