Hi everyone,

It is with huge pleasure that I can reveal that my research on Carolyn Franklin – the youngest sister of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin – has been published in The Guardian’s culture section.

This project was the culmination of several months’ work over the first lockdown. I had the pleasure of interviewing Carolyn’s family, as well as soul legends Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves, and Bettye LaVette. I also need to thank Winston ‘Buzz’ Willis, the Head of R&B at RCA Records, and Christopher Radcliffe, the son of Carolyn’s collaborator Jimmy.

The piece shines a light on Carolyn’s achievements as a backing vocalist, songwriter, and solo artist. It explores Carolyn’s beautiful balladry, her attempts to escape from Aretha shadow, and her educational pursuits later in life.

You can read the article here!

Fraser M
Editor