A 1973 memo from FBI informants states, “In view of the fact there is no evidence of involvement by Miss Franklin in [Black Liberation Army] activities and in view of her fame as a singer, it is felt that it would not be in the best interests of the Bureau to attempt to interview her.”
Aretha Franklin was a powerful voice in the Civil Rights Movement. She was one of many high-profile artist of the '60s and '70s to be investigated by the government.
Photo: Getty