FBI file shows bureau kept tabs on Aretha Franklin's activism, a common focus during the Civil Rights era

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

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.

See star portray Aretha Franklin in new biopic trailer 00:37"In view of the fact there is no evidence of involvement by Miss Franklin in BLA activities and in view of her fame as a singer, it is felt that it would not be in the interests of the Bureau to attempt to interview her," explains the letter addressed from a New York FBI agent to then-acting Director William Ruckelshaus. CNN has reached out to Franklin's estate.

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