Although the source identified Franklin as a friend of Roosevelt Bernard Douglas, a “black extremist of international stature” who became prime minister of Dominica, there was no other evidence that he was connected to the CCLD. Franklin, whose biggest hits include “Respect” and “A natural Woman,” was so closely watched that the FBI kept notes of events they believed she would attend but didn’t, including a Black Panther party in Los Angeles. in 1971. . The FBI is known to have kept files on a number of famous performers during the latter half of the 20th century, especially as tensions rose over the Vietnam War. Earlier this month, the last surviving member of 1960s rock band The Monkees said he was suing the FBI in an attempt to get the agency to hand over his records on the band. Micky Dolenz sang and played drums for what was then one of the most popular bands in America, but the musicians drew government attention for allegedly “anti-American messages about the Vietnam War” and broadcasting left-wing “subliminal messages” during 1967 concert. The FBI created a file on the band and its members, parts of which were released in 2011, but now Mr. Dolenz, 77, wants to see the entire records.
