Rodney Franklin has sadly passed away at the age of 67. He's best remembered for being being a child prodigy in both the RnB and Jazz spaces, having risen to fame with the hit single "In The Groove."
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Jamaica Franklin-Hughes, Rodney's niece, announced his death on July 24, via a GoFundMe page.
"Rodney Thomas Franklin passed away peacefully today, July 8, 2026," Jamaica wrote. "While we will miss him immensely, we rejoice in knowing that he is no longer in pain and is at peace. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. We are currently processing today's events and will update you all with next steps soon. We humbly thank you for your support. Please keep the family in your prayers."
The GoFundMe, which has now raised $18,000 of its $20,000 goal, was setup for Rodney in December 2025. He had suffeeed a medical emergency, leading him to need significant care and treatment. The proceeds were used to help fund his hopsital bills and the ongoing medical costs.
Currently, there's no information regarding the cause of Rodney's death, nor what type of medical emergency he previously suffered. Furthermore, no details regarding a funeral or celebration of life have been made public.
Rodney Franklin Made His Name in the Late '70s and Early '80s
Rodney's debut album hit the shelves in 1978, titles "In The Center." However, it was his second studio album that put him firmly on the map. "You'll Never Know" released in 1980, and hit the top 10 on the Jazz Charts in the process. His second album also featured "In The Groove," which became an international hit.
"Between 1980 and 1988, Franklin became a jazz chart staple, releasing albums almost yearly," Suggest reports. "His 1985 ballad "Song for You" became a radio favorite and continues to resonate with listeners today."
According to Spotify, Rodney still draws over 37,000 monthly listeners on the platform. When accounting for all the other streaming apps, that number is likely closer to 100,000. The fact that his music still has such a sizeable audience over 40 years later is proof of his exceptional talent. He'll undoubtedly be missed.
