Stars line up for Aretha Franklin tribute performances
Dozens of artists will perform in her home city of Detroit, including at the funeral on Friday
A four day memorial for Aretha Franklin is underway in her home city of Detroit. Thousands of mourners are paying their respects as her coffin is placed in the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for two days of public viewings – the institution hosted a similar viewing for civil rights icon Rosa Parks, whose funeral Aretha sang at in 2005.Â
Dozens of musicians are set to perform in tribute to The Queen of Soul. On Thursday night, a free concert will take place at the city’s Chene Park Amphitheatre, featuring Gladys Knight, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Raheem DeVaughn, Cherri Black, Doug Carn, Jean Carne, Angie Stone and more. Aretha’s son Eddie Franklin and granddaughter Victorie Franklin will also appear on stage.
On Friday, Aretha’s funeral will take place at the Greater Grace Temple in the north west of Detroit, holding more than 4,000 invited guests, friends and family of the singer. Confirmed performers include Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Faith Hill, Ron Isley and Jennifer Hudson (who’s actually due to star as Aretha in a movie next year).