5 Events To Honor Aretha Franklin This Week

DETROIT, MI — Detroit will be taken over this week by mourners and music lovers celebrating her life with four days of events. Franklin, the Queen of Soul, died Aug. 16 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by friends and family. The events include public visitations, a tribute concert and the official funeral. Here’s a look at what is being planned.

Visitation

What: Franklin's body will lie in repose at the Charles H. Wright Museum for African American History. The viewing will be open to the public for two days.

When: Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 28 and Aug. 29: Public visitations. The museum will open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both days.

Where: 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Third day of visitation: The funeral home announced there will be an additional day of viewing Aug. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church, 8430 Linwood St, Detroit.

Tribute concert

What: A musical tribute for the late Aretha Franklin will be held Aug. 30 at Chene Park in Detroit, organizers announced. The event will be free, officials said. It is scheduled for the evening. Performers and details for ticketing are still being finalized.

When: Thursday, Aug. 30: Additional visitation, tribute concert

Admission: Tickets will be available Monday at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Guests are limited to two tickets.

Funeral service

What: Funeral service in Detroit

When: 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018

Where: Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W Seven Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48219

Performing: An all-star lineup that includes Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Shirley Caesar and many more will perform at Aretha Franklin's funeral on Friday morning.

Also slated to perform are Ron Isley, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday and Aretha Franklin's son, Edward Franklin.

Speaking: Former President Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Cicely Tyson will be among the speakers.

Franklin’s rep, Gwendolyn Quinn, says other speakers will include former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, music mogul Clive Davis, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Clinton and the Queen of Soul were longtime friends. She sang at both of his inaugurations. Robinson and Franklin grew up together in Detroit.

The service will reflect Franklin's strong gospel roots. Among the gospel stars performing will be Marvin Sapp and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. The Aretha Franklin Choir and the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir are also on the program.

Photo: Singer Aretha Franklin performs the national anthem before the Detroit Pistons take on the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of the 2004 NBA Finals on June 15, 2004 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

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