The tribute and memorial to Aretha Franklin has now become a four-day long salute and it’s all next week in Detroit. The Franklin family is sharing the Queen of Soul with us all.
The public viewings at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History are set for Tuesday (8/28) and Wednesday (8/29) from 9am to 9am. Then an additional viewing has been added on Thursday (8/30) afternoon from noon to 4pm at New Bethel Baptist Church, which is the church where Aretha began her singing career.
A public tribute concert was just added for Thursday (8/30) from 6-9pm at the Chene Park Amphitheatre, starring Gladys Knight, Johnny Gill, The Four Tops, Angie Stone, Raheem DeVaughn, Jenifer Lewis, Kiki Sheard and many others. Minister Farrakhan will also speak at the event. Tickets to the free event are available through Ticketmaster, who told the Detroit Free Press that they are waiving their fees in honor of Aretha… the tickets will be available online beginning Monday (8/27) at 10am ET (9am CT).
Aretha’s private memorial service will be Friday morning at Greater Grace Temple with performances from Stevie Wonder, Ronald Isley, Faith Hill, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Yolanda Adams Shirley Caesar, The Clark Sisters, Jennifer Holliday and many more.
This will be a homegoing like we’ve never seen before and may never see again… I just wish it was on tv, pay-per-view or something.
Rest in power and know you are celebrated Queen!