Quantcast
HITS Daily Double

ARETHA FRANKLIN FUNERAL, A REGAL AFFAIR FOR THE QUEEN OF SOUL

Aretha Franklin was honored on 8/31 with a funeral service at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, featuring a lineup of incredible musical performances and esteemed speakers—which she was reportedly very involved in assembling— befitting of her legendary status as both an iconic performer and profoundly devoted civil right activist. It was an epic celebration that lasted over seven hours.

Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, The Clark Sisters, Ariana Grande, Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, Faith Hill, Ron Isley, Jennifer Holliday, Paul Morton and Yolanda Adams all gave riveting musical performances, a mix of traditional gospel, covers of Franklin's music, and their own hits.

Speakers included many political luminaries like President Bill Clinton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. Rep Maxine Waters, who all discussed Franklin's dedication and passion on behalf of civil rights issues.

And from the world of entertainment, Smokey Robinson, Cicely Tyson, Clive Davis, Tyler Perry and author Michael Eric Dyson all gave moving speeches as well, along with several members of Franklin's immediate family.

More than 100 pink Cadillacs lined the street leading to Greater Grace Temple for a final salute to the singer, who had a well-known soft spot for the cars, highlighted in her 1985 hit "Freeway of Love."

Franklin will be laid to rest in a 24-karat gold plated Promethean casket, dressed in a sparkling full-length gold dress with sequined heels for her final outfit.

She will be buried next to her father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Rest in eternal peace, Queen of Soul.