Memorial Concert Honoring Aretha Franklin Features 22 Acts Live from Detroit
Before Aretha Franklin is laid to rest, fans and famous friends gathered to honor her with a memorial concert in her hometown of Detroit Thursday.
The free show, A People’s Tribute to the Queen, was sold out within minutes on Monday.
The tribute took place at Chene Park but those who did not score tickets were able to view the concert via live stream.
A People’s Tribute, which was organized by Franklin’s family, was packed with a number of celebrity appearances and performers.
An R&B tribute, featuring performances by Ronnie McNeir, Cherri Black, Gwen Foxx, Beth Griffith-Manley, Kimmie Horne and more have been scheduled, the Detroit Free Press reported.
An all-star tribute will follow with Angie Stone, Tweet, Regina Belle, Raheem DeVaughn and Keith Washington and the Four Tops.
There will also be a jazz and gospel tribute as Franklin grew up singing gospel music.
Tyler Perry, Jenifer Lewis, and Judge Greg Mathis will also be in attendance, and the show will conclude with a performance of Franklin’s biggest hit “Respect.”
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The tribute concert comes just one day after Franklin’s public open-casket viewing.
On Tuesday, Franklin was dressed in a red suit and crimson pumps in a bronze casket at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. She was then changed into a blue powder dress and matching shoes on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the final viewing, Franklin was dressed in a rose gold St. John’s gown and gold Christian Louboutin heels at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Franklin died at age 76 of pancreatic cancer on Aug. 16.
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart,” Franklin’s family said in a statement.
“We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.”
“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world.”
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“We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
Franklin’s funeral Friday will take place at Greater Grace Temple. It will be live streamed.
