The Queen of Soul will get the royal treatment, as a series of memorial services and events will pay tribute to the great Aretha Franklin this week.
Franklin died earlier this month at the age of 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The public visitation for Franklin marks the first event in a week of mourning and the celebration of the Queen of Soul’s life. It runs 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit.
Following the public viewing, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will hold a final rites ceremony, called an Omega Omega Service. The ceremony is open only to Delta’s members and members of Franklin’s family.
New Bethel Baptist Church, founded by Franklin’s father, Rev. C.L. Franklin, will host its own viewing for its members on Thursday, which will be followed by a tribute concert at Chene Park Amphitheatre.
“A People’s Tribute to the Queen” will honor all the musical stylings Franklin excelled in: there will be an R&B tribute, a gospel tribute, a jazz tribute, and an “all-star” tribute, which will feature Regina Bell, Johnny Gill, Raheem DeVaughn, Angie Stone, and the Four Tops, among others.
On Friday, a private home-going service will be held in Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple.
