A public viewing begins today in Detroit for the late Aretha Franklin. It is part of a week-long celebration of the Queen of Soul that includes a tribute concert and a funeral packed with high-profile figures.
The visitation at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History stretches for two days with another half-day set at the New Bethel Baptist church that launched Franklin’s career as a gospel singer.
A free concert Thursday features Motown legends while the guest list for Franklin’s funeral on Friday ranges from musicians like Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson to the Reverend Jesse Jackson and former President Bill Clinton.
Franklin will be buried at Detroit’s Woodlawn Cemetery near family members including her sisters, a nephew and her father the Reverend C-L Franklin, who once pastored the New Bethel church.