Funeral for Franklin fills church with prayers, stars
DETROIT — An all-star lineup of mourners filled a Detroit church with prayers and songs Friday for Aretha Franklin’s funeral, honouring her not just as the Queen of Soul but also as a lifelong friend, family member, churchgoer and activist.
Guests at the Greater Grace Temple included former president Bill Clinton, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson.
Robinson, the Motown great, remembered first hearing her play piano when he was just 8 and remaining close for the rest of her life. “You’re so special,” he said, before crooning a few lines from his song “Really Gonna Miss You.”
The service encompassed many elements, emotions and grand entrances that were hallmarks of her more than six decades on sacred and secular stages. It was a send-off both grand and personal.
Ariana Grande sang one of the Queen of Soul’s biggest hits, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and Faith Hill performed “What a Friend We Have In Jesus.” The Aretha Franklin Orchestra performed a medley featuring “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Angel” and other songs the Queen of Soul was known for, along with gospel numbers “I Love the Lord” and “Walk in the Light.”
Barbara Sampson read a statement from former president George W. Bush, saying Franklin would continue to inspire future generations. The Rev. Al Sharpton read a statement from former president Barack Obama, who wrote that Franklin’s “work reflected the very best of the American story.”
Franklin died Aug. 16 at age 76. Her body arrived early Friday in a 1940 Cadillac LaSalle hearse. She wore a shimmering gold dress.
The casket was carried to the church that also took Franklin’s father, the renowned minister C.L. Franklin, and civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks to their final resting places at Woodlawn Cemetery, where the singer will join them.