Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson among speakers at Aretha Franklin's funeral
Singer Aretha Franklin performs during a Labor Day event sponsored by the Metro Detroit Central Labor Council on September 5, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
DETROIT (WJBK) - Among a star studded musical tribute, we're learning who will be speaking at Aretha Franklin's funeral service next week.
Former President Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Cicely Tyson are among those who will speak at the August 31 funeral at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.
Franklin's rep, Gwendolyn Quinn, told the Associated Press other speakers will include former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, music mogul Clive Davis, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Clinton and the Queen of Soul were longtime friends. She sang at both of his inaugurations. Robinson and Franklin grew up together in Detroit. They will speak in addition to more than a dozen musical icons who will also be performing, including Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill and Chaka Khan. The Rev. Jasper Williams Jr. will deliver the eulogy. He is pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Atlanta.
Franklin died of pancreatic cancer last Thursday at age 76.
Franklin's funeral, which is reserved for just close friends and family, is set for Friday, August 31 at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. The public is invited, though, to a viewing at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
The same farewell was given to civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2005. Her body lied in repose at the museum, followed by her funeral at Greater Grace Temple. Thousands came to pay their respects, and the same is anticipated for Franklin.
Her hometown church also added a public viewing on Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. Franklin grew up worshipping at New Bethel Baptist Church on Linwood, where her father was also a pastor. A gospel tribute concert to the Queen of Soul has also been announced at the church, and will take place on Monday, August 27 at 6 p.m.
Franklin will be entombed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, along with her father Rev. C.L. Franklin; sisters Carolyn Franklin and Erma Franklin; brother Cecil Franklin; and nephew Thomas Garrett.