More than 20 performing artists, activists, family members and friends will celebrate the life and legacy of Aretha Louise Franklin, known as the Queen of Soul, during a Musical Tribute event at Chene Park Amphitheatre in downtown Detroit on Thursday, August 30, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Leading artists representing many musical genres – R&B, Gospel, Jazz, Hip-Hop – are slated to perform tributes. Activists will speak about Ms. Franklin's profound role in feminism and civil rights. The participant list in formation includes:
Dr. Bobby Jones
Gladys Knight
Kurt Carr
Tasha Page-Lockhart
KiKi Sheard
Jenifer Lewis
The Four Tops
Johnny Gill
Angie Stone
Cherri Black
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Doug Carn
Jean Carne
Steffinie Christian
Angela Davis
Raheem DeVaughn
George Faison
Minister Louis Farrakhan
Gwen Foxx
Eddie Franklin
Gracie Franklin
Victorie Franklin
Beth Griffith-Manley
Kimmie Horne
Santita Jackson
KIKO
Alise King
L'Renee
LJ Reynolds
Ralphe Armstrong Band and Kern Brantley Band will accompany the celebrants. Other participants will be announced once confirmed.
Sabrina V. Garrett Owens, personal representative of the Aretha Franklin estate, said upon the announcement of the musical tribute: "On behalf of the family, thank you to those paying tribute and celebrating the life of Aretha. We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we have received from friends, supporters and fans all around the world."
Tickets are required for admission to this free event. Tickets will be available online through Ticketmaster.com. In honor of the Queen, Ticketmaster will waive all fees. Guests are allowed a maximum of two (2) tickets via Ticketmaster digital-mobile tickets.
The Musical Tribute will be part of a four-day celebration of Ms. Franklin's life and career. Her body will lie in repose at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit for public viewing August 28th and 29th. A private, invitation-only funeral for close family and friends will be held August 31st morning at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.
The Belle Report