Smokey Robinson To Speak At Aretha Franklin´s Funeral

Sat Aug 25, 2018 01:35AM

Smokey Robinson and actress Cicely Tyson have been asked to speak at Aretha Franklin´s funeral next week (beg27Aug18).

Motown legend Smokey, who grew up with Aretha in Detroit, Michigan, and The Help star Tyson, will join former President Bill Clinton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson among those who will offer up thoughts and prayers for the late soul legend, who lost her battle with pancretic cancer last week (16Aug18).

Franklin’s representative, Gwendolyn Quinn, has confirmed former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, music mogul Clive Davis, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Bishop T.D. Jakes will also speak during the service, and The Rev. Jasper Williams, Jr. will deliver the eulogy.

The funeral will take place at Greater Grace Temple in Franklin´s adopted Detroit, Michigan.

Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, and Jennifer Hudson, who is set to play the Queen of Soul in a much-anticipated biopic, will join Fantasia, Ron Isley, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday, and Aretha’s son, Edward Franklin, among the performers at the service.

Meanwhile, Gladys Knight will headline a memorial service at Chene Park Amphitheater next Thursday (30Aug18). Isley is also slated to perform, along with Angie Stone and Johnny Gill, according to TMZ.