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As it happenedended

Aretha Franklin funeral: Jennifer Holliday performs as moving ceremony concludes

The ceremony in honour of the late Aretha Franklin has come to an end

Chelsea Ritschel,Joe Sommerlad
Friday 31 August 2018 18:48 EDT
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Aretha Franklin 'The Queen of Soul' dies aged 76

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A memorial service celebrating the life of singer Aretha Franklin took place in Detroit today, where performers, fans, friends and family members joined to pay their respects to the "Queen of Soul".

The legendary singer, known for such anthems as “Respect”, “Natural Woman” and “Say a Little Prayer”, died of pancreatic cancer earlier this month, aged 76.

Icons including Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Ariana Grande performed at the city's Greater Grace Temple, as well as a host of local gospel musicians, while Bill Clinton, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Smokey Robinson paid tribute to the life of the beloved Aretha Franklin.

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Following Bill Clinton's 12-minute speech, the longest of the day's tributes, Audrey DuBois Harris sings "Great is Thy Faithfulness".

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 19:30

The standing crowd dances as singer Shirley Caesar performs.

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 19:34

Judge Greg Mathis takes the stage.

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 19:39

The retired judge of the Michigan 36th District Court remembers how Franklin always wanted to show her strength, even after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Judge Mathis remembers Aretha Franklin (Getty) 

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 19:42

Rev Jim Holley takes to the stage.

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 20:06

Following tributes from US Rep Brenda Lawrence and Rev Donald L Parsons, Chaka Khan begins to sing.

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 20:08

The crowd is dancing and singing along as Chaka Khan performs "Going Up Yonder".

Chaka Khan performs at Franklin's funeral (Getty) 

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 20:13

As the musical performances continue in memory of the late Aretha Franklin, Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers takes the stage for an emotional performance.

Ron Isley performs a tribute to Aretha Franklin (Getty) 

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 20:20

Civil rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson Sr has taken the stage.

Rev Jesse Jackson pays tribute to Franklin (Getty) 

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 20:26

During his speech, Rev Jackson, who revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, urges people to vote. 

"There was long lines at the museum for Rosa Parks, long lines for Aretha, long lines today. We have long lines to celebrate death, and short lines for voting," he said. 

Rev Jesse Jackson Sr remembers Aretha Franklin 

Steve Anderson31 August 2018 20:43

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