News

Memorial service for singer Aretha Franklin held in Detroit

3:14

VMA's to play homage to late music legend Aretha Franklin

Matt Rourke/AP, FILE

August 20, 2018, 12:16 AM

A memorial service honoring the late Aretha Franklin was held in Detroit, Michigan, on Sunday.

PHOTO: Aretha Franklin waves as she receives an honorary Doctor of Arts degree during Harvard commencement ceremonies in Cambridge, Mass, May 29, 2014. — Aretha Franklin waves as she receives an honorary Doctor of Arts degree as Chilean author Isabel Allende, left, and former Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg, right, look on during Harvard commencement ceremonies in Cambridge, Mass, May 29, 2014.
Steven Senne/AP, FILE

The "Queen of Soul" died on Aug. 16 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 76.

Related Articles

(MORE: Aretha Franklin, 'Queen of Soul,' has died at 76)

PHOTO: An impromptu memorial for singer Aretha Franklin is shown outside New Bethel Baptist Church, the church where Aretha Franklin's late father Rev. C.L. Franklin was a minister and where she began her singing career, Aug. 19, 2018 in Detroit. — An impromptu memorial for singer Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul" is shown outside New Bethel Baptist Church, the church where Aretha Franklin's late father Rev. C.L. Franklin was a minister and where she began her singing career, Aug. 19, 2018 in Detroit.
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Outside the New Bethel Baptist Church, where the service was held, some signed boards at a memorial paying tribute to the singer.

PHOTO: Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks at New Bethel Baptist Church, the church where Aretha Franklin's late father Rev. C.L. Franklin was a minister and where she began her singing career, on Aug. 19, 2018 in Detroit. — Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks at New Bethel Baptist Church, the church where Aretha Franklin's late father Rev. C.L. Franklin was a minister and where she began her singing career, on Aug. 19, 2018 in Detroit. Aretha Franklin died in Detroit of pancreatic cancer on August 16th at the age of 76.
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Those inside the church listened to the Rev. Jesse Jackson, as he spoke about Franklin's life and her dedication to music.

Avis Doughton holds her arms up as the Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks celebrating the life of singer Aretha Franklin at her father's church, New Bethel Baptist, during a Sunday morning service in Detroit, August 19, 2018.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

The New Bethel Baptist Church was where Franklin's late father, Rev. C.L. Franklin was a minister and where Franklin began to let the world hear her sing.

PHOTO: A man paints a mural of Aretha Franklin on a wall down the street where the Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke celebrating the life of singer Aretha Franklin at her father's church, New Bethel Baptist, in Detroit, Aug. 19, 2018. — A man paints a mural of Aretha Franklin on a wall down the street where the Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke celebrating the life of singer Aretha Franklin at her father's church, New Bethel Baptist, during a Sunday morning service in Detroit, Aug. 19, 2018.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Related Articles

(MORE: Smokey Robinson reflects on the legacy of his longtime friend Aretha Franklin: 'She just had it')

A mural of Franklin was painted on a wall down the street from the church.

An impromptu memorial for singer Aretha Franklin is shown outside New Bethel Baptist Church, the church where Aretha Franklin's late father Rev. C.L. Franklin was a minister and where she began her singing career, August 19, 2018 in Detroit.
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Aretha Franklin's funeral will be held Aug 31.

Up Next in News—

Man says he feels 'extremely lucky' after surviving grizzly bear encounter

Woman speaks out after South Carolina deputy rescues her from burning car: 'Guardian angel'

'Extremely intelligent' bear that attacked 4 escapes capture in Japan

'Teen takeovers' prompt police responses across the country

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola