Aretha Franklin’s Gospel Roots Celebrated at Queen of Soul’s Funeral

Clergy members and others stand on the stage as they watch the casket of Aretha Franklin closed at the funeral service for the late singer at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., August 31, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Segar

DETROIT—A Detroit church swelled with the sound of gospel music on Aug. 31 as family, friends, and fans of Aretha Franklin bid rousing farewell to the Queen of Soul at a funeral that featured tributes by former U.S. President Bill Clinton and singer Stevie Wonder.

“Come on, this is a church service, lift your voice!” Bishop Charles Ellis III, the officiant, exhorted the congregation at the Greater Grace Temple, as the choir and orchestra swayed behind him.