Cyrus Langhorne
TV giant BET Networks is reportedly going to help millions bid farewell to soul icon Aretha Franklin. The media powerhouse is set to broadcast live commercial-free coverage of the late legend’s funeral services.
According to a BET press release, the coverage is set to start tomorrow (August 31) at 10 AM ET.
BET’s commercial-free, live coverage will be hosted by BET News Correspondent Marc Lamont Hill from our Times Square studio in New York City. Marc will be joined in studio by noted cultural and music critic Emil Wilbekin who will provide additional commentary. The memorial service held at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit is scheduled to include speeches by former President Bill Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Tyler Perry, Cicely Tyson, Clive Davis, Michael Eric Dyson.
The funeral service is expected to feature a handful of superstar performances.
The live coverage is scheduled to feature performances by Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Ron Isley, Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Smokey Robinson, Fantasia, Faith Hill, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Ariana Grande, The Clark Sisters, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Jennifer Holiday.
Recently, rap star Nicki Minaj remembered Franklin during a Queen Radio broadcast.
“It’s no secret she’s an icon — an icon of all icons,” Minaj said. “I don’t know anyone who she hasn’t inspired. It seems strange to wake up and hear she passed, even though she lived a long and fulfilled life. But still, we’ve lost one of our icons. Someone we’ve all been inspired by.” The 35-year-old rapper reflected on learning the Detroit native’s 1967 anthem “Respect” in school as a child. “I remember being in school learning ‘Respect,’ and that felt like a mini national anthem for us. It’s so weird how everyone grew up with that song,” she said. “What I love about the song is not just saying ‘give me respect,’ it’s demanding respect. I like strong and iconic women. She was unapologetically the Queen.” (Billboard)
https://twitter.com/Beats1/status/1030171864755097600
Omg #AliciaKeys #QueenRadio pic.twitter.com/Ss685eTFwV
— Mrs. Petty (@NICKIMINAJ) August 16, 2018
According to Franklin’s publicist, she passed away earlier this month in Detroit following days of celebrity prayers.
Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit. https://t.co/EEqRxODtPo
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 16, 2018
BREAKING: Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit.
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 16, 2018
