Memorial service for Aretha Franklin’s father, brother draws hundreds to Detroit church

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FILE - In a March 4, 2015, file photo, singer Aretha Franklin is interviewed after a taping for American Idol XIV at The Fillmore Detroit. The Detroit News reports that a memorial service on Sunday, June 7, 2015, planned by Franklin for her late father and brother, drew hundreds of people to Detroit\'s New Bethel Baptist Church where they were ministers. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

DETROIT – A memorial service planned by Aretha Franklin for her late father and brother has drawn hundreds of people to a Detroit church where they were ministers.

The Detroit News (http://bit.ly/1HgXj3W ) reports the Sunday service featuring gospel music and a free soul food buffet packed New Bethel Baptist Church. Several people shared their memories of Franklin’s father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, and her brother, the Rev. Cecil Franklin.

Her father, who died in 1984, was also a civil rights activist, and her brother, who died in 1989, managed her career.

Nearly two hours into the service in her hometown, the soul singer appeared on stage to perform the gospel tune “The Old Ship of Zion.” Some in the audience cried.

The newspaper reports Franklin’s father would have turned 100 this year.

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Information from: The Detroit News, http://detnews.com/

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