Aretha Franklin tribute concert planned in Detroit

Brian McCollum | Detroit Free Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Motown great recounts friendship with Aretha Franklin Abdul "Duke" Fakir says he has stopped going to funerals in recent years due to the pain of losing so many close friends. But he says he won't miss the chance to pay his final respects to longtime friend Aretha Franklin. (Aug. 22)

Aretha Franklin's life and musical legacy will be celebrated with a free concert at Detroit’s Chene Park Amphitheatre on the eve of her funeral.

The Aug. 30 show will include "prominent celebrities and performers," one source told the Free Press, although specific artists have not been announced. In recent days, sources connected to the production have said the lineup could include Gladys Knight, Johnny Gill, Ronald Isley and Karen Clark-Sheard.

The concert, spearheaded by Franklin's family, is tapping artists largely from the R&B and gospel world. More performers are expected to be confirmed as the concert approaches.

Those who spoke with the Free Press about the event asked not to be named because plans are still in the works. The show has quickly come together since Franklin's death last Thursday, and other Detroit venues, including Little Caesars Arena, were considered.

There is no information yet about a ticketing or admission process for the free concert.

Chene Park, on Detroit's riverfront just east of downtown, holds about 6,000.

More: Aretha Franklin funeral and tribute: Key details, locations and more

Franklin’s funeral is scheduled for Aug. 31 at Greater Grace Temple. The service is expected to draw a host of major figures from politics, music and Hollywood.

A public viewing will be held 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 28 and 29 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 30 at New Bethel Baptist Church.