Prayer Vigil Held For Ailing Aretha Franklin

A Detroit church once led by Aretha Franklin’s father held a prayer vigil for the soul legend.

The church was also where she first tested her remarkable voice.

Dozens, including ministers from multiple Detroit-area churches, gathered at New Bethel Baptist Church for a 5:00 a.m. (0900 GMT) service dedicated to Franklin, who influenced generations over a five-decade career.

The singer’s father CL Franklin was a preacher at New Bethel church, where a young Aretha got her start singing gospel music. And gospel music once again shook the walls of the church during the early-morning service in honor of the creator of unforgettable hits such as “Respect,” “Natural Woman” and “I Say a Little Prayer.”

The 18-time Grammy award winner maintained ties with the church throughout the years, including making financial contributions and hosting events.  “She would have loved to have been here,” Franklin’s assistant Fannie Tyler told assembled news media, while thanking the church for the vigil. The vigil was part of an outpouring of well-wishes this week from celebrities and fans alike.

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and music legend Stevie Wonder were among the latest to visit the 76-year-old icon, as news of her failing health led to a flood of well-wishes this week.