Aretha Franklin has paid a musical tribute to WHITNEY HOSUTON, calling her 'one of the finest and greatest singers that ever stood behind a microphone'. Queen of soul Aretha Franklin performed a collection of Houston's greatest hits at a concert.
During a concert in New York's Radio City Music Hall, Franklin performed Houston's greatest hits. Franklin said: 'We will always remember her kindness, her grace, her smile and her dynamic performances, but she has moved on up just a little bit higher now.' She then continued by singing Dolly Parton's 'I Will Always Love You', which was then made popular by Whitney Houston, the same song that Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to the star by at this year's Grammy Awards. The 48-year-old superstar had died in a Beverly Hills hotel room last weekend on the eve of the Grammys, being found unconscious in a bathtub.
Franklin, who is actually Houston's godmother, is set to perform at her funeral today (18 Feb 2012) at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. She will be joined by Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder, whilst 'Bodyguard' co-star Kevin Costner is expected to make a speech. Fans have already collected outside the church to lay flowers and write messages to the late star.
Aretha Franklin recently appeared on Tony Bennett's new album 'Duets II'.