Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin was celebrated Friday with a star-studded service before being laid to rest.
The list of performers included Yolanda Adams, Ariana Grande, The Clarks Sisters, Shirley Caesar and Chaka Khan. Peers and friends of the late singer also took the podium to share their reflections and memories.
Among the performers was Gospel-opera singer Audrey DuBois Harris, who delivered a stunning performance of “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”
Those viewing a live stream of the service took to social media after Harris’ performance to praise the singer for completely bringing the house down.
If you’re not familiar with Audrey DuBois Harris, here are five things to know about the singer.
Harris has performed for former president Barack Obama
The singer sang the national anthem and performed at a number of Christmas events for the former president. She’s also performed the American and Canadian national anthem for the U.S. Consulate General Montreal.
The singer has performed in Memphis, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous last speech
Harris was invited by Rev. Jesse Jackson to perform during the MLK50 events, which commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., where she sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Harris paid homage to America earlier this year with her EP, God Bless America
The singer said the album was a way to “uplift, encourage, and stir the soul.” In a statement, she added, “God Bless America is a prayer for God’s blessings and peace for the nation.”
She’s the mother of an adorable daughter named LeeAuna
Affectionately called LeeLee, the singer’s daughter is way too cute for words. And, judging from the picture above, LeeLee might have a bright future in media.
The classically trained singer has also performed with a number of renowned Opera stars
Harris has performed with the Krasnoyarsk Philharmonic, the Orpheus Radio Symphony Orchestra, Opera tenor Marcello Giordani, and Maestro Sergei Kondrashev.
