DETROIT (AP) – Pop diva Aretha Franklin will hold a candlelight vigil and prayer service May 19 for Luther Vandross, who remains in critical condition after suffering a stroke last month.

Franklin will be joined by The Four Tops, the Ebenezer Mass Choir and other guests to sing and pray for a two-hour period at the Little Rock Baptist Church.

Overflow for the event will be on the grounds of the Northern High School Pavilion, where a sound system will be set up so participants can hear the service, Franklin’s media representatives said Friday.

Vandross hasn’t regained consciousness since his April 16 stroke and still needs assistance to breathe, his New York-based publicist, Lois Najarian, said Thursday.

His family reported that doctors remain hopeful that the 52-year-old Grammy-winning singer, whose hits include “Here and Now” and “Superstar,” will regain consciousness.



Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.