Aretha to sing at Whitney's funeral (From Swindon Advertiser)

Aretha to sing at Whitney's funeral

9:07pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in National News © Press Association 2011

Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder will sing at the private funeral for Whitney Houston on Saturday in what promises to be a very musical service.

Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster, also confirmed that invitations went out to the singer's ex-husband, Bobby Brown; her co-star in The Bodyguard, Kevin Costner; and Oprah Winfrey.

Houston's long-time musical mentor, Clive Davis, will speak at the funeral. The eulogy will be given by gospel singer and family friend Marvin Winans.

On Thursday, organisers were preparing the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, for the musical part of the service, setting up speakers and drums in the aisles.

Fans without invitations will be kept far away.

Newark police said streets will be shut down for six square blocks around the church.

However, they will be able to watch the funeral on the internet via the website http://livestream.com/aplive from Associated Press.