NEW YORK -- It was a memorial service that ended with an all-star rendition of a Luther Vandross hit song.
Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Usher and Alicia Keys gathered in New York's Riverside Church Friday for Vandross' funeral. Luther died last week at a New Jersey hospital, two years after suffering a stroke. He was 54.
In his long career, Vandross sold more than 25 million records. His gold coffin sat at the foot of the altar as LaBelle read a poem written by the late singer's mother.
Mourners lined up for two city blocks in a driving rain before the church opened. Inside, they were brought to their feet and moved to cheers as Wonder, Franklin and Cissy Houston sang in tribute. Franklin had the choir and the clergy dancing on the altar with her version of "Amazing Grace." The singers ended the service by joining in the Vandross hit, "Power of Love/Love Power."
God Bless You Luther. You have joined a massive choir in Heaven.