Apollo Theater honours Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson

The Queen of Soul will join the King of Pop to be enshrined in the Apollo Theater's hall of fame, organizers at the historic New York venue have announced.

Both Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson will be honoured as Apollo Legends at a June 14 gala and benefit concert at the historic Harlem theatre, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary year.

Last summer, thousands of Jackson's fans gathered at the Apollo to pay tribute to him following his sudden death on June 25. Apollo organizers announced a few months later that he would be among the next inductees into the hall of fame.

Jackson first performed there with his brothers in the late 1960s, at one of its famed amateur night events. The Jackson Five's win that night helped launch them to further success.

Franklin, the legendary 68-year-old soul diva, is expected to attend the hall of fame ceremony.

They will join past inductees like Quincy Jones, James Brown and Ella Fitzgerald.

The evening, to be hosted by performer Jamie Foxx, will also include the presentation of the Apollo's Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis Arts and Humanitarian award to performing couple Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.