Gwendolyn Quinn says in a statement that Eddie Franklin was attacked Monday night and was undergoing surgery at a Detroit-area hospital. The statement says three people may have been involved in the beating.
Quinn says she didn't have any additional information beyond the statement.
A message was left Tuesday morning with Detroit police.
The Queen of Soul is one of the most honored musicians in American history, having won numerous Grammys; the National Medal of Arts; the Presidential Medal of Freedom and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
