Are you searching for the right funeral music to honour your colourful mum, dad, family member or best friend? Songs will personalise the service and make mourners feel happy, reflective and peaceful. Traditionally a funeral should be a sad, serious and sombre occasion. So, which music raises a smile on everyone’s face?

Well, the fact is that more people are opting for a celebrant-led funeral service with uplifting music.  And leading up to a celebrant-led service, you and the funeral planner could consider playing traditional and modern black gospel songs. Celebrating the remarkable life of a loved one with music truly pays tribute to them in a lasting way. You say a dignified farewell.

So, where does music fit into the stages of mourning, grief and the program order of service?  Will it create a comforting, calming environment and is it a beneficial part of the bereavement process?

Imagine playing gospel music or hearing the sound of a powerful choir singing your deceased loved ones favourite hymn. And sharing meaningful and moving songs to ease  someone bereaved. So, I’ve collected some suitable songs to fulfill your need for a unique celebration of life.

Funeral Music and Songs

Incorporate pieces of appropriate gospel, blues and soul music for an offline or online funeral program order of service

“In loving memory of my beautiful mum – Josephine Jean” I mourn the loss of my mother, who was laid to rest during an intimate funeral ceremony.

• Musical Prelude / Words of Welcome

1. Abide With Me – LC Gospel Choir
2. Amazing Grace – Soweto Gospel Choir
3. Ave Maria – Beyonce

• Introduction / Sermon

1. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Aretha Franklin
2. Caught Up – Shirley Caesar & Kirk Franklin
3. Don’t Cry – Kirk Franklin

• Prayers / Scripture Readings

1. Down By The Riverside – Etta James
2. He’s Got The Whole World In His Hand – Mahalia Jackson
3. His Eye Is On The Sparrow – Sister Act

• Musical Selections/Hymns

1. I Believe I Can Fly – R. Kelly
2. I Speak Life – Donald Lawrence
3. Jericho – Sister Rosetta Tharpe

• Formal Reading of Obituary

1. Jerusalem – Hubert Parry
2. Lean On Me – Bill Withers
3. More Than I Can Bear – Kirk Franklin

• Eulogy/Life Tribute

1. Jesus Is On The Mainline – Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes
2. Old Landmark – James Brown
3. One Day I’ll Fly Away – Randy Crawford

• Brief Informal Tributes

1. People Get Ready – Five Blind Boys Of Alabama
2. Something Inside So Strong – Labri Saffri
3. Steal Away – Michelle Williams & Shirley Caesar

• Thank you and Acknowledgements

1. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – Fisk Jubilee Singers
2. Till We Meet Again – Kirk Franklin
3. The Lord Is My Shepherd – Whitney Houston

• Viewing of Deceased

1. To My Fathers House – Edwin Hawkin Singers
2. You’ll Never Walk Alone – ABC Gospel Choir version
3. You Waited – Travis Greene

•  Gospel blues music – Closing/Benediction

1. You’ve Got To Move – Mississippi Fred McDowell
2. Don’t Forget To Remember – Donald Lawrence ft/Lalah Hathaway
3. Wade in The Water – Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens
4. When The Saints Go Marching In – Louis Armstrong

Funeral Music and Songs  – II 

Sadness, disbelief and sorrow! Live music creates a comforting atmosphere at a planned memorial service. image credit Image Maarten Nauw

Funeral Music III

So, whether your colourful mother, father, grandma, grandpa or close friend was a christian, non-christian or have another faith group. Maybe a popular piece of gospel music could evoke special memories that can lift spirits and make you feel emotional, yet happier.

Furthermore, the inspirational songs, joyous tunes and classic hymns allow you to reflect on their life. In truth, prayers can be incorporated to complete the celebrant-led funeral service.

Before I go,  let me commiserate with you. You can use live music to say goodbye in an appropriate manner. Gospel and soul songs create meaningful and dignified farewell for a deceased loved one and the memoirs of mourners. An eulogy with music is the key to the healing process. I know, I’ve lost my mother and father. So, let the songs become an enlightening event amidst the darkness of the Covid-19 pandemic.

While you’re here…

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