The Best Soul Music to Play at a Funeral
Contents
Funeral music should be soulful and reflective of the life that was lived. Here are some of the best soul songs to play at a funeral.
Introduction
When it comes to choosing the right music to play at a funeral, there are no right or wrong answers. It ultimately comes down to what will bring comfort to the grieving family and friends. That being said, soul music is often a popular choice for funerals, as its emotive lyrics and stirring melodies can help to soothe the soul during this difficult time.
Whether you’re looking for classic soul jams or modern hits, we’ve rounded up some of the best soul songs to play at a funeral below.
What is soul music?
Soul music is a genre of popular music that originated in the African-American community in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. It combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and jazz.
Soul music became popular in the 1960s, reaching its peak popularity in the 1970s. soul artists such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston helped to shape the sound and style of soul music.
Today, soul music is still popular, with new artists like Adele and Alicia Keys keeping the genre alive. If you’re looking for some good soul tracks to play at a funeral, here are some of our favorites:
1. “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
2. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
3. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” by The Four Tops
4. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
5. “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” by Jackie Wilson
The history of soul music
The best soul music to play at a funeral is often a matter of personal preference, but there are some truly classic tracks that are guaranteed to touch the hearts of those gathered to mourn. Soul music has its roots in the African-American experience, born out of the joys and pains of the struggle for civil rights. This music genre has gone on to enjoy mainstream success, crossing over into pop and rock as well as innovation within its own ranks.
While there are many different interpretations of what constitutes soul music, at its core this style is defined by its emotional rawness and ability to connect with listeners on a deep level. The best soul songs for a funeral will evoke memories of the departed while also offering up a message of hope and love. From time-honored classics by legends like Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye to more modern hits by Amy Winehouse and Solange, these tunes will provide solace and comfort during this difficult time.
The best soul songs to play at a funeral
When you’re putting together a playlist for a funeral, you want to choose songs that will resonate with the mourners and reflect the life of the person who has passed away. Soul music is the perfect genre for this purpose, as it is filled with emotion and often tells stories of love, loss, and triumph.
Here are some of the best soul songs to play at a funeral:
“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy & Faith Evans
This song, which was written in memory of Puff Daddy’s friend Biggie Smalls, is a beautiful ode to loss and includes the lines “Every step I take, every move I make/ I’ll be missing you.”
“Take My Hand, Precious Lord” by Mahalia Jackson
This gospel classic has been covered by many artists, but Mahalia Jackson’s version is truly stirring. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is struggling and asking for guidance from God.
“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
Written in 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement, this song offers hope in the face of adversity. It includes the famous line “It’s been a long time coming/ But I know a change is gonna come.”
“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” by Nina Simone
This song speaks to the universal desire for freedom, both inner and outer. Simone’s powerful voice will give mourners goosebumps as they reflect on their own journey through life.
Why soul music is the best genre for a funeral
When it comes to music for a funeral, there are many different genres that can be appropriate. However, soul music is often seen as the best option for this type of event. There are a number of reasons why this is the case.
First and foremost, soul music is incredibly emotive. This genre of music is all about evoking emotion, and this is something that can be very beneficial at a funeral. The aim of a funeral is to help those in attendance to process their grief, and soul music can be extremely helpful in this regard. The best soul songs will often deal with themes such as loss, pain, and heartache, which can be very relatable for those who are grieving.
Additionally, soul music is often very uplifting. This might seem counterintuitive, but hearing a soul song that talks about overcoming adversity can actually be very comforting for those who are grieving. It can be helpful to know that others have gone through similar experiences and come out the other side.
Finally, soul music is just plain good! Funerals can be incredibly difficult and upsetting experiences, so it’s important to inject some positivity where possible. Soul music has an incredible ability to put a smile on your face, even in the most difficult of times.
So, if you’re looking for the best type of music to play at a funeral, soul should definitely be at the top of your list.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our list of the best soul music to play at a funeral. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it should give you some good ideas for songs to consider.
When choosing music for a funeral, it is important to consider the tone you want to set. Soul music can be a way to celebrate the life of your loved one and provide comfort to those who are grieving. If you have any other suggestions for soul songs that are perfect for a funeral, please share them in the comments below.
