Gospel Funeral Songs
If gospel is the music tradition of your church or family, this list collects the hymns and modern gospel pieces most often chosen for memorials. Many are written for a soloist; some are best with a choir.
The songs
Suggested in no particular order — choose what fits them best.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
The Mahalia Jackson recording is the most recognised. A standard at services in the African American Christian tradition.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Often performed as a soloist piece. Whitney Houston's version is widely chosen for memorials.
I'll Fly Away
Lighter in tempo than most hymns. Frequently used at celebrations of life.
Soon and Very Soon
An uplifting modern gospel piece, often sung by the congregation or choir.
Going Up Yonder
A long-standing gospel memorial piece, often performed by a soloist.
Take Me to the King
A more recent modern gospel choice, frequently chosen at memorials in contemporary churches.
Stand
About standing through hardship. Frequently chosen for services following a long illness.
We Fall Down
A modern gospel standard. Often sung by the congregation.
Through It All
A reflective gospel piece about coming through. Common at memorials.
Total Praise
A standard for gospel choirs. Often sung at services with a strong choir tradition.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Frequently performed at services in the US South, sometimes in a jazz arrangement.
Amazing Grace
Performed in a gospel arrangement at services in the African American Christian tradition. Aretha Franklin's recording is the most recognised.
How Great Thou Art
Long-standing. Frequently sung in a gospel arrangement.
When We All Get to Heaven
An older gospel hymn focused on the gathering after this life.
Walk With Me Lord
A walking-tempo gospel piece. Often used for the processional or recessional.
Order My Steps
A modern gospel piece for choir. Frequently chosen at services in the gospel tradition.
The Battle Is the Lord's
About surrender after a long struggle. Common at memorials following a long illness.
Soon I Will Be Done
An African American spiritual frequently sung at memorials.
Be Still and Know
A meditative piece often used during the offertory or reflection portion of the service.
I Need Thee Every Hour
A long-standing hymn often performed in a gospel arrangement.
Still nothing feels right?
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How to plan music for a gospel service
Gospel memorials usually include:
- One or two soloist pieces — His Eye Is on the Sparrow, Precious Lord, or Going Up Yonder. These are often the emotional centre of the service.
- One choir piece if the church has a choir — Total Praise, Order My Steps, or a gospel arrangement of Amazing Grace.
- Congregational singing for the recessional — I'll Fly Away, Soon and Very Soon, or We Fall Down.
The music director at the church will usually shape this list with you. If you are not part of a regular congregation, the funeral director can recommend a soloist or musician.
When you want a gospel song written for them
If you want an original gospel song written for the person — traditional gospel hymn style, modern gospel, or choir arrangement — we can write and produce one. From $49, delivered in three days.
Questions families ask
Other ideas
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