Best Jazz Songs For a Funeral
Jazz is one of the most interesting and emotive musical genres, owing to its eclectic use of music techniques from a plethora of different musical movements. Jazz grew out of many inspirations, from rhythmic rituals in Africa to folk and classical European musical tradition. The first iterations of Jazz music stemmed from New Orleans, Louisiana, but soon the genre grew in popularity and geographical reach. The decade of 1910 was when Jazz began to take hold of New Orleans, but by 1930 Jazz was enjoyed across the Southern US, as far as Kansas City. As the range of influence of Jazz as a genre grew, so too did the number of iterations of Jazz; by 1940, gypsy, cool and bebop jazz were on the rise. Many iterations of jazz exist today, so no matter your passed loved one’s preferences, you’ll be sure to find the perfect song to commemorate them with at their funeral.
Funeral Jazz Songs
- Just a Closer Walk with Thee, Louis Armstrong
- Flee As a Bird, Caroline Herring
- Didn’t He Ramble, Preservation Hall Jazz Band
- Dear Lord, John Coltrane
- The Thrill Is Gone, B.B. King
- Come Sunday, Duke Ellington
- Body and Soul, Amy Winehouse and Tony Bennett
- Willow Weep for Me, Frank Sinatra
- I Remember You, Diana Krall
- It’s You or No One, J.J. Johnson
- For Heaven’s Sake, Bill Evans
- After You’ve Gone, Ella Fitzgerald
- There Will Never Be Another You, Nat ‘King’ Cole
- Abide With Me, Thelonious Monk Septet
Just a Closer Walk with Thee, Louis Armstrong
Purchase Just a Closer walk with Thee via Amazon Music
Famous Covers
Other versions of this hymn have been produced by the likes of Little Richard, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Van Morrison, among others. Since 1941, over 50 great musicians have covered this hymn so you’ll be sure to find the perfect edition with which to commemorate your passed loved one.
I am weak but thou art strong,
Jesus, keep me from all wrong,
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to thee.
Just a closer walk to Thee,
Jesus grant my humble plea!
Daily walking close to thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Through this world of toils and snares,
If I falter Lord, who cares,
Who with me my burden shares?
None but thee, my dear Lord, none but thee.
Just a closer walk to Thee,
Jesus grant my humble plea!
Daily walking close to thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
When the journey here is o’er,
Time for me will be no more,
Guide me to thy distant shore,
To thy shore, O dear Lord, to thy shore.
Just a closer walk to Thee,
Jesus grant my humble plea!
Daily walking close to thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
Based on a classic Christian hymn, this tune by the Jazz great Louis Armstrong has brought comfort and release to the grieving throughout the decades. This hymn has been a staple of New Orleans-style jazz funerals since the beginning, being often featured during the Hymn and Dirge section of traditional funerals. Louis Armstrong’s edition of this gospel staple amps up the emotionality of the classic, making the tune more impactful and emotive.
Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
I am weak, but Thou art strong, Jesus, keep me from all wrong, I’ll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Flee As a Bird, Caroline Herring
Purchase Flee As a Bird via Apple Music
Famous covers
Like the latter song on this list, Flee As a Bird has been reproduced by a plethora of different artists. Recreations by The Secret Sisters, Louis Armstrong and Tapestry Chamber Singers would also perfectly fit into a funeral service.
Flee as a bird to your mountain
Thou who art weary with sin
Go to the clear flowing fountain
Where you may wash and be clean
Fly for the avenger is near thee
Call, and the Savior will hear thee
He on his bosom will bear the
O thou who art weary of sin
O thou who art weary of sin
He will protect thee forever
Wipe every falling tear
He will forsake thee, oh, never
Sheltered so tenderly there
Haste now the hours are flying
Spend not the moments in sighing
Cease from your sorrow and crying
The Savior will wipe every tear
The Savior will wipe every tear
Flee As a Bird is a hymn originally written by Mary S.B. Dana in 1857, based on Psalm 11 of the Bible. Hence, this tune has been played at traditional Christian funerals as well as Jazz funerals for years. Caroline Herring’s reinvention of this hymn brings poignance and sentimentality to this funeral classic.
Haste now, the hours are flying
Spend not the moments in sighing
Cease from your sorrow and crying
The Savior will wipe every tear, oh
The Savior will wipe every tear
Didn’t He Ramble, Preservation Hall Jazz Band
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Famous Covers
Contrary to the imagery provided by the lyrics, this tune has been ubiquitously used in jazz funerals since the 1920s. The popularity of this tune has led to many different versions being produced, so no matter the required taste, the perfect rendition can easily be found. Glen Hansard, Harry Connick, Jr. and Van Morrison have produced versions of Didn’t He Ramble, among many other artists.
Didn’t he ramble… he rambled
Rambled all around… in and out of town
Didn’t he ramble… didn’t he ramble
He rambled till the butcher cut him down
His feet was in the market place.his head was in the street
Lady pass him by, said.look at the market meat
He grabbed her pocket book.and said I wish you well
She pulled out a forty-five.said I’m head of personnel
Didn’t he ramble… i said he rambled
Rambled all around… in and out of town
Didn’t he ramble… oh didn’t he ramble
He rambled till the butcher shot him down
He slipped into the cat house.made love to the stable
Madam caught him cold.said I’ll pay you when I be able
Six months had passed .and she stood all she could stand
She said buddy when I’m through with you
Ole groundhog gonna be shakin yo’ hand
And didn’t he ramble… he rambled
Rambled all around… in and out of town
Oh didn’t he ramble… he rambled
You know he rambled… till the butcher… cut him down
I said he rambled.lord…’till the butcher shot him down
Also known as Oh! Didn’t He Ramble, this song has been featured in New Orleans jazz funerals for as many decades as Flee As a Bird. Written in 1902 by Bob Cole, James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, this tune is traditionally featured within the end of a jazz funeral when more blithe, brass-heavy tunes are played. Our favorite rendition of this song is that by Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which truly embodies the energy of 1960s New Orleans.
Didn’t he ramble, didn’t he ramble
Rambled all around, in and out of town
Didn’t he ramble, didn’t he ramble
He rambled till the butcher cut him down
Dear Lord, John Coltrane
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Famous covers
Dear Lord,
Keep him safe from all harm,
bring him back here to my arms.
(Please Lord, keep him safe)
He’s dear to my heart!
And I need him,
oh, you know Lord, that I need him so.
He’s my soul!
And, there has never been another for me; No.
Oh, you know how I much I love him.
(Dear Lord, I’m begging you now please to save him)
What can I do?
How I need him! I need him, I know it’s so true.
He’s the world to me!
And I’m nothing without him but an empty shell.
(Yes, I beg you, Lord)
And if I’m left all on my own now.
(I don’t know what I will do without him in my life; I can’t breathe)
My heart cannot bear it!
(Oh, please Lord, my heart pleads now, am I through? )
I’m so afraid!
There is nothing that I wouldn’t do.
(Yes, it’s true)
I am cryin’ inside, oh, I miss him so
(Is there hope? I don’t know, Lord)
What is left now for me, Lord?
Can I get through tomorrow,
knowing that he will no longer be there?
Please answer my prayer,
I beg you, Lord.
Tell me, what is love? dear Lord.
[Love is all that matters now to me, dear Lord]
This tune is particularly fitted for feature at a funeral due to the tragic context of its release. Though it was recorded in 1965, the ballad was only released posthumously after Coltrane’s early death from liver cancer at age 40. Coltrane’s performance on the saxophone in this ballad lends to the evocation of a powerful, emotive tone, cultivating its applicability for feature at a funeral. This tune truly proves that no lyrics are necessary when somebody can play the saxophone so beautifully.
The Thrill is Gone, B.B King
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Famous Covers
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Fantasia, and David Grisman & Jerry Garcia among others have produced amazing versions of this song, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect version to commemorate the life of your loved one with.
The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away
You know you done me wrong, baby
And you’ll be sorry someday
The thrill is gone
It’s gone away from me
The thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I’ll still live on
But so lonely I’ll be
The thrill is gone
It’s gone away for good
All the thrill is gone
Baby, it’s gone away for good
Someday I know I’ll be open-armed baby
Just like I know, I know I should
You know, I’m free, free now, baby
I’m free from your spell
Oh, free, free, free now, baby
I’m free from your spell
And now that it’s all over
All that I can do is wish you well
If you’ve recently lost someone dear to you who really enjoyed blues music, this tune would be perfect to memorialize them. The Thrill Is Gone was written and first performed by Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell in 1951. However, the rendition by B.B. King in 1970 successfully brought the tune to the masses. This song contrasts others in B.B. King’s discography, including the use of strings and almost clinical sound production, causing the song to sound clean, fresh and particularly emotive.
You know I’m free, free now, baby
I’m free from your spell
I’m free, free, free now
I’m free from your spell
And now that it’s all over
All I can do is wish you well
Come Sunday, Duke Ellington
Purchase Come Sunday via Apple Music
Famous Covers
Charlie Haden & Hank Jones, Jennifer Holliday, Denise Young, Gladys Knight and others have produced renditions of this remarkable tune, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect version of this classic to memorialize the person you love.
Lord, dear Lord I’ve loved, God almighty
God of love, please look down and see my people through
Lord, dear Lord I’ve loved, God almighty
God of love, please look down and see my people through
I believe that sun and moon up in the sky
When the day is gray
I know it, clouds passing by
He’ll give peace and comfort
To every troubled mind
Come Sunday, oh come Sunday
That’s the day
Often we feel weary
But he knows our every care
Go to him in secret
He will hear your every prayer
Lillies on the valley
They neither toll nor spin
And flowers bloom in spring time
Birds sing
Often we feel weary
But he knows our every care
Go to him in secret
He will hear your every prayer
Up from dawn till sunset
Man work hard all the day
Come Sunday, oh come Sunday
That’s the day
Written in 1942 by Ellington himself, this tune became a jazz standard, featuring beautiful alto saxophone work. Ellington also performed a version of this piece with jazz queen Mahalia Jackson in 1958, boosting the popularity of Come Sunday even further. Ellington evokes his classical influences in this tune, working outside the confines of jazz traditions of the 1930s and 1940s in what he called a ‘beyond category’; music determined to stand outside the regimented confines of contemporary musical genres.
When the day is grey
I know it’s just clouds passing by
He’ll give peace and comfort
To every troubled mind
Come Sunday, oh come Sunday
That´s the day
Body and Soul, Amy Winehouse and Tony Bennett
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Famous Covers
Anita Baker, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Thelonious Monk have all created beautiful renditions of this jazz standard, so the perfect fit can be found to suit any funeral or memorial service.
My heart is sad and lonely
For you I sigh, for you dear only
Why haven’t you seen it
I’m all for you body and soul
I spend my days in longin’
And wondering why it’s me you’re wronging
I tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul
I can’t believe it
It’s hard to conceive it
That you turn away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I could have one more chance to prove, dear
My life a wreck you’re making
You know I’m yours for just the taking
I’d gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I could have one more chance to prove, dear
My life a wreck you’re making
You know I’m yours for just the taking
I’d gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
Originally a jazz standard in 1930 written by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman, Amy Winehouse and Tony Bennett recorded this beautiful reworking of the original in March, 2011- only two months before Winehouse’s tragic death in July 2011. Consequently, this was the last song Amy Winehouse ever recorded. This rendition hence carries even more emotional weight than the powerful jazz standard it reinvented.
My life, a wreck, you’re making
You know I’m yours for just the taking
I’d gladly surrender myself to you, body and soul
Willow Weep for me, Frank Sinatra
Famous Covers
Sam Cooke, Nina Simone, Ella Fitsgerald & Louis Armstrong among others have all recreated this jazz standard, so no matter the taste you are trying to suit, you’ll find a version of this song well fitted to a commemorative service.
Willow weep for me
Willow weep for me
Bend your branches green along the
Stream that runs to sea
Listen to my plea
Hear me willow and weep for me
Gone my lovers dream
Lovely summer dream
Gone and left me here to weep my
Tears into the stream
Sad as I can be
Hear me willow and weep for me
Whisper to the wind and say that love has sinned
Left my heart a-breaking, and making a moan
Murmur to the night to hide its starry light
So none will see me sighing and crying all alone
Weeping willow tree
Weep in sympathy
Bend your branches down along
The ground and cover me
When the shadows fall, hear me
Willow and weep for me
Oh, Weeping willow tree
Weep in sympathy
Bend your branches down along
The ground and cover me
When the shadows fall, hear me
Willow and weep for me
Willow Weep for Me was originally dedicated to George Gershwin, a classical and jazz composer who produced Rhapsody in Blue. A beautiful jazz standard written by Ann Ronell in 1932, Willow Weep for Me experienced issues in publication due to it having been written by a woman, and incorporating so many complex musical elements. However, it soon became popularized after publication, and could be quoted as inciting a surge in the use of complex musical techniques in jazz, which boomed in the 1940s.
Whisper to the wind and say that love has sinned
Left my heart a-breaking, and making a moan
Murmur to the night to hide its starry light
So none will see me sighing and crying all alone
I Remember You, Diana Krall
Purchase I Remember You via Apple Music
Famous Covers
Other versions of this song have been produced by Chet Baker, George Michael, Slim Whitman and Sarah Vaughan, among others. The ideal version of this ballad to suit required tastes is certainly out there.
I remember you
You’re the one who made my dreams come true
A few kisses ago
I remember you
You’re the one who said I love you too
I do, didn’t you know
I remember too a distant bell
And stars that fell like rain out of the blue
When my life is through
And the angels ask me to recall the thrill of them all
Then I shall tell them, I remember you
I remember too a distant bell
And stars that fell like rain out of the blue
When my life is through
And the angels ask me to recall the thrill of them all
Then I shall tell them, I remember you
Though the original version of I Remember You lacks many jazz elements, Diana Krall’s version of this song imbues many musical techniques characteristic of jazz. Johnny Mercer originally wrote I Remember You as a romantic commemoration of Judy Garland, someone he loved dearly. This emotionality is carried forward in Krall’s version of the tune, which is empowered by her beautiful vocals.
When my life is through
And the angels ask me to recall
The thrill of them all
Then I shall tell them I remember you
It’s You or No One, J.J. Johnson
Purchase It’s You or No One via Apple Music
Famous Covers
These lyrics were utilized by many artists in the recreation of this jazz standard. Sarah Vaughan, Chet Baker, Art Blakey and Bobby Darin have made editions of It’s You or No One featuring these lyrics.
How did I know that the warmth of the glow would last.
How did I guess that the long loneliness was past.
I merely looked at you and I knew that I knew.
It’s you or no one for me
I’m sure of this each time we kiss
Now and forever and when forever’s done
You’ll find that you are still the one
Please don’t say no to my plea
‘Cause if you do then I’m all through
There’s this about you
My world’s an empty world without you
It’s you or no one for me
Please don’t say no to my plea
‘Cause if you do then I’m all through
There’s this about you
My world’s an empty world without you
It’s you or no one for me
For me
Another 1940s jazz hit, It’s You or No One was originally written by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn in 1947 for the film Romance on the High Seas. Bittersweet romance permeates this timeless piece, marked by J.J. Johnson’s purposeful, contemplative trombone playing. While J.J. Johnson utilizes his trombone in lieu of vocals in this rendition, the following lyrics are commonly featured in other versions of this song.
Please, don’t say no to my plea
‘Cause if you do, then I’m all through
There’s this about you
My world’s an empty world without you
It’s you or no one for me
For Heaven’s Sake, Bill Evans
Purchase For Heaven’s Sake via Apple Music
Famous Covers
The lyrics above are those implemented in the original jazz standard, and have been featured in recreations by Billie Holiday and M. Ward. The version by M. Ward particularly evokes nostalgia and contemplation in listeners, and hence would well complement a funeral or memorial service.
For heavens sake let’s fall in love It’s no mistake to call it love An angel’s holding hands with me How heavenly heaven can be Here is romance for us to try Here is a chance we can’t deny While heaven’s giving us a break Let’s fall in love for heaven’s sake Don’t say a word my darling Don’t break the spell like this Just hold me tight; we’re alone in the night And heaven is here with a kiss This pair of eyes can see a star So paradise can’t be so far Since heaven’s what we’re dreaming of For heaven’s sake, let’s fall in love.
Before the invention of cool jazz as a musical genre, there was the amalgamation of pop and jazz that predominated in the 1940s. The composition of For Heaven’s Sake resulted from this impetus, being first performed by the Claude Thornhill big band: a brass band renowned for its smoother, more technical musical performances empowered by its inclusion of ornamental instrumentation. This band would go on to be declared one of the greatest influences in the development of cool jazz- a genre characterized by its use of musical elements, of which many are present in For Heaven’s Sake. Bill Evans’ version of this jazz standard brings new life and power to this classic hit, without necessitating the use of lyrics.
It’s no mistake to call it love
An angel’s holding hands with me
After I’m gone after I’m gone away
After You’ve Gone, Ella Fitzgerald
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Famous Cover
Dinah Washington, Roy Eldridge and His Orchestra, Frank Sinatra and many others have produced versions of this timeless piece, so the perfect version can easily be found to suit the tastes of your loved one.
After you’ve gone and left me crying
After you’ve gone there’s no denying
You’ll feel blue, you’ll feel sad
You’ll miss the dearest pal you’ve ever had
There’ll come a time, now don’t forget it
There’ll come a time, when you’ll regret it
Some day when you’ll grow lonely
Your heart will break like mine
And you’ll want me only
After you’ve gone after you’ve gone away
After I’m gone, after we break up
After I’m gone, you’re gonna wake up
You will find you were blind
To let somebody come on and change your mind
After the years we’ve been together
Thought joy and tears all kind of weather
Someday blue and downhearted
You’ll long to be with me right back where you started
After I’m gone, after I’m gone away
You will find you were blind
To let somebody come and change your mind
Someday blue and downhearted
You’ll long to be with me right back where you started
After I’m gone, after I’m gone away
You’ll feel blue and you’ll feel sad
You’ll miss the dearest pal you ever had
Someday when you’ve grown lonely
Your heart will break like mine and you’ll want me only
After you’ve gone after you’ve gone away
You made me sad and blue but now I’m through with you
And there’s nothing more you can say
So Jack, be on your way
Miss Ella’s ok
Originally designated for play only by a big jazz band, Ella Fitzgerald and her raw vocal power allowed for this tune to be recreated into a solo magnum opus with all the power of the original tune. Fitzgerald brings closeness and vulnerability to the piece, bringing tremendous emotion to this song once characterized by cacophonous brass instrumentation.
Someday blue and downhearted
You’ll long to be with me right back where you started
After I’m gone after I’m gone away
There Will Never Be Another You, Nat ‘King’ Cole
Purchase There Will Never Be Another You via Apple Music
Famous Covers
Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and other great jazz musicians have produced their own versions of this song, evoking different feelings but the same power and brilliance as the Nat ‘King’ Cole version.
This is our last dance together,
Tonight soon will be long ago.
And in our moment of parting,
This is all I want you to know…
There will be many other nights like this,
And I’ll be standing here with someone new.
Another fall… another spring…
But there will never be another you.
There will be other lips that I may kiss,
But they won’t thrill me,
Like yours used to do.
Yes, I may dream a million dreams,
But how can they come true,
If there will never, ever be another you?
Interlude Yes, I may dream a million dreams,
But how can they come true,
If there will never, ever be…
Another you?
Written for the 1942 musical Iceland by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon, this tune possesses all of the characteristics of the pop/jazz amalgamation of genres made so popular in the 1940s. However, the Nat ‘King’ Cole version supplies a more bluesy, emotive feel to the song, evoking plentiful nostalgia to listeners.
There will be other lips that I may kiss
But they won’t thrill me like yours used to do
Yes, I may dream a million dreams
But how can they come true
If there will never, ever be another you?
Abide With Me, Thelonious Monk Septet
Purchase Abide with me via Apple Music
Famous Covers
Other versions of this hymn (which would be a fitting tribute for a pianist’s funeral) include a piano version by Brian Daw, and many vocal versions. Musicians who have produced vocal-inclusive versions of this hymn include:
And many other talented musicians, in a plethora of languages.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh abide with me
I need Thy presence every passing hour
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine Lord abide with me
Hold thou Thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee
In life, in death oh Lord abide with me
Anglican Henry Francis Lyte wrote this contemplative hymn in 1847 as he was suffering from tuberculosis- the illness which would eventually kill him. The first time this song was performed was at Lyte’s funeral, and ever since this song has been customarily featured in military and religious funerals across the world. Thelonious Monk Septet produced a divine version of this song, placing a jazz spin on this classic Christian hymn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs were played at Frank Sinatra’s funeral?
Moonlight In Vermont, Ave Maria, In The Wee Small Hours and Put Your Dreams Away were all among the songs chosen to be featured at Sinatra’s funeral- ostensibly all from his own great discography.
What are the two elements of a jazz funeral?
Sadness is not the only emotion catered to at jazz funerals. Jazz funerals begin as the brass band and funeral attendees parade from the funeral home to the graveyard, featuring more downhearted music. As the funeral progresses, the music becomes more joyous in a celebration of the person’s life.
What is the second line in a jazz funeral?
The second line in jazz funerals contains the hearse and the many loved ones attending the funeral. They parade behind the first line, which consists of the many members of the big brass band.