While Elvis Presley is dubbed “the king of rock and roll,” he started his musical journey as a gospel act bred in the Pentecostal church.
The king never lost his love for gospel music and released several touching tunes that have graced many a funeral. Here are the best Elvis Presley funeral songs for your deceased loved one.
“Amazing Grace”
Song Year: 1972
“Amazing Grace” is a celebrated Christian hymn penned by John Newton, an English ex-sailor and Anglican Clergyman. The song was first published in 1779 as a Christian hymn and has taken the world by storm with amazing performances from iconic musicians, including Elvis Presley.
In his rendition, Elvis added his unique vibe to his “Amazing Grace” performance, incorporating country elements. The song is a reassuring reminder that your deceased loved one had a beautiful and fruitful life because of God’s grace.
“Peace in the Valley”
Song Year: 1957
“Peace in the Valley” is among the most popular gospel funeral songs by Elvis Presley. The masterpiece was initially penned by Thomas A. Dorsey, the “father of black gospel.” In the ’50s, gospel music became a household genre in Memphis, TN, where Elvis was born and raised, spurring him to record his cover.
The ballad is about holding on to faith even when times are tough. “Peace In the Valley” will bring immense comfort to mourners down in the dumps and reaffirm religious beliefs to devout people.
“He Is My Everything”
Song Year: 1972
If you are an ardent fan of Elvis’ gospel tunes, you must have heard of “He is My Everything.” The hymn was first published in 1965 by Dallas Frazier, an American country singer and songwriter.
Various greats covered this classic, but Presley’s version broke the airwaves globally. The tune was about a couple that separated for unknown reasons, flawlessly delivered by Elvi’s baritone vocals.
The border between religious and romantic love might get blurred at times. This gospel melody is as intense and sincere as any passionate love song.
“Anything That’s Part of You”
Song Year: 1961
“Anything That’s part of You” is of the moving Elvis Presley funeral songs written by Don Robertson. The song became popular on global music charts for its nice vocals and catchy middling tempo. Even though the song’s lyrics are about lost love, all but one line are linked to grief.
This link and the lovely, aching melody behind the lyrics make for the perfect funeral song. Also, the track combines blues and early pop elements to create a gorgeous musical ambiance. The Jordanaires joined Elvis on this song, helping in laying seamless vocals.
“Softly, As I Leave You”
Song Year: 1974
Based on a popular Italian song by Mina, Elvis’ touching rendition of “Softly, As I Leave You” features lyrics penned by English songwriter Hal Shaper.
While this song doesn’t get as much appreciation as other tunes by Presley, it’s still a worthy feature in any funeral playlist. This song is one of Elvis Presley’s most dynamic and melancholy songs, issued posthumously as a tribute to the people he loved in life.
“I’ll Remember You”
Song Year: 1966
This song is another lesser-known piece from Elvis’ impressive catalog that is well-recommended for funerals. As the title suggests, the song is about remembrance; the narrator sings about remembering his lost life and his longing to reunite again.
The production of this emotional track was inspired by the Beatles’ success in the ’60s, boasting Spanish guitars, light percussions, and a calming vocal delivery. This song is calm, introspective, and relaxing, making it an excellent choice for a funeral.
“Always On My Mind”
Song Year: 1972
“Always On My Mind” is a timeless love ballad covered by several artists in various genres. However, Elvis Presley did the song justice, recording an emotional rendition a few weeks after his separation from his wife, Pricilla, in 1972.
Elvis wishes to see his wife in this heartfelt performance. The simple love ballad conveys the concept of remembrance, making it an excellent choice for funerals.
“Just Pretend”
Song Year: 1970
Unlike most of Elvis’ songs with gospel inspirations, “Just Pretend” combines traditional gospel elements with rock’s energy and emotion.
A soothing piano welcomes you to the lovely melody of this song in which Elvis addresses his thoughts and feelings about lost love but still presses on without being real – just pretending. The song is perfect for an upbeat send-off of a gospel rock music fan.
“Lead Me, Guide Me”
Song Year: 1972
We all endure challenges in life, and it’s no secret that Elvis Presley had his share of struggles. He battled prescription drug addiction, which led to his tragic demise.
In “Lead Me, Guide Me,” you can feel the sorrow beneath the polished performer’s gloss. This tune is a moving option for a poignant Elvis Presley funeral song playlist. Play it to commemorate a departed loved one who struggled with substance dependency or depression.
“If That Isn’t Love”
Song Year: 1972
“If That Isn’t Love” is one of the last commercial hits by Elvis Presley before his untimely death three years later. Dottie Rambo published this gospel track in 1969 as a single on her “Sheltered” album.
The song commemorates Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity, featuring Elvis’ signature gospel and rock elements blend. Christian faithful will undoubtedly feel encouraged and renewed after listening to this touching Elvis Presley cover, making it an ideal choice for funerals.
“How Great Thou Art”
Song Year: 1967
This song is a Christian hymn penned by a Swedish missionary, Rev. Carl Boberg, in 1885. The soothing hymn made rounds globally, and Elvis Presley spruced it in his 1967 cover.
The king of rock and roll retained the song’s solemn tone and traditional chorale themes. However, Elvis infused the original elements of the song with distinctly tremulous vocals. “How Great Thou Art” is an excellent choice for Elvis Presley’s funeral songs.
It’s about bidding farewell to this world and transitioning to the nest, a perfect goodbye for a religious loved one.
“That’s Someone You Never Forget”
Song Year: 1961
It is one of Elvis’ finest songs – a superb recording, evocative, poignant, and perhaps his saddest tune. Elvis wrote this song with the help of his bodyguard, Red West, but “That’s Someone You Never Forget” was never as successful as Elvis’ many renditions.
If you’re acquainted with this song, you’ll realize it deserves just as much appreciation as his other classics. Many think this 1961 record was released to honor Elvis’ mother, Gladys, who died in 1958, making one of the best Elvis Presley funeral songs.
“Take My Hand, Precious Lord”
Song Year: 1957
This powerful tune, penned by Thomas A. Dorsey in 1932, contains a powerful message of optimism, yet a heart-wrecking tragedy influenced it. Thomas wrote “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” as a tribute to the untimely loss of his wife and son.
Elvis’ version of this ballad captures the same mood of tragic enthusiasm as the original while including his distinctive musical style. The song is an appropriate choice for any Elvis fan’s or Christian’s final journey
“Where No One Stands Alone”
Song Year: 1967
Gospel music offers a sense of community that makes it stand out. As a teenager, Elvis experienced this feeling in church and strived to replicate the fellowship vibe in his music. He did it best in “Where No One Stands Alone,” a beautiful gospel track about a rich man who felt alone despite his wealth.
The song was originally written in 1955 by Thomas Mosie Lister, an American singer and Baptist minister. It tells listeners that you can have all the world’s riches and still feel lonely. But with Jesus, you’ll never be alone – a befitting uplifting song for bereaved Christians.
“Pieces of My Life”
Song Year: 1975
Elvis poured new life into the original version of “Pieces of My Life,” penned by Troy Seals for Charlie Rich. The lyrics of this country ballad speak on regrets and sorrows experienced throughout life, reflecting on the significance of these events in building the narrator’s character.
This song would be a fitting tribute to a departed loved one who has endured a great deal of hardship and pain in their life but never lost sight of the broader picture of the good things in life.
“His Hand in Mine”
Song Year: 1960
Presley collaborated with other gospel luminaries to compose this simple yet lovely version of “His Hand in Mine,” a standout feature in his 1960 album with the same title. This single established the tone for the remainder of the album, seamlessly blending gospel and blues into a ballad.
“His Hand in Mine” was based on Mosie Lister’s original composition from 1953, and it helped to popularize the original piece. The timeless gem would be ideal for sending off loved ones who lived solemnly in God’s name.
“My Way”
Song Year: 1973
This show-stopping tune is a fan-favorite of Elvis Presley’s funeral songs. “My Way” was originally titled “Comme d’Habitude,” a 1967 composition, and translated to English by Paul Anka with Frank Sinatra in mind.
Sinatra scored a tremendous smash with the track and became hailed as a Sinatra hit. Elvis Pressley adored the song and added charm and soul to the already-established classic. This song is an easy option for remembering a loved one who brought joy and love into your life.
“Somebody Bigger Than You and I”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86TuWuy5xdw
Song Year: 1967
Another staple feature in the best Elvis Presley gospel funeral songs is “Somebody Bigger Than You and I.” The song was written by three talented songwriters, Hy Heath, Johnny Lange, and Sonny Burke. The song was first recorded in 1951 by Ink Spots before Mahalia Jackson did it justice in 1967.
Mahalia had previously perfected this gospel classic. Presley’s rendition was more of a mainstream take – a rich orchestral arrangement. It was a courageous yet risky take for a gospel ballad that is still a favorite today. It gives hope to the bereaved that God knows all the answers to their grief.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone”
Song Year: 1967
Since its premiere in Carousel in 1945, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” has uplifted and comforted mourners for over a century. This classic was initially penned by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, with covers performed by many musicians throughout the decades.
The covers have resulted in various musical versions of the classic hit, available in various genres. Elvis’ rendition of the slow ballad wasn’t the first to be released, but it combined sorrow and optimism in a romantic melody in a manner that no other version could.
“Danny Boy”
Song Year: 1976
“Danny Boy” was penned in 1910 by barrister Frederic Weatherly and set to the melody of another classic, Londonderry Air, an Irish tune first recorded in 1855. Due to the popularity of the melody, “Danny Boy” quickly became a popular feature in Irish funerals.
This rendition is among the most played Elvis Presley funeral songs. It features hauntingly lovely melodies spruced by Elvis’ soothing baritone vocals that will comfort the bereaved attending the funeral.
“You Gave Me a Mountain”
Song Year: 1973
“You Gave Me a Mountain” is an emotional tune penned by a celebrated country music legend, Matty Robbins. However, the most notable initial rendition of the song was by Frankie Laine in 1969. The song tells the tale of the narrator’s trials and tribulations, including heartbreaking experiences.
Elvis’ 1973 version of the song transformed the original’s pop aspects into his melancholy rock characteristics while preserving the original’s mournful lyrics. This mix works beautifully in this tune, suggesting a contemplative, vibrant tone appropriate for a funeral service.
“Don’t Cry Daddy”
Song Year: 1969
The death of a mother is devastating for the entire family unit, and maybe no song conveys that special grief more than “Don’t Cry Daddy.” This beautiful song was written by Scott Davis from the context of a father hearing his small kid console him after the tragic loss of their mom.
As the title suggests, this song is about children feeling the pain in their father and comforting him to stop crying. This song is befitting for remembering a deceased mother figure.
“An Evening Prayer”
Song Year: 1972
Presley was well-known for his drama and flair. He used his abilities to transform a basic hymn into something remarkable. In the track, Elvis addresses his struggle with success and expectations.
Every accomplished person has doubts about their ability or moral integrity. As a result, this song will certainly be relevant to many individuals, including your deceased loved one.
Best Elvis Presley Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts
Even with his relatively short musical stint, Elvis Presley became iconic in the scene. However, despite his spectacular milestones in secular music, Elvis had a unique affinity with the gospel.
His relationship with gospel music resulted in some of the greatest tunes to grace funerals. The king of rock and roll has something for everyone looking to eulogize their deceased loved one. With your loved one’s spirit in mind, you will find a befitting Elvis Presley funeral song from our compilation.