100+ Jazz Funeral Songs for a Soulful Goodbye

Jazz is a style of music that fits grief really well. It can be slow one minute then lift the whole room the next. That’s pretty close to what a good goodbye feels like.

Maybe the person you lost was a big Louis Armstrong fan or hummed Ella Fitzgerald all the time. Maybe they played trumpet in a high school band and never stopped. Or they just loved the idea of being sent off New Orleans style with a brass band and people dancing in the street.

To help you find the right jazz song for their funeral we have over 100 jazz funeral songs to look through. They’re split by who you’re saying goodbye to with sections for traditional New Orleans dirges, second line songs, big band, instrumentals and upbeat picks for a celebration of life.

I’ve added a short line with most of them so you know a bit about the song before you listen. There are some tips for choosing the song at the end too.

If you want to look for more our main list of funeral songs has every style.

Table of Contents

What Is a Jazz Funeral?

A jazz funeral is a New Orleans tradition. A brass band walks with the family and mourners, usually from the church or funeral home toward the cemetery.

On the way there the band plays slow, sad hymns called dirges. Then once the body has been laid to rest (people often call this “cutting the body loose”) the music changes.

The band breaks into something upbeat and everyone dances back. The crowd that joins in behind the family is called the second line.

The idea is simple. You grieve the loss then you celebrate the life. You don’t need to be from New Orleans to borrow some of that for your own service even if it’s just one slow song and one happy one.

The Most Popular Jazz Funeral Songs

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. Probably the most played jazz song at funerals. Gentle, grateful and easy for everyone to recognize.
When the Saints Go Marching In (traditional). The classic New Orleans funeral song. Louis Armstrong’s 1938 recording is the one most people know.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee (traditional). The best-known dirge, played slow on the walk to the cemetery.
I’ll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday. About seeing someone you miss in all the familiar places.
Smile by Nat King Cole. The music was written by Charlie Chaplin. A tender reminder to keep going, even when your heart is aching.
We Have All the Time in the World by Louis Armstrong. Recorded for a James Bond film, but it’s become a much-loved song about lasting love.
Unforgettable by Nat King Cole. His daughter Natalie Cole later recorded it as a duet with his original recording, long after he died.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand by Mahalia Jackson. Thomas A. Dorsey wrote it after losing his wife and baby son. Mahalia Jackson sang it at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral.
Every Time We Say Goodbye by Ella Fitzgerald. A quiet Cole Porter song about how hard parting is.
Didn’t He Ramble (traditional). A cheerful New Orleans song about a man who lived life his own way. Often played on the way back from the cemetery.

Traditional New Orleans Dirges

These are the slow hymns a brass band plays at the start of a jazz funeral. Most are old church hymns played with a lot of feeling. They also work for anyone who wants something religious with a jazz sound. Our list of funeral hymns has more traditional choices.

Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Flee as a Bird. An old hymn that has been a jazz funeral dirge for generations.
Nearer, My God, to Thee
Amazing Grace. Lovely played slow on a single trumpet or trombone.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Abide with Me. Thelonious Monk recorded a short, moving horn version of this hymn on his album Monk’s Music.
The Old Rugged Cross
In the Sweet By and By. About meeting again on a far shore.
Down by the Riverside. A spiritual that can be played slow or fast, so it often bridges the sad part and the happy part.

Second Line Songs for After the Burial

This is the joyful half of a jazz funeral. The band picks up the tempo and the family and friends dance, wave handkerchiefs and twirl umbrellas. These songs are best suited for the walk out of the service, the reception or the end of a celebration of life.

When the Saints Go Marching In
Didn’t He Ramble
I’ll Fly Away. An old gospel favorite by Albert E. Brumley that brass bands love to play fast.
Li’l Liza Jane (traditional). Bouncy and easy to sing along to.
Bourbon Street Parade. A New Orleans standard that’s made for walking.
Do Whatcha Wanna by Rebirth Brass Band. A modern second line favorite.
Feel Like Funkin’ It Up by Rebirth Brass Band
My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now by Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Iko Iko by The Dixie Cups
Down by the Riverside
Mardi Gras in New Orleans by Professor Longhair

Jazz Funeral Songs for Dad

A lot of dads had one jazz album they played over and over. A Sunday morning record or something on in the car on long drives. If you remember it that’s a good place to start for your song. There are more ideas in our funeral songs for dad.

Song for My Father by Horace Silver. Inspired by Silver’s own father, whose photo is on the album cover. An obvious but lovely choice.
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Smile by Nat King Cole
Take Five by The Dave Brubeck Quartet. Cool and easy, for a dad who loved his records.
Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller. Soft and nostalgic, especially for an older dad.
When You’re Smiling by Louis Armstrong. For a dad who always looked on the bright side.
Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra with Count Basie
The Best Is Yet to Come by Frank Sinatra. Those words are on Sinatra’s own headstone.
Bye Bye Blackbird by Miles Davis

Jazz Funeral Songs for Mom

Jazz songs for a mom tend to be tender and warm. Some are lullabies, some are just about being loved and looked after. You’ll find more choices in our funeral songs for mom.

Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. A Gershwin lullaby that tells a little one not to cry. It hits hard at a mother’s funeral.
Someone to Watch Over Me by Ella Fitzgerald
La Vie en Rose by Louis Armstrong. Lovely for a mom who loved all things French or romantic.
Dream a Little Dream of Me by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Smile by Nat King Cole
Misty by Sarah Vaughan
His Eye Is on the Sparrow by Mahalia Jackson. For a mom with a deep faith.
Come Away with Me by Norah Jones. Soft and modern, for a younger mom.

Jazz Songs for a Husband or Wife

So many jazz standards are love songs which makes this one of the easiest places to find something. If you had a first dance song then start there. If not these are all about a love that lasts.

Our Love Is Here to Stay by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. One of the last songs George Gershwin wrote, about a love that outlasts everything.
They Can’t Take That Away from Me by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. About the small things you’ll always keep.
My One and Only Love by John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman. Slow, deep and very romantic.
The Very Thought of You by Nat King Cole
When I Fall in Love by Nat King Cole. About loving someone forever.
Unforgettable by Nat King Cole
We Have All the Time in the World by Louis Armstrong
The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
I’ll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday
These Foolish Things by Billie Holiday. About the little everyday things that remind you of someone.
Every Time We Say Goodbye by Ella Fitzgerald
Naima by John Coltrane. A slow instrumental named after his wife.

Big Band and Swing Songs for Grandparents

For someone who grew up with the big bands or met their sweetheart on a dance floor these songs can take them right back. Older guests will often know every note. They’re also a nice fit for a veteran of that era.

Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller. Miller’s signature song. He went missing over the English Channel in 1944 while serving with the Army Air Forces.
In the Mood by Glenn Miller
A String of Pearls by Glenn Miller
Goodbye by Benny Goodman. Goodman closed his shows with this song for years. A gentle way to end a service.
Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman. For a grandparent who loved to dance.
Begin the Beguine by Artie Shaw
One O’Clock Jump by Count Basie
Take the “A” Train by Duke Ellington. Written by Billy Strayhorn and played as Ellington’s theme song.
Stardust by Nat King Cole. A song about remembering an old love.
I’ll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday. It was a big hit during World War II, when so many couples were apart.

Songs for Someone Who Loved New Orleans

If they were born there, lived there or went back every chance they got these songs reflect that.

Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans by Louis Armstrong. About longing for home. It’s hard to listen to dry-eyed if they were from there.
Basin Street Blues by Louis Armstrong
St. James Infirmary by Louis Armstrong. An old, mournful blues about saying goodbye to someone you love.
When It’s Sleepy Time Down South by Louis Armstrong. His theme song for many years.
Petite Fleur by Sidney Bechet. A soft, sweet clarinet piece from one of the city’s great musicians.
Big Chief by Professor Longhair
Mardi Gras in New Orleans by Professor Longhair
Bourbon Street Parade

Jazz Songs for a Musician or Jazz Lover

If the person you lost played jazz or lived for it they might have had strong opinions about what should be played. Ask the people who played with them. These are songs jazz musicians wrote for each other as well as a few that real fans will appreciate.

Goodbye Pork Pie Hat by Charles Mingus. Written as an elegy for saxophonist Lester Young, who was known for his pork pie hat.
I Remember Clifford by Benny Golson. Written after the trumpeter Clifford Brown died young in a car crash. Lee Morgan’s version is beautiful too.
‘Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk
Lush Life by John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman
Body and Soul by Coleman Hawkins
Mood Indigo by Duke Ellington
Solitude by Duke Ellington
My Funny Valentine by Chet Baker
Almost Blue by Chet Baker. Quiet and heartbreaking.
Autumn Leaves by Cannonball Adderley, or the Nat King Cole vocal version. About missing someone as the seasons change.

Spiritual and Gospel Jazz Songs

If they had faith these songs bring together jazz and worship. Some churches are fine with them during the service but it’s worth asking first. Our list of Christian funeral songs has more choices.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand by Mahalia Jackson
Come Sunday by Duke Ellington featuring Mahalia Jackson. A simple, beautiful prayer.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow by Mahalia Jackson
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
I’ll Fly Away
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane. Coltrane made the album as a thank you to God. The first part, Acknowledgement, works well on its own.
Abide with Me by Thelonious Monk
Peace by Horace Silver. A slow, calm instrumental.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free by Nina Simone. Written by jazz pianist Billy Taylor. Hopeful and uplifting.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=as1rsZenwNc&list=RDas1rsZenwNc&start_radio=1&pp=ygUacHJlY2lvdXMgbG9yZCB0YWtlIG15IGhhbmSgBwE%3D

Instrumental Jazz Funeral Songs

Sometimes the words get in the way. Instrumental jazz is perfect while people arrive, during a slideshow or for a few minutes of quiet. These are also good if the church doesn’t allow secular lyrics.

Peace Piece by Bill Evans. A quiet, gentle solo piano piece.
Blue in Green by Miles Davis. From Kind of Blue, one of the best-selling jazz albums ever.
In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
Naima by John Coltrane
Waltz for Debby by Bill Evans. Written for his young niece. Lovely for a child or grandchild who’s left behind.
Petite Fleur by Sidney Bechet
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat by Charles Mingus
Peace by Horace Silver
Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller
Take Five by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Body and Soul by Coleman Hawkins

Upbeat Jazz Songs for a Celebration of Life

If they were the life of the party, send them off in style. These work at the end of a service, at the reception or as everyone heads out. For more ideas, see our songs for a celebration of life.

When the Saints Go Marching In by Louis Armstrong
On the Sunny Side of the Street by Louis Armstrong
Hello, Dolly! by Louis Armstrong
A Kiss to Build a Dream On by Louis Armstrong
Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Fats Waller
Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman
In the Mood by Glenn Miller
Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra with Count Basie
Feeling Good by Nina Simone. Big, bold and full of life.
My Way by Frank Sinatra. For someone who did things exactly how they wanted.
The Best Is Yet to Come by Frank Sinatra
Do Whatcha Wanna by Rebirth Brass Band
Li’l Liza Jane

Jazz Songs for Someone with a Dark Sense of Humor

New Orleans has never been shy about mixing laughter with grief. Some people would have loved one of these at their own funeral. Only use one if you’re sure the family is on board and save it for the end.

I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead You Rascal You by Louis Armstrong. A classic for anyone who loved a cheeky joke.
Didn’t He Ramble
Bye Bye Blackbird by Miles Davis, or a vocal version
My Way by Frank Sinatra

Tips for Choosing Jazz Funeral Songs

Start with their records. Look through their vinyl, CDs or playlists. A song they actually loved will mean the most.
Think slow, then fast. You don’t need a full brass band to borrow the jazz funeral idea. One slow song early in the service and one upbeat song at the end gives you the same feeling.
Consider live music. A single trumpet, sax or clarinet playing a hymn can be the most moving part of the day. Local music schools, churches and jazz clubs are good places to ask.
Book a brass band early. If you want a band for a procession ask what they normally play and how long they’ll need. If you’re walking in the street check with the funeral home or city about any permits.
Listen to the whole song. Some jazz vocals have a verse you may not expect so play it all the way through first.
Check the length. Live jazz recordings can run long. Ask the funeral home if they can fade a song out, or pick a shorter studio version.
Check with the church or venue. Some churches only allow religious music during the service. If so use the dirges and gospel songs inside and save the rest for the graveside or reception.
Hand out something to wave. White handkerchiefs or small umbrellas are a sweet nod to the second line, even at a small celebration of life.
Print the songs in the program. People often want to look them up later. Our funeral program wording examples show how to lay that out.

I love that a jazz funeral lets you cry and laugh in the same afternoon. It doesn’t pretend the loss isn’t there. It just doesn’t let the sadness be the focus.