African American Funeral Music: Traditions, Gospel & Modern Choices | Complete Guide
24 min read · Updated February 2026
African American Funeral Music Traditions
From the spirituals born in hardship to contemporary gospel that fills churches today, Black funeral music carries centuries of faith, resilience, and community. These songs emerged from the depths of suffering and soared on wings of faith, creating a musical tradition unlike any other—one where grief and joy, sorrow and celebration, live side by side.
This guide explores the rich traditions and songs that honor loved ones in African American memorial services, from traditional spirituals to contemporary gospel and the unique New Orleans jazz funeral tradition.
Understanding the Homegoing Tradition
In African American Christian tradition, a funeral is often called a "homegoing"—a celebration of the deceased's return to God and reunion with those who have gone before. This perspective shapes everything about the service, from the music selected to the emotional tone of the gathering. The belief that death is not an ending but a transition to eternal life with God transforms mourning into something that includes celebration.
While grief is acknowledged and expressed—sometimes powerfully, with wailing and tears that honor the depth of loss—there's also joy in the belief that the loved one is finally at peace, free from earthly suffering, and in the presence of the Lord. This is why Black funeral services often include both sorrowful hymns sung slowly with tears and upbeat, celebratory gospel that gets people on their feet—sometimes within the same song as the mood shifts from mourning to triumph.
Significance:
- Homegoing celebrates the transition to eternal life
- Grief and joy coexist in the same service
- Music shifts from contemplative to celebratory
- Community connection through shared traditions
- Faith anchors the mourning process
Spirituals & Traditional Hymns
Songs born from faith and resilience that have carried communities through centuries of grief and celebration. These spirituals emerged during slavery, carrying coded messages of hope and freedom alongside their spiritual meaning.
Amazing Grace
Traditional
The most universal funeral hymn carries deep roots in Black church tradition. Though written by former slave trader John Newton, it was embraced by enslaved people who found profound meaning in its message of redemption and transformation. The hymn's promise that grace can save "a wretch like me" spoke to the hope of spiritual freedom even in physical bondage.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Thomas A. Dorsey
Written by Thomas A. Dorsey in 1932 after the devastating loss of his wife Nettie and their newborn son in childbirth, this hymn channels unbearable grief into perfect faith. Dorsey, known as the "father of gospel music," created something that transcended his personal tragedy. It became a civil rights anthem, famously requested by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to be sung at his funeral.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Civilla D. Martin / Charles H. Gabriel
A promise of God's watchful care over even the smallest creatures, this hymn was popularized in African American tradition by the great Mahalia Jackson. The simple yet profound message—that if God watches over sparrows, He surely watches over us—offers deep comfort at funerals.
I'll Fly Away
Albert E. Brumley
A joyful anticipation of heaven that transforms funeral mourning into celebration. Written in 1929, this song has been recorded more than any other gospel song. Its upbeat tempo and triumphant message make it perfect for moments when the service shifts from sorrow to celebration of the homegoing.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Traditional Spiritual
One of the oldest and most beloved spirituals, this song speaks to deliverance and homecoming on multiple levels. During slavery, it carried coded meaning about escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad. At funerals, it speaks of God sending His chariot to bring the soul home to heaven.
Deep River
Traditional Spiritual
A longing for peace and rest expressed through the imagery of crossing Jordan to the promised land, this spiritual is hauntingly beautiful. The "deep river" represents the boundary between earth and heaven, life and death.
Wade in the Water
Traditional Spiritual
With roots in the Underground Railroad, where wading in water helped escape bloodhounds, this spiritual also carries deep baptismal and death symbolism. The water represents purification and transition—through death to new life.
Classic Gospel (1950s-1980s)
The golden age of gospel brought powerful voices and songs that still define Black funeral services today. These artists shaped how we hear and experience gospel music.
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Mahalia Jackson
Jackson's definitive version transforms Dorsey's hymn into something transcendent. Her powerful contralto voice, filled with conviction and vulnerability, made this the version requested at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral.
Peace Be Still
Rev. James Cleveland
Based on Christ calming the storm in Mark 4:39, this powerful song declares faith in the midst of life's tempests. James Cleveland, the "King of Gospel," delivers a commanding performance that builds from gentle reassurance to triumphant declaration.
Going Up Yonder
Walter Hawkins
A joyful anticipation of heaven that celebrates the homegoing rather than mourning the departure. The song's uptempo energy and confident declarations make it perfect for moments when the service transitions from tears to celebration.
Soon and Very Soon
Andraé Crouch
An upbeat proclamation that "we are going to see the King," this song turns funeral grief into anticipation of glory. The repetitive, building structure creates a sense of momentum toward heaven.
Order My Steps
GMWA Women of Worship
A prayer for guidance that resonates deeply in times of uncertainty, this song speaks to both the departed's journey and the mourners' path forward. The gentle plea expresses the need for divine direction when grief makes the way unclear.
His Name Is Wonderful
Audrey Mieir
A worship song that shifts focus from grief to the greatness of God, this classic gospel piece has been performed at countless homegoings. The ascending melody creates a sense of being lifted from sorrow into worship.
Contemporary Gospel
Modern gospel artists continue the tradition with songs that speak to today's generation while maintaining connection to the faith tradition that birthed this music.
I Won't Complain
Rev. Paul Jones
A testimony of faith through hardship that has become a funeral standard for its honest acknowledgment of suffering alongside unwavering trust. The song doesn't pretend life was easy but commits to gratitude anyway.
This Too Shall Pass
Jimmy Shand / Ok Go
A modern affirmation that temporary troubles will eventually resolve, this song brings contemporary sensibility to the ancient promise of hope. Its message resonates especially for those facing long illnesses before death.