Jazz Funeral Songs:
Traditional and Second Line Music for Celebrating Life
Jazz funeral songs follow a profound arc from somber dirges like "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" during the procession to joyful second line celebrations with "When the Saints Go Marching In" after burial, reflecting the New Orleans tradition of transforming grief into celebration. This unique musical journey honors the deceased by transitioning from mourning to joy, demonstrating that death is not an ending but a passage to glory.
Understanding the Jazz Funeral Tradition
Jazz funerals represent one of New Orleans' most sacred and distinctive cultural traditions, blending profound mourning with exuberant celebration. With roots in West African circle dances, 19th-century brass bands, and African American spirituals, this tradition insists that death, while sorrowful, is ultimately a passage to something better—a moment worthy not just of tears, but of music, dancing, and communal joy.
Dirge Phase (To the Cemetery)
- • Slow, mournful hymns and spirituals
- • Crying clarinet over sparse bass/snare
- • Walking tempo (funeral march)
- • Allows expression of grief
- • Body present during procession
Second Line Phase (After Burial)
- • Upbeat, celebratory jazz standards
- • Dancing with parasols and handkerchiefs
- • Joyful brass band sound
- • Celebrates release from suffering
- • Community participation encouraged
Dirge & Processional Songs (Walking to Cemetery)
These somber hymns and spirituals accompany the body to burial, played at a slow funeral march tempo. The brass band performs them with reverence, allowing mourners to express their grief while maintaining the dignity of the procession.
Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Traditional Gospel
The most iconic jazz funeral song, performed slowly and mournfully with sparse bass and snare drum cadence. The crying clarinet soars over the melody to convey deep sadness.
When to Play:
Processional - when pallbearers carry the casket from the church or when the body is placed in the hearse
Meaning:
Expresses the desire to walk closely with God through life's trials. At funerals, it represents the deceased's final walk toward spiritual home.
Nearer My God to Thee
Hymn (1841)
Deep, mournful, and reflective; one of the most somber selections in the repertoire.
When to Play:
During the slow march to the cemetery, often as the procession moves through the streets
Meaning:
Based on Jacob's ladder dream, expresses the soul's yearning to draw closer to God even through suffering and death.
The Old Rugged Cross
Methodist Hymn (1912)
Deeply reverent and sorrowful, setting the somber mood for the procession.
When to Play:
As the body is taken from church or funeral parlor to the gravesite
Meaning:
Celebrates Christian devotion to the cross of Christ, symbolizing redemption and sacrifice.
In the Sweet By-and-By
Gospel (1867)
Bittersweet longing; acknowledges present sorrow while anticipating heavenly reunion.
When to Play:
During the funeral procession as a dirge before burial
Meaning:
Looks forward to meeting loved ones on 'that beautiful shore' in heaven, offering comfort that death is not the end.
Flee As a Bird to the Mountain
Traditional Spiritual (1870s)
Urgent yet mournful, evoking the soul's flight from earthly troubles. Louis Armstrong popularized this in his 'New Orleans Function' recording.
When to Play:
At the start of traditional funerals as the body leaves the church
Meaning:
Uses metaphor of a bird fleeing danger to represent the soul's escape from earthly suffering to heavenly refuge.
St. James Infirmary Blues
Traditional Folk/Blues
Dark, bluesy, and mournful with minor key melancholy. Louis Armstrong's 1928 version set the standard.
When to Play:
As a somber blues dirge during the procession
Meaning:
Describes visiting a deceased lover, mixing grief with stoic acceptance of mortality. Reflects New Orleans tradition of honoring the dead with dignity and style.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Gospel (1932)
Deeply personal and sorrowful, written by Thomas A. Dorsey after losing his wife and infant son. Was Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite song, sung at his funeral.
When to Play:
During services or as dirge
Meaning:
Expresses exhaustion, weakness, and the desperate plea for God to guide through darkness toward the light of home.
Amazing Grace
Hymn (1779)
Both mournful and hopeful; the most famous Christian hymn. Can be played as dirge or celebration.
When to Play:
Versatile - can be used at any service moment
Meaning:
Celebrates redemption and God's transformative grace. Acknowledges life's trials while affirming God's saving power and promise of eternity.
Second Line & Celebration Songs (After Burial)
After the body is "cut loose" at the cemetery, the music transforms into joyful celebration. The band strikes up these upbeat tunes, and the second line—following mourners—dance and parade with colorful parasols and handkerchiefs, celebrating the deceased's entry into glory.
When the Saints Go Marching In
Traditional Gospel/Jazz
The quintessential second line song! Joyful, triumphant celebration of the deceased's entry into heaven. Louis Armstrong's 1938 recording made it iconic.
When to Play:
Immediately after 'cutting the body loose' at the cemetery
Meaning:
Based on biblical Revelation imagery of redeemed souls marching into heaven. 'I want to be in that number' celebrates the deceased joining that heavenly procession.
Oh, Didn't He Ramble
Traditional Jazz (1902)
Exuberant and celebratory, suggesting no regrets about a life fully lived. The ultimate jazz funeral celebration tune.
When to Play:
Traditionally played at the end of jazz funerals as the procession returns from the cemetery
Meaning:
'Oh, didn't he ramble, ramble, he rambled all around' celebrates a life lived with adventure and freedom, emphasizing the full life that preceded death.
I'll Fly Away
Gospel (1929)
Upbeat and hopeful, framing death as liberation. Often performed at jazz funerals in New Orleans tradition.
When to Play:
During second line celebration or as transition from dirge to celebration
Meaning:
Uses metaphor of a bird freed from prison bars to describe the soul's release from earthly struggles.
Down by the Riverside
Traditional Spiritual (pre-Civil War)
Energetic with call-and-response elements; originally an anti-war pacifist anthem adapted for joyful celebration.
When to Play:
At wake services or during second line celebrations
Meaning:
Originally expressing the desire to lay down burdens of war, it represents laying down earthly struggles and finding rest.
Do Whatcha Wanna
Rebirth Brass Band (1989)
Modern second line anthem embodying pure freedom and joy. Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band created this New Orleans anthem.
When to Play:
Modern second line celebrations
Meaning:
Celebrates personal freedom and self-determination. Built on traditional 3+3+2 bamboula rhythm traced back to Congo Square, representing continuation of African cultural traditions.
Li'l Liza Jane
Traditional (1916)
Fun, singable, with famous call-and-response ('Oh, Lil' Liza!' / 'Lil' Liza Jane!'). Perfect for audience participation.
When to Play:
Frequently played at second line parades, wedding receptions, and end of jazz funerals
Meaning:
Playful call-and-response invites everyone to join the celebration, bringing the community together in joyful remembrance.
Joe Avery's Piece (The Second Line)
Traditional Jazz
The ultimate second line parade song, often called simply 'Second Line.' Features trumpet call-and-response with crowd shouting 'Hey!'
When to Play:
Second line parade music
Meaning:
Based on simple 12-bar blues, this song has become synonymous with second lining itself, embodying the communal spirit of New Orleans street culture.
Feel Like Funkin' It Up
Rebirth Brass Band
High-energy funk-infused brass band party music. Modern funk approach that revolutionized brass band music.
When to Play:
Modern second line celebration
Meaning:
Represents the evolution of brass band music, proving that tradition can remain vital by adapting to contemporary styles while maintaining its essence.
Planning a Jazz Funeral
Finding Musicians
In New Orleans, numerous brass bands specialize in funeral music. Well-known options include Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Hot 8 Brass Band, and Treme Brass Band. Outside New Orleans, search for "brass band" or "New Orleans style jazz band" in your area. Many jazz musicians can assemble appropriate ensembles if no dedicated brass band exists locally.
Typical Costs
New Orleans
- • Full brass band (6-10 musicians): $1,500-$3,500
- • Small ensemble (3-5 musicians): $800-$1,500
- • Premier bands: $4,000-$6,000
- • Grand marshal (optional): $150-$300
Outside New Orleans
- • Full brass band: $2,000-$5,000
- • Small ensemble: $1,000-$2,000
- • Travel costs if hiring NOLA band: add $500-$2,000
- • Permits for parades: $50-$300
Permits & Logistics
- Apply for parade permits 30+ days in advance from local police department
- Many cemeteries allow jazz funerals but check cemetery rules
- Plan route from church/funeral home to cemetery (typically 1-2 miles)
- Consider traffic, street width, and neighborhood appropriateness
- Notify neighbors along the route as courtesy
- Coordinate with funeral director who may have experience with logistics
Cultural Sensitivity
Jazz funerals are sacred cultural expressions with deep roots in African American and New Orleans Creole traditions. If you're not from these communities, approach this tradition with respect and understanding. Work with musicians who know the tradition intimately, learn about the cultural significance, and ensure the celebration honors both the deceased and the cultural origins of this beautiful ritual.
Common Questions
What is a jazz funeral and why does the music change?
A jazz funeral is a New Orleans tradition that follows a profound emotional arc. During the dirge phase, slow hymns like "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" accompany the body to burial, allowing mourners to express grief. Once the body is "cut loose" at the cemetery, the band strikes up jubilant tunes like "When the Saints Go Marching In," celebrating the deceased's release from earthly suffering and entry into glory. This transformation from mourning to celebration represents the belief that death, while sorrowful, is ultimately a passage to something better.
Can I have a jazz funeral outside of New Orleans?
Yes! While jazz funerals originated in New Orleans, the tradition has spread nationwide and even internationally. Many cities have brass bands that can perform jazz funeral music. You'll want to find musicians familiar with both the dirge and second line traditions. The key is understanding the cultural significance and approaching it with respect. Some families with New Orleans heritage hold jazz funerals regardless of location to honor their roots.
How much does it cost to hire a brass band for a jazz funeral?
In New Orleans, expect to pay $1,500-$3,500 for a traditional brass band (6-10 musicians) for 2-3 hours. Outside New Orleans, prices vary by location but typically range from $2,000-$5,000. Smaller ensembles (3-5 musicians) cost less ($800-$1,500). Some bands offer package rates that include both dirge and second line performances. Factor in additional costs for permits if you're processing through public streets.
What's the difference between a dirge and a second line?
Dirges are slow, mournful songs played during the procession to the cemetery while the body is present. They convey grief and respect with songs like "Nearer My God to Thee" played at a funeral march tempo. Second line music is upbeat, celebratory music played after burial when the deceased has been "cut loose." The second line includes following mourners who dance with parasols and handkerchiefs to joyful songs like "When the Saints Go Marching In." This shift represents transforming grief into celebration.
Do I need permits for a second line parade?
In New Orleans, you need permits from the New Orleans Police Department for second line parades on public streets. Apply at least 30 days in advance. Most other cities also require parade permits or street closure permissions. However, if you're staying on private property (cemetery, funeral home grounds, private venue), you typically don't need permits. Your brass band or funeral director can help you navigate local requirements.
What are the most important songs for a jazz funeral?
The essential dirge is "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" - it's the most iconic funeral march. For the second line, "When the Saints Go Marching In" is absolutely essential. Most jazz funerals also include "Nearer My God to Thee" or "The Old Rugged Cross" for dirge portions, and "Oh, Didn't He Ramble" to conclude the celebration. These four songs form the core of traditional jazz funeral music.
Can I use recorded jazz funeral music instead of live musicians?
While live brass bands provide the authentic experience, you can use high-quality recordings for some portions of the service. Many families use recordings for the church service and hire a small brass ensemble (3-5 pieces) for the cemetery procession and second line. This reduces costs while still providing some live music. However, the second line experience is significantly enhanced by live musicians who can interact with the crowd and adjust to the parade's energy.
Is a jazz funeral appropriate for someone who wasn't from New Orleans?
Yes, if it reflects the deceased's personality and musical preferences. Jazz funerals celebrate people who lived life fully and authentically - values that transcend geography. Many jazz lovers, musicians, and people who appreciated New Orleans culture have had jazz funerals regardless of birthplace. What matters is that the tradition is approached with understanding and respect for its cultural significance. Consider the person's connection to jazz music and whether this style of celebration honors their spirit.
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Sarah Mitchell
Funeral Music CuratorFormer church music director with 15 years of experience helping families choose meaningful funeral music. Created YourFuneralSongs after losing her mother in 2019.