Pop songs feature in Shropshire funerals
Pop Music has replaced hymns at many Shropshire funerals.
Traditional hymns and religious or classical music are no longer a regular feature at funerals held in Shropshire with families opting for pop or rock songs instead.
The Crematorium and Memorial Group, which operates Emstrey and Telford crematoria, have revealed the most requested pieces of music for funerals held at the facilities during 2019.
Sad, moving or reflective songs that family members believe pay tribute to their loved one dominate the “Funeral Top 10”.
Frank Sinatra's "My Way" is the favourite choice, followed by Eva Cassidy’s version of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and Gerry and The Pacemakers anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
Other favourites are “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler and “We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn whilst a sign of changing attitudes to funerals is demonstrated by Ed Sheeran and Tina Turner making the Top 10.
Personal favourites of the deceased are also regularly chosen with The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart and Queen, Manager of Telford Crematorium, Jane Baker, said.
It is evidence of a time when music began to play a bigger part in many people’s lives, Jane said.
She said that the changing trend from the sombre Victorian-style funeral to a celebration of life could not be better demonstrated than Monty Python’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life regularly being played at both crematoria.
“We all live such different and unique lives now that it’s natural for people to want to make a funeral as individual and personalised as possible,” Jane said.
“The importance of music in our lives is demonstrated by our research which shows it’s the third most common topic for a family to discuss prior to arranging a funeral. Popular music is now a major part of many funerals and we’ve invested in specialist equipment to ensure we provide the highest quality service.”
The music at Emstrey and Telford Crematoria is provided by a state-of-the-art audio system from specialist company, Obitus. Installed in January 2019, it provides mourners with access to thousands of pieces of recorded music from hymns and classical compositions to the latest pop hits, whilst keeping a record of the number of times each song is played.
Dignity Funeral Directors says it strives to lead the market in the provision of client service and facilities to care for the deceased.
