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The Last Goodbye
Frank Sinatra's classic "My Way" tops a list of pop songs most frequently heard at funerals in Great Britain. Today: the rise of non-traditional music in final farewells. Plus, a local funeral director explains how popular songs can clash with religious ritual. Later: Easy Star All-Stars breathe life into rock dinosaurs. The reggae group joins us to mash up a Beatles classic, live in our studio.
Music for a Final Farewell
A recent survey of 30,000 funerals in the UK found that songs by Frank Sinatra, Bette Midler and Celine Dion are helping eclipse the use of traditional hymns and classical music. Lorinda Sheasby of the UK-based group Co-operative Funeralcare tells us about the study. And, New Jersey-based funeral director Robert C. Moore explains why pop music can be a delicate matter in religious services.
Soundcheck Blog: a note on final notes, from John Schaefer
Tell us: What do you think about contemporary music in funeral services? Do you have a story about hearing popular songs or a non-traditional piece at funeral? Leave a comment.
More about the Co-operative Funeralcare study
Top 10 lists from the study
Moore's Home for Funerals
Easy Star All-Stars
First it was "Dub Side of the Moon" and then "Radiodread." Now, the Easy Star All-Stars take on the most sacred album in rock 'n' roll and turn it into reggae. They join us for a live performance of songs from their record Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts.
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See Tori Amos Live!
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at The Greene Space
Singer and pianist Tori Amos joins us to talk about reworking and reinventing seasonal carols on her new holiday album. And, she performs for a live audience in The Greene Space! Click the link for ticket info.
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