Pop hits putting the ‘fun’ into British funerals

LONDON—Contemporary music from pop songs to film and show tunes are now almost as likely to be chosen for a funeral in Britain as traditional religious pieces, according to a study released. One of the country’s largest funeral providers found more than 40 percent of ceremonies involved modern music, reflecting the changing — and increasingly secular — tone of British society.
Topping the list of modern songs was crooner Frank Sinatra’s signature tune “My Way”, followed by Bette Midler’s rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings” and Robbie Williams’ “Angels”. Next on the list were Celine Dion’s weepie “My Heart Will Go On” and the rousing “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner.
The top three hymns remained unchanged with “The Lord is My Shepherd” at number one, followed by “Abide With Me” and “All Things Bright and Beautiful”. Classical tunes meanwhile accounted for less than five percent of funeral music: “Nimrod” from Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” was the firm favourite, followed by Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” and “Largo” from George Handel’s opera “Xerxes”.