Given the kinds of funerals I have attended in the past, I never would have imagined that some people have music at funerals. Yesterday was my 4th funeral. Christmas music.... Christmas music and then.... a funeral.
 
 The main subject of the proceeding isn't present, at least in the sense that we are. I was about 10 feet from the casket. Am I the only one who gets asked to do these kinds of things? Anyone else ever play a funeral?
 
 I played one several years back for a friend who had died in mid age of cancer. The family asked me to play a few songs. I did several others that came from people who knew people who knew me.This last one was a request from a friend who had lost his mother. 
 

Upon request from my Aunt, I played and sang 1 song at my Dads service. Toughest gig ever.
 
Randy

Same. Its always hard. I've done a few for friends and family. I usually end up playing a hymnal or one of the deceased favorite songs. Its always hard, especially seeing all the raw emotion of those that are there to pay their respects.

I played at my Aunt's funeral a while back with my Classical guitar. It was hard. I'm so glad I did because my Aunt had asked me to. My tribute to her life and goodbye.

My buddy Wolf, knowing I was the Chaplin in my CMA motorcycle chapter at the time, and knowing he was going to die shortly from cancer, asked me to "preach" his funeral. I had never done anything even close to that let alone under such extenuating circumstances, speak for 15 to 20 minutes at a funeral. 
 
It was a hard eulogy to give.  After I spoke, there were a number of his musician friends who set up and played bluegrass, and it turned into a party.  I know he would have wanted it that way.
 
Wolf>>>>>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DmLXESjGWs
 
He was a really good friend so I could not say "no" to him. It was an honor for me to speak at his funeral.
 

Just played your YouTube link Herb. A wonderful tribute to your friend. Thanks for sharing it.

When my friend Willard died, his nephew played Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here", one of Willard's favorite songs.
Most of the audience/congregation sang along.

57Gregy
When my friend Willard died, his nephew played Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here", one of Willard's favorite songs.
Most of the audience/congregation sang along.

Thats a cool way to say good bye. Everyone singing your favorite song together to say goodbye to you.

  I am surprised that this is so common. I have never played for a close family members funeral. I can't imagine doing that, but if I were asked I probably would. Randy I'll bet that was tough  indeed.
 
  Herb that is quite the tribute video, something else I guess I never considered. Tribute videos to friends. Thanks for sharing it.
 
 The funerals I have played involved the audience, more like a group event. A brochure with a couple of songs listed scattered in between family recollections and poems. I was honored to be a part of it but it felt a little odd too. Everything was tense.  The music seemed to make things less tense and directed thoughts in more positive directions.
 
 The deceased was a wonderful hard working older lady of German decent. A dedicated Christian woman, although I never  got to know her, I heard plenty of good things about her. 
 
 I'm not really comfortable playing funerals, but I guess there really aren't too many people who are.
 
Funerals are sad, they signal endings and new beginnings and big changes even though I believe some of that can be for the better.
 
 I hope its awhile before I'm asked to do it again.

Two of my tunes were used at my Dads funeral.