23 Elvis Presley Funeral Songs

While Elvis Presley is dubbed “the king of rock and roll,” he started his musical journey as a gospel act bred in the Pentecostal church.

The king never lost his love for gospel music and released several touching tunes that have graced many a funeral. Here are the best Elvis Presley funeral songs for your deceased loved one.

“Amazing Grace”

Song Year:  1972

“Amazing Grace” is a celebrated Christian hymn penned by John Newton, an English ex-sailor and Anglican Clergyman. The song was first published in 1779 as a Christian hymn and has taken the world by storm with amazing performances from iconic musicians, including Elvis Presley.

In his rendition, Elvis added his unique vibe to his “Amazing Grace” performance, incorporating country elements. The song is a reassuring reminder that your deceased loved one had a beautiful and fruitful life because of God's grace.

“Peace in the Valley”

Song Year:  1957

“Peace in the Valley” is among the most popular gospel funeral songs by Elvis Presley. The masterpiece was initially penned by Thomas A. Dorsey, the “father of black gospel.” In the '50s, gospel music became a household genre in Memphis, TN, where Elvis was born and raised, spurring him to record his cover.

The ballad is about holding on to faith even when times are tough. “Peace In the Valley” will bring immense comfort to mourners down in the dumps and reaffirm religious beliefs to devout people.

“He Is My Everything”

Song Year:  1972

If you are an ardent fan of Elvis' gospel tunes, you must have heard of “He is My Everything.” The hymn was first published in 1965 by Dallas Frazier, an American country singer and songwriter.

Various greats covered this classic, but Presley's version broke the airwaves globally. The tune was about a couple that separated for unknown reasons, flawlessly delivered by Elvi's baritone vocals.

The border between religious and romantic love might get blurred at times. This gospel melody is as intense and sincere as any passionate love song.

“Anything That's Part of You”

Song Year:  1961

“Anything That's part of You” is of the moving Elvis Presley funeral songs written by Don Robertson. The song became popular on global music charts for its nice vocals and catchy middling tempo. Even though the song's lyrics are about lost love, all but one line are linked to grief.

This link and the lovely, aching melody behind the lyrics make for the perfect funeral song. Also, the track combines blues and early pop elements to create a gorgeous musical ambiance. The Jordanaires joined Elvis on this song, helping in laying seamless vocals.

“Softly, As I Leave You”

Song Year:  1974

Based on a popular Italian song by Mina, Elvis' touching rendition of “Softly, As I Leave You” features lyrics penned by English songwriter Hal Shaper.

While this song doesn't get as much appreciation as other tunes by Presley, it's still a worthy feature in any funeral playlist. This song is one of Elvis Presley's most dynamic and melancholy songs, issued posthumously as a tribute to the people he loved in life.

“I'll Remember You”

Song Year:  1966

This song is another lesser-known piece from Elvis' impressive catalog that is well-recommended for funerals. As the title suggests, the song is about remembrance; the narrator sings about remembering his lost life and his longing to reunite again.

The production of this emotional track was inspired by the Beatles' success in the '60s, boasting Spanish guitars, light percussions, and a calming vocal delivery. This song is calm, introspective, and relaxing, making it an excellent choice for a funeral.

“Always On My Mind”

Song Year:  1972

“Always On My Mind” is a timeless love ballad covered by several artists in various genres. However, Elvis Presley did the song justice, recording an emotional rendition a few weeks after his separation from his wife, Pricilla, in 1972.

Elvis wishes to see his wife in this heartfelt performance. The simple love ballad conveys the concept of remembrance, making it an excellent choice for funerals.

“Just Pretend”

Song Year:  1970

Unlike most of Elvis' songs with gospel inspirations, “Just Pretend” combines traditional gospel elements with rock's energy and emotion.

A soothing piano welcomes you to the lovely melody of this song in which Elvis addresses his thoughts and feelings about lost love but still presses on without being real – just pretending. The song is perfect for an upbeat send-off of a gospel rock music fan.

“Lead Me, Guide Me”

Song Year:  1972

We all endure challenges in life, and it's no secret that Elvis Presley had his share of struggles. He battled prescription drug addiction, which led to his tragic demise.

In “Lead Me, Guide Me,” you can feel the sorrow beneath the polished performer's gloss. This tune is a moving option for a poignant Elvis Presley funeral song playlist. Play it to commemorate a departed loved one who struggled with substance dependency or depression.

“If That Isn't Love”

Song Year:  1972

“If That Isn't Love” is one of the last commercial hits by Elvis Presley before his untimely death three years later. Dottie Rambo published this gospel track in 1969 as a single on her “Sheltered” album.

The song commemorates Jesus' sacrifice for humanity, featuring Elvis' signature gospel and rock elements blend. Christian faithful will undoubtedly feel encouraged and renewed after listening to this touching Elvis Presley cover, making it an ideal choice for funerals.

“How Great Thou Art”

Song Year:  1967

This song is a Christian hymn penned by a Swedish missionary, Rev. Carl Boberg, in 1885. The soothing hymn made rounds globally, and Elvis Presley spruced it in his 1967 cover.

The king of rock and roll retained the song's solemn tone and traditional chorale themes. However, Elvis infused the original elements of the song with distinctly tremulous vocals. “How Great Thou Art” is an excellent choice for Elvis Presley's funeral songs.

It's about bidding farewell to this world and transitioning to the nest, a perfect goodbye for a religious loved one.

“That's Someone You Never Forget”

Song Year:  1961

It is one of Elvis' finest songs – a superb recording, evocative, poignant, and perhaps his saddest tune. Elvis wrote this song with the help of his bodyguard, Red West, but “That's Someone You Never Forget” was never as successful as Elvis' many renditions.

If you're acquainted with this song, you'll realize it deserves just as much appreciation as his other classics. Many think this 1961 record was released to honor Elvis' mother, Gladys, who died in 1958, making one of the best Elvis Presley funeral songs.