Tag Archives: Memorial Songs



”All My Love” by Led Zeppelin

These hard rock titans pay an unexpected tribute to the sudden death of a child in this haunting memorial song

When you hear the name “Led Zeppelin,” you probably think of John Bonham’s thundering drums, Jimmy Page’s dirty, crunchy guitar riffs and Robert Plant’s howling vocals. They’re best-known for singing about sex, drugs and hobbits. But this group has a … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments



“Ghost on the Canvas” by Glen Campbell

A country music legend says goodbye with a haunting title track

Glen Campbell was 75 when Ghost on the Canvas was recorded in 2011. The album sustained Glen’s musical genius even after his 50 years in the music business and 45 million records sold. Some believe that this last album may have been … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“I’ll Be Seeing You” by Billie Holiday

The Billie Holiday song blends nostalgia and strength for a perfect memorial song

Is there anyone who knows how to belt the blues with more feeling than Billie Holiday? The work of the American jazz icon still speaks to us with a tender, present voice. Her songs make us feel nostalgic—classic account of … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment


 “Too Soon to Know” by Roy Orbison


A reflective memorial song that touches on the depths of grief for a young wife’s tragic death

Roy Orbison was no stranger to tragedy in the 1960s. As a popular American singer,  he recorded his version of the Don Gibson-penned song, “Too Soon to Know,” to cope with his wife Claudette’s sudden death in a motorcycle accident in 1966 … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Casimir Pulaski Day” by Sufjan Stevens

A folk memorial song about a loved one with cancer and the limits of faith

Nothing can evoke the mystery of loss like a well-told story, or a ballad. One of my favorite songs by Sufjan Stevens, “Casimir Pulaski Day” from his album “Illinois” tells the story of a young girl who dies from cancer. … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment


 Shadow Gallery’s Song, “Say Goodbye to The Morning”

No matter what happens when you die, it’s not over

Shadow Gallery, a contemporary progressive metal band from the 80’s, is known for its wide range of sounds, from heavy to mellow. Both highly charged and emotionally sweet, the tune “Say Goodbye to the Morning” paints a story along with … Continue reading

Posted in Expressive Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment