Pop Songs Challenge Funeral Favorites
Tue Aug 6, 9:28 AM ET
LONDON (Reuters) - ...Contemporary pop songs rather than traditional hymns provide the music for an increasing number of funeral services, the Co-operative Group's Funeral Service said Monday.
Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" from the 1988 tearjerker "Beaches" topped the funeral chart in a Co-op poll conducted throughout Britain.
"Perhaps mourners want to recreate the emotion of their favorite films and ensure their loved ones receive a funeral worthy of a star," Lorinda Sheasby of the Co-op, one of Britain's biggest undertakers.
The Co-op said 68 percent of its undertakers reported increased use of pop songs.
Weepy Hollywood film ballads are the most popular choice.
In second place was Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," the theme from the blockbuster film "Titanic." Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" was number three.
Other top 10 selections were "Candle in the Wind," sung by Elton John at the funeral of Britain's Princess Diana in 1997, and "Angels" by Robbie Williams.
There were also those who chose to bid a more whimsical farewell. Among the more unusual requests were the Village People's "YMCA" and Wham's "Wake Me Up Before you Go-Go," not to mention the Queen classic "Another One Bites the Dust."