The 6 Songs Billy Graham Picked for His Funeral

Christianity Today ^ | 03/05/2018 | SARAH EEKHOFF ZYLSTRA

[SeekAndFind]

As Billy Graham is laid to rest in North Carolina today, the 2,000 invited funeral attendees will listen to—or sing together—six songs. Graham, who planned his own funeral [see CT’s live report], was the one who chose them.

In this, he seems to have taken the path of his longtime music director Cliff Barrows.

“I want a lot of music,” Barrows instructed Billy Graham Evangelistic Association choir director Tom Bledsoe before he died in 2016. “And I want the people to sing.”

Graham’s six picks:

1. “Until Then” (Stuart Hamblen, 1958), performed by musical artist Linda McCrary-Fisher
2. “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” (Edward Perronet, 1779), congregational singing led by Bledsoe
3. “Above All” (Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche, 1999), performed by musical artist Michael W. Smith
4. “Because He Lives” (Bill and Gloria Gaither, 1970), performed by the Gaither Vocal Band
5. “To God Be the Glory” (Fanny Crosby/William Howard Doane, 1875), congregational singing led by Bledsoe
6. “Amazing Grace,” bagpipe escort led by Pipe Major William Boetticher

CT asked worship and hymnody experts what they thought of Graham’s choices:

John Witvliet, director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and professor of worship, theology, and congregational and ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary:

Each of these songs echoes central themes in Graham’s ministry: All glory be to Jesus, whose death and resurrection set us free from sin. There is also a steady focus here on life with Jesus in heaven, a hallmark of evangelical piety, a strong emphasis on one’s own individual and personal affirmation of faith, and a warmth of affection.

[xkaydet65]

Shall We Gather at the River.

[freedumb2003]

Before I opine let me see how this thread breaks.

[raiderboy]

I propose a national holiday for the REV. Billy Graham . We have one for the REV “ martin luther” king!! Let’s abolish “presidents” day ( which stands for nothing) and replace it with the greatest religious leader in our national history. ( no one else is even close)

[Da Coyote]

I love Amazing Grace.
I did a pipe organ/bagpipe duet of this years ago.
The audience loved it, as did I and the bagpipe artist.
Good stuff.

[Telepathic Intruder]

Billy Graham was listening to far more heavenly music that we can produce here on earth.

[cyclotic]

I don’t know two of the songs, but the other four I know well. Excellent choices.

Ever the evangelist.

[AnalogReigns]

The bag-piper at the end was ultimate class! Loved it, and I think was reflective of Graham’s Presbyterian roots.

[rjsimmon]

Great list! I would have added Hotel California.

[Midwesterner53]

How Great You Were Mr Graham!

[Midwesterner53]

* Is listening.....

[T-Bird45]

I’ve sung 5 out of the 6 in congregational and choir settings. I was glad to see that two were done as congregational songs. I cannot think of anything more stirring than the pipes playing “Amazing Grace” as the recessional escort. The music selection left no doubt about Billy Graham’s faith in life and in death.

[Kartographer]

Jesus I Come

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Af0DqZrSw

When the River Meets the Sea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2Qm2uPJx-8

How Great Thou Art

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaDSaq2J6Cs

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6Mtpk4jeVA

[Huskrrrr]

Too bad long-time friend Bev Shea is no longer around to sing those songs.

[longfellowsmuse]

and then... We will build a city of God

[CrazyIvan]

“Great list! I would have added Hotel California.”

LOL! I’m having “Deacon Blues” performed at mine. I doubt Rev. Graham considered that one either.

[haircutter]

BECAUSE HE LIVES, I CAN FACE TOMORROW...

enough said...(love that song)

[GOP Poet]

Bookmark

[Chickensoup]

Me,

Amazing Grace
When I come to die, give me Jesus.
Lord of the Dance
Michael Row The Boat Ashore
Morning has broken

[GOP Poet]

Beautiful and powerful. Wish I could have heard and seen it. :D I’m also a musician (also songwriter and singer.) To me. It’s the most powerful song. Thank you for sharing this. God bless.