Francois the Funeral Singer Classically Trained Bass-Baritone Sings at Funerals

I'm pretty flexible. As long as there's a flat surface where I can position my equipment and a place for me to stand I can make it work. If you have a mic and a sound system that helps but if not I have a portable sound system.

I would need the address. It would be helpful to know if this is indoors or outdoors and if you have a functional sound system.

I can provide a lite, portable sound system. I do not have lighting equipment.

I can provide ambient music before, during, and after services - yes.

I sing over a backing track or I collaborate with a local accompanist. I do have an accompanist who works with me who can provide ambient music or play other pieces as long as they have the music beforehand.

I enjoyed performing at the OFC Theater in Brighton, NY. It was one of the first US productions of "The Prince of Egypt" and I was cast as High Priest Hotep. The actors who portrayed the other lead roles were Broadway actors. The show sold out its entire run and a critic specifically said something nice about my performance which I was grateful for.

I've been singing at Funerals as of late and I appreciate being able to spread healing in the form of music at such events. It's a time of grieving and music has the ability to inspire grief and resolution. I don't know if I'd use the word "favourite" but I do appreciate that my low Bass-Baritone voice is able to bring comfort to people as they process the loss of someone they love.

My first semester of undergrad I studied Music as a Vocal Performance major. When my piano teacher (the great Dr. Ina Grapenthin) heard me sing in voice class and she approached me privately and asked me if I would sing at her church. She told me she would pay me. That was in 2014 and I'd never been paid to sing before. That was when I went "Pro".

Growing up I was most influenced by Celine Dion. Whitney Houston. Everything about her energy and her voice. Then it was Luciano Pavarotti. Then it was Sarah Brightman. Ms. Patti LaBelle. Now I appreciate many different artists for different reasons. However, presently Ms. Dolly Parton is inspiring me to no end.

My favorite artist has to be "Little Richard". His audacity at a time when it was not convenient or popular blows my mind.

The greatest song of all time. As a songwriter myself this is a difficult question. When I think about world history and the impact of America's history in particular I would have to say the greatest song of all time is "Amazing Grace". To know that a slave trader used an African melody and, turning away from the slave trade, wrote his remorse topline style into a West African melody... there are insufficient words to describe this kind of power...or that song.

I typically arrive one hour early. I like to set up and perform a sound test with sufficient time to correct any last minute challenges.

I'm happy to perform outside. Would just need a cover for the sound system unless one is being provided.

Absolutely. Many clients come with favorite songs often times selected before hand by the deceased. I am happy to learn the songs ahead of time if I don't already know them.

After funerals and church performances I've had many come up to me in tears and they have thanked me profusely. I hug them if they allow me to do so and thank them for having me. A couple people make comments like "I'll see you on TV one day". I thank them for their positive thoughts. I'm just happy to still have the will and the heart to sing.