The Kingdom Choir is a British gospel choir based in London. It was founded by choir conductor and workshop leader Karen Gibson.[1][2] After performing for more than 20 years, the choir became world-famous after being invited to perform at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.[1][3] On 19 May 2018, they sang a gospel version of "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King. The conductor, Gibson, was described by the British press as "Britain's godmother of gospel".[4] Their performance of the song topped the U.S. Hot Gospel Songs chart.[5] After the performance, the choir signed a record deal with Sony Music.[5]
On 26 October 2018, the choir released its debut album, Stand by Me, subtitled 15 Songs of Love and Inspiration. It contains 14 cover performances and one original piece called "Chases".[6]
The choir was selected to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the first game of the 2019 MLB London Series in June 2019.[7]
In February 2023, they accompanied Marco Mengoni in his cover of "Let It Be", during the 73rd Sanremo Music Festival in Italy.[8]
In May 2023, a group comprising members of the Kingdom Choir performed (as the Ascension Choir) at the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla, where they sang the a capella work "Alleluia (O Sing Praises)" composed for the event by Debbie Wiseman.[9][10]
In November 2023, a celebration concert, to mark 30 years of the choir and a new single entitled 'Let it rain', is planned in the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Let It Rain is published and released by Luco Music Group.[11][12]
Discography edit
Albums edit
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Stand by Me
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Singles edit
- 2018: "Stand by Me"
- 2023: "Not Giving Up"[13]
References edit
- ^ a b Rosanna Philpott (4 June 2018). "Gospel choir leader says royal wedding song marked cultural shift". Reuters. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
- ^ "Karen Gibson". UK Choir Festival. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
- ^ "'Stand by Me' performed by Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir - The Royal Wedding - BBC". 19 May 2018.
- ^ Tapper, James (26 May 2018). "'It brings the spirit joy': Britain's godmother of gospel on why her choir stole the royal wedding". the Guardian. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
- ^ a b "Royal wedding gospel choir gets record deal". Reuters. 24 July 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
- ^ Rob Copsey (25 October 2018). ""One song changed everything for us": Karen Gibson on the Kingdom Choir's debut album Stand By Me". The Official Charts. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
- ^ "We will race you: Mercury an MLB UK mascot". ESPN. June 28, 2019. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
- ^ Gradi, Stefano (30 January 2023). "Sanremo 2023: le cover e i duetti della quarta serata". TV Sorrisi e Canzoni (in Italian). Retrieved 10 February 2023.
- ^ Graham, Debbie (2023). "What is the Ascension Choir, the gospel choir singing at the Coronation?". Classical Music. London: Our Media. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
- ^ Noah, Sherna (2023). "Sing Alleluia!". Radio Times. Vol. 397, no. 5153. London: Intermediate Media. pp. 26–27.
- ^ Thomas, Sade (November 2023). "The Kingdom Choir: Reflecting on 30 years". The Voice. p. 36.
- ^ Watts, David (23 November 2023). "Luco Music Group". LMG.
- ^ Campbell, Joel (March 2023). "What concerns you concerns God, says Karen Gibson". The Voice. p. 40. Retrieved 8 March 2023.