The Kingdom Choir is a British gospel choir based in London. It was founded by choir conductor and workshop leader Karen Gibson. 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. 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". Their performance of the song topped the U.S. Hot Gospel Songs chart. After the performance, the choir signed a record deal with Sony Music.
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".
The choir was selected to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the first game of the 2019 MLB London Series in June 2019.
In February 2023, they accompanied Marco Mengoni in his cover of "Let It Be", during the 73rd Sanremo Music Festival in Italy.
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.
In November 2023, a celebration concert, to mark 30 years of the choir and a new single entitled "Let It Rain", is held in the Queen Elizabeth Hall. "Let It Rain" is published and released by Luco Music Group.
Discography
Albums
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Stand by Me
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Singles
- 2018: "Stand by Me"
- 2023: "Not Giving Up"
References
- ^ Rosanna Philpott (4 June 2018). "Gospel choir leader says royal wedding song marked cultural shift". Reuters. Archived from the original on June 4, 2018. 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.
- ^ "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.
- John Music (2023-05-06). ALLELUIA - THE ASCENSION CHOIR | (FULL VIDEO) | THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III | LIVE | MAY 6TH. Retrieved 2024-07-20 – via YouTube.
- 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.