The musical performances were one of the big highlights of the Royal Wedding on Saturday. And the gospel choir that performed in the middle and at the conclusion of the ceremony also did not fail to impress!
The Kingdom Choir, hailing from South East England, sang Ben E. King’s classic song “Stand by Me” and a rousing rendition of this “This Little Light Of Mine.”
“We are extremely excited to be taking part in such a historic moment and know that it is one that we will always treasure,” the choir said in a statement. “We’d like to take this opportunity to wish the couple all the very best for their coming union and thank them once again for their kind invitation.”
Here are five things to know about them:
1. The Choir Founder And Director Is Karen Gibson
The majority Black choir of 20 singers is led by founder and director Karen Gibson. According to Gibson’s Youtube channel, she has been “involved with vocal groups and choirs for over 25 years, conducting gospel workshops all over the UK and Europe as well as Nigeria, Japan, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and the USA. She has been instrumental in drawing together and conducting some of the most prestigious large-scale choirs for a variety of gospel and civic performances.”
2. The Choir Was Created Because Of A BBC Request
Gibson says that she put the choir together after the BBC asked her for help. “I started The Kingdom Choir in response to a request from the BBC, who needed a choir for a special program they were broadcasting,” she said on the choir’s Facebook page. “I now know that this was not a random incident or by accident, but the beginning of something that has blossomed in purpose and passion.”
3. This Is Not The Choir’s First Royal Family Performance
According to ABC News, the Kingdom Choir has performed for British royalty before. They performed at the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, celebrating her 50 years on the throne, in 2002. That same year, they were nominated for best UK Choir at the Oasis Awards. A live recording of their performance at the Royal Wedding will eventually go on sale May 25. The choir also performed for other notables, including former President Bill Clinton, Bishop Desmond Tutu and the late Nelson Mandela.
4. They Are An Award-Winning Choir
Gibson and the Kingdom Choir have won the Gem Awards for best Gospel Choir and Best Gospel Album in 2004 and 2005 respectively, as well as BBC Choir of the Year in 2011 for the SINGIT Gospel Choir.
5. Their Website Crashed
The website for the choir crashed soon after their Royal Wedding performance due to the number of people who tried to access it.
We can’t wait to hear more of their music!