Performance, *Stand By Me* By The Kingdom Choir, Royal Wedding Song

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Meghan and Harry chose as their wedding song the 1961 blues ballad originally performed by Ben E. King that first rose to popularity during the Civil Rights movement. Here performed by the British gospel group, the Kingdom Choir, Karen Gibson conductor and founder.
Marriage of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle, St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. *The Video photography of St. George's Chapel is stunning, and the performance will move you, so maybe find a tissue!



TIME, "The Significance of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Wedding Song 'Stand By Me,'" May 19, 2018

After months of anticipation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially tied the knot in front of around 600 guests at St. George’s Chapel on Saturday. During the ceremony, The Kingdom Choir performed a rendition of “Stand By Me.”
The hit 1961 blues ballad wasn’t the only song performed at the wedding, but The Kingdom Choir’s “Stand By Me” performance was probably the most significant. Originally performed by American singer-songwriter Ben E. King, and written by King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller, the chart-topping track has been covered by more than 400 artists, ranging from Otis Redding to John Lennon to Tracy Chapman. In fact, according to the music licensing company BMI, it was the fourth most widely recorded song of the 20th century.

In 2015, just one month before King’s death, “Stand By Me” was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” enough to be inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. “I think this is one of the greatest moments of my life,” King told CBS News at the time. A song about enduring love, “Stand By Me” is, of course, a popular wedding tune. But for many, its lyrics also pack a deep political message. When “Stand By Me” first rose to popularity during the civil rights movement, it was used as a rallying cry for solidarity amongst people of color. Markle, whose mother is black and father is white, may not be the first biracial royal. However, according to Anna Whitelock, a royal expert and director of the London Centre for Public History and Heritage, Markle’s marriage to Prince Harry represents a more inclusive royal family...MORE: http://time.com/5282658/royal-wedding-stand-by-me-meaning/



~ The Kingdom Choir from South East England & Karen Gibson, founder and director.

"Royal Wedding Gospel Choir Facts, Karen Gibson," Essence Magazine
More: https://www.essence.com/news/royal-wedding-gospel-choir-kingdom-choir-facts-karen-gibson

[MustLoveBeagles]

1. They were wonderful

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2. Yes they are, what perfection and very moving rendition. :)

[MustLoveBeagles]

6. It the best

cover of the song I've ever heard.

[keithbvadu2]

3. Great performance

Wonder if Prince Charles looked down at his feet during this song.

[KT2000]

4. they sure are good -

too bad it is not appropriate to clap at church services.

[appalachiablue]

10. True, a moving performance that deserved much applause/appreciation.

What a talented and polished musical group with so much spirit and well directed by Karen Gibson.

The uplifting song was a beautiful and significant addition to the occasion, I'm sure many guests appreciated it.

The choir is based in England, and US music is known internationally for decades. Maybe not in a formal church setting, but many of the guests must be familiar with music legends in gospel, soul, jazz, pop and more from hearing artists like Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson.

[a kennedy]

5. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, them.......

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7. Good, they are wonderful.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

8. That was beautiful

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13. Superb, the Kingdom Choir added dignity and grace to the event.

[Raine]

9. It was BEAUTIFUL!

[question everything]

11. Beautiful! I've heard that this is the best rendition

And I love the conductor

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12. Kick for this amazing choir and performance!