KAREN Gibson is a choir conductor and workshop leader with London’s The Kingdom Choir, who led the gospel performance of Stand By Me at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
She’s gearing up to take on the Celebrity MasterChef challenge, joining other famous faces in the kitchen to try and impress John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
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Who is gospel leader Karen?
Known as “Britain’s Godmother of Gospel”, award-winning conductor Karen founded The Kingdom Choir in London over 20 years ago, as a way to embrace her community and practice worship.
Karen has previously provided backing vocals for acts such as Grace Kennedy and The Beautiful South.
On The Kingdom Choir’s Facebook page, Karen explains what motivated her to set up the group.
She wrote: “I started The Kingdom Choir in response to a request from the BBC, who needed a choir for a special programme they were broadcasting.
“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.
“The choir continues to grow, with its driving force being worship in the context of family and community.”
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Who are The Kingdom Choir and what did they perform?
The choir is described as “a unique group of dedicated men and women, who blend Choral discipline with the raw Gospel spiritual sound – drawn from an inner experience”.
Karen founded the group, which also features the voice of her sister Kimmie.
In 2000 they won BBC Radio 2 Minstrels In The Gallery annual competition.
And in 2002 they were nominated for best UK Choir at the Oasis Awards.
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They have performed on TV, for adverts, corporate launches and at venues including Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, St Martins in the Field and the Millennium Dome, now the O2.
Karen received a phone call from one of Prince Charles‘ staff when she was on a bus in London, asking her if the choir would sing at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
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There had been rumours that Ed Sheeran and the Spice Girls would perform, but they didn’t.
Instead we were graced with some incredible gospel singing talents from The Kingdom Choir.
The group went on to perform an original song, The Lullaby, for the couple’s firstborn, Archie.
Karen said she hoped the song would bring the parents joy.
Kensington Palace said: “The Kingdom Choir is a Christian gospel group based in the South-East of England.
“The Choir is made up of a group of British artists dedicated to creating a sound that demonstrates the community they share, and has been performing both nationally and internationally for over 20 years.”
At the Royal Wedding the choir performed the classic Stand By Me.
The choir released their first album Stand By Me in 2018 which peaked at No17 in the UK album charts.
