Royal wedding results in Karen Gibson & The Kingdom Choir hitting with "Stand By Me"

IN AN extraordinary set of events, Britain's long-established gospel choir, Karen Gibson & The Kingdom Choir (who released the album 'Smile, It's A Brand New Day' in 2004), have found themselves at number one in Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart (which blends sales, airplay and streaming data). The unexpected leap to American gospel stardom was as a result of the choir's performance of "Stand By Me" at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, watched by hundreds of millions of TV viewers worldwide. The choir's gospelisation of the old Ben E King soul song (originally based on the gospel composition "Stand By Me Father") made number seven in the iTunes singles chart with 'The Royal Wedding' album shooting up to number eight in the iTunes albums chart. The Kingdom Choir were guests on BBC Breakfast and Good Morning Britain, with their performance video amassing 2.7 million views. Said Gibson, who formed the choir in the '90s, "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. The Kingdom Choir is truly honoured to be invited to sing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms Markle, and very excited to be taking part in such a historic moment. It will be a moment that we will always treasure, and we'd like to take the opportunity to wish the couple all the very best for their coming union."