London News: King Charles III has unveiled a personal playlist featuring songs that uplift his spirits and bring back cherished memories. Recorded at Buckingham Palace, “The King’s Music Room” offers a glimpse into his relationship with music, highlighting artistes from across the Commonwealth — from reggae legend Bob Marley to pop star Kylie Minogue and Afrobeats sensation Davido.
“So this is what I particularly wanted to share — songs which have brought me joy,” the King said in a video trailer released ahead of the launch of the playlist on Apple Music in March 10, commemorating the Commonwealth Day.
King Charles expressed his deep connection to music in his introductory remarks for the broadcast. “Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. I know that is also the case for so many others,” he said, adding: “It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places. But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits to such a degree, and all the more so when it brings us together in celebration. In other words, it brings us joy.”
What’s On The Playlist?
The The King’s Music Room playlist spans decades and genres, featuring everything from 1930s crooners to contemporary Afrobeats. Among the tracks are Grace Jones’ hits and British singer-songwriter Raye’s music, reflecting an evolving taste influenced by global travels and personal encounters.
Here is the full playlist:
- ‘Could You Be Loved’: Bob Marley & The Wailers
- ‘My Boy Lollipop’: Millie Small
- ‘The Loco-Motion’: Kylie Minogue
- ‘The Very Thought of You’: Al Bowlly
- ‘La Vie En Rose’: Grace Jones
- ‘Love Me Again’: Raye
- ‘Mpempem Do Me’: Daddy Lumba
- ‘Kante’ (ft. Fave): Davido
- ‘The Click Song’: Miriam Makeba
- ‘My Country Man’: Jools Holland & Ruby Turner
- ‘Indian Summer’: Anoushka Shankar
- ‘Anta Permana’: Siti Nurhaliza
- ‘E Te Iwi E (Call to the People)’: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
- ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’: Michael Buble
- ‘Hot Hot Hot’: Arrow
- ‘Crazy in Love’ (ft. Jay Z): Beyonce
- ‘Upside Down’: Diana Ross
King Charles And Bob Marley
The video trailer shared ahead of the launch of the broadcast featured the ‘Changing of the Guard’ band playing Bob Marley’s ‘Could You Be Loved’.
A longtime admirer of Bob Marley, the King has previously visited the reggae icon’s former home in Jamaica, now a museum, according to a BBC report. In a symbolic tribute, the Changing of the Guard band played Marley’s lyrics outside Buckingham Palace: “Don’t let them change ya, oh! Or even rearrange ya!” The King described the project as an “interesting and innovative way” to celebrate the Commonwealth through music, moving away from the traditional Westminster Abbey service attended by the Royal Family.
The King, who saw Raye perform at a Christmas market at Battersea Power Station, shared personal anecdotes about some of the featured artistes and explained how their music has shaped his life.