Apple Music’s latest signing really is a King
In a curious little story, Apple has signed up a brand new music curator who really can be seen as a King, at least in the UK: His Majesty King Charles III.
In a right Royal scoop, Apple Music has announced The King’s Music Room, a celebration of music from across the Commonwealth chosen by the reigning monarch. You’ll be able to wrap your ears around these tunes on Apple Music 1 at 6am GMT on Match 10 – which marks Commonwealth Day.
The King’s playlist
Recorded at Buckingham Palace in His Majesty’s office, The King’s Music Room offers an exclusive insight into His Majesty King Charles III’s relationship with music from around the Commonwealth — including artists stretching from 1930s crooners to Afrobeats stars, as well as disco divas and reggae icons. He also shares stories about his encounters with some of the featured artists and explains why the songs help form the soundtrack to his life.
“Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me,” the King said. “I know that is also the case for so many others. 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.”
His tastes are pretty wide, from Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, and Grace Jones, alongside contemporary talent such as Davido and RAYE.
“You can see His Majesty’s wide-ranging enthusiasm for music in this playlist to mark Commonwealth Day,” said Errollyn Wallen, CBE, Master of The King’s Music Room. “The Commonwealth has produced more than its fair share of wonderful songs, singers, and musicians, and this fun and eclectic collection is a great reminder of this treasure trove of creativity.”
What Apple said
“Human curation has always been a key pillar of our unique editorial approach,” said Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s global head of Content and Editorial. “Apple Music Radio is where culture is happening worldwide, and we are honoured that King Charles III chose to share his personal playlist with us, and with music fans around the world.”
Listen to The King’s Music Room premiere on Apple Music 1 on Monday, March 10, at 6 a.m. GMT, for free. Or enjoy anytime on demand with an Apple Music subscription. There will also be additional radio broadcasts available, for free, on Apple Music 1 and Apple Music Hits throughout Monday and Tuesday.
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