Aled Jones' Story: Meeting Leonard Bernstein and Singing 'Walking in the Air'

Classical music topic

Aled Jones made over 40 albums, with 16 when he was a kid.

At 15, Aled Jones became famous after his song 'Walking in the Air' was a hit.

It reached number five.

But 'Walking in the Air' wasn't his first recording.

Aled recorded 16 albums as a kid before his voice changed.

He has made over 40 albums, including some with his younger self.

Aled is touring Australia and sharing stories, like meeting Leonard Bernstein.

What brings you to Australia?

I think this is my ninth tour, but I've been here 11 times.

I love Australia and would live here if I could.

I love how Australians enjoy life and support the arts.

I'm amazed people on the other side of the world like my music.

Why tour small towns?

Many artists start in big cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

An old lady traveled seven hours to see me, so I said I'd visit her next time.

Aled shares a playlist from 1987, his favorite music year.

My last regional tour was the best time I've had in Australia.

It was great to see new places.

Once, a bishop blessed us to avoid hitting kangaroos.

What was it like meeting your younger self?

It was weird but wonderful.

In the studio, we kept 'Little Aled' and 'Big Aled' separate.

Little Aled's singing is free and easy.

I try to have that freedom in my adult performances.

Little Aled reminds me it's about the heart, not just hitting the right notes.

How did you record 'Walking in the Air'?

I recorded it for a Toys R Us ad.

I didn't know the song or the cartoon 'The Snowman'.

I only learned the first 30 seconds of the song.

The producer taught me the song line by line.

That's how I recorded 'Walking in the Air'.

Now, four generations sing it.

What was it like working with Leonard Bernstein?

It was a dream come true.

Bernstein put me in a headlock and said he wanted to work with me.

He took me to a masterclass with the London Symphony Chorus.

It was amazing.

How has classical music for kids changed?

People now appreciate all kinds of good music.

When I was a kid, you liked either classical or popular music.

Record stores had separate floors for different types of music.

The classical floor was sterile and uninviting.

Now, kids listen to all kinds of music.

I think that's great.

This interview was edited for clarity.

Aled Jones is touring Australia in April and May.

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Aled Jones' Story: Meeting Leonard Bernstein and Singing 'Walking in the Air'

Classical music topic

Aled Jones made over 40 albums, with 16 when he was a kid.

At 15, Aled Jones became famous after his song 'Walking in the Air' was a hit.

It reached number five.

But 'Walking in the Air' wasn't his first recording.

Aled recorded 16 albums as a kid before his voice changed.

He has made over 40 albums, including some with his younger self.

Aled is touring Australia and sharing stories, like meeting Leonard Bernstein.

What brings you to Australia?

I think this is my ninth tour, but I've been here 11 times.

I love Australia and would live here if I could.

I love how Australians enjoy life and support the arts.

I'm amazed people on the other side of the world like my music.

Why tour small towns?

Many artists start in big cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

An old lady traveled seven hours to see me, so I said I'd visit her next time.

Aled shares a playlist from 1987, his favorite music year.

My last regional tour was the best time I've had in Australia.

It was great to see new places.

Once, a bishop blessed us to avoid hitting kangaroos.

What was it like meeting your younger self?

It was weird but wonderful.

In the studio, we kept 'Little Aled' and 'Big Aled' separate.

Little Aled's singing is free and easy.

I try to have that freedom in my adult performances.

Little Aled reminds me it's about the heart, not just hitting the right notes.

How did you record 'Walking in the Air'?

I recorded it for a Toys R Us ad.

I didn't know the song or the cartoon 'The Snowman'.

I only learned the first 30 seconds of the song.

The producer taught me the song line by line.

That's how I recorded 'Walking in the Air'.

Now, four generations sing it.

What was it like working with Leonard Bernstein?

It was a dream come true.

Bernstein put me in a headlock and said he wanted to work with me.

He took me to a masterclass with the London Symphony Chorus.

It was amazing.

How has classical music for kids changed?

People now appreciate all kinds of good music.

When I was a kid, you liked either classical or popular music.

Record stores had separate floors for different types of music.

The classical floor was sterile and uninviting.

Now, kids listen to all kinds of music.

I think that's great.

This interview was edited for clarity.

Aled Jones is touring Australia in April and May.

Get classical music news in your inbox

Promotion

Top stories

War topic

Government topic

Travel topic

Live news

Top stories

War topic

Government topic

Travel topic

Live news

Just in

War topic

Travel topic

Immigration topic

Soccer topic