Aled Jones: The Voice of Welsh Classical Crossover

Aled Jones is a Welsh singer and broadcaster whose career spans over four decades, from child chorister to established television and radio presenter. His 1985 recording of "Walking in the Air" from The Snowman became a perennial Christmas classic, propelling his debut album to multi-platinum status and cementing his place in UK music history.

Early career

Born in 1970 in Llandegfan, Anglesey, Aled Jones began singing as a chorister at Bangor Cathedral. His exceptional treble voice was soon recognized, leading to his enrollment as a boarding chorister at London's prestigious St Paul's Cathedral in 1980. His first major recording opportunity came with the release of the single "Walking in the Air" in 1985, which was initially a minor hit but laid the groundwork for an astonishing commercial breakthrough.

Breakthrough

The true explosion of Aled Jones's fame occurred in 1986 with the re-release of "Walking in the Air" and his debut album, Aled. The album, released on the BBC's label, spent an incredible 92 weeks on the UK Albums Chart, eventually achieving quadruple platinum certification for sales exceeding 1.2 million copies. This made Jones the first treble to achieve a platinum album and established him as a household name across Britain.

Key tracks

Walking in the Air — This signature song from the animated film The Snowman is the recording that defines his early career and remains a seasonal staple.

Pie Jesu — His rendition of the Andrew Lloyd Webber composition showcased the purity and technical skill of his treble voice on a major contemporary classical piece.

We Are Sailing — A popular cover that highlighted his ability to connect with mainstream audiences beyond the classical crossover genre.

The Lord's My Shepherd — A traditional hymn recording that exemplified the sacred music roots of his choral background.

You Raise Me Up — A later recording as an adult baritone, demonstrating the successful evolution and enduring power of his voice.

Following his time as a treble, Jones's voice broke, leading him to focus on education and later a return to performing as a baritone. He rebuilt his career in the 2000s, not only as a recording artist for labels like Universal and UCJ but also as a familiar face and voice on BBC television and radio programs such as Songs of Praise and Daybreak. His adult albums, including Reason to Believe and One Voice, have consistently charted, and he has collaborated with artists like Russell Watson and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Listeners who appreciate the serene and powerful delivery of Aled Jones may also enjoy the music of Katherine Jenkins, another Welsh classical crossover star with massive chart success. The choral foundation and popular appeal can be heard in the work of The Choirboys, a group known for their treble-led classical pop recordings. For a more contemporary operatic style, explore Andrea Bocelli, the Italian tenor who dominates the genre globally. The sacred and classical repertoire also connects him to the timeless recordings of The King's Singers, the acclaimed British a cappella ensemble.

His catalog remains a fixture on radio stations specializing in classical music, easy listening formats, and especially seasonal programming, where his definitive version of "Walking in the Air" is guaranteed airplay every Christmas.

The music of Aled Jones, from his historic treble recordings to his mature baritone work, can be heard on the family of radio stations featured here. Listeners can discover his timeless sound by tuning into the classical and easy listening stations available on onairium.com.