King Bhumibol King of jazz
Whether jazz or otherwise, music is part of me. It is a part of everyone, an essential part of us all. To me, music is something fine and beautiful . I think we should all recognize the value of music in all its forms, since all types of music have their place and time, and respond to different kinds of emotions.
His Majesty The King Bhumibol Adulyadej in an interview broadcast on Voice of America,
National Broadcasting Station, June 21,1960.
1. His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand, is musically talented. He is one of the world's greatest musical artists.
2. The Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Vienna granted him an honorary member in 1964, and he was the first Asian member of academy.
3. Although his composition s of 48 songs consist of various musical genres , he prefers jazz music as he enjoys improvising during the exciting jazz beats.
4. His first composition was Candlelight Blues. However, Love at Sundown , his second composition, was the first royal song to be released to Thai public.
5. In 1952, His Majesty established a radio station at the Ambara Throne Hall. He and his band Au Sau Wan Suk played and broadcasted live music every friday evening.
6. He has played his saxophone with jazz legends like Benny Goodman,Stan Getz, Lionel Hampton and Benny Carter.
7. In 1956,he played with Benny Goodman Bangkok at the Ambara Throne Hall. During a state visit to the United States in 1960, His Majesty played at Goodman's home in New York City.
8."He is simply the coolest king in the land," An American jazz legend Lionel Hampton said about King Bhumibol in 1987.
9."I'm sure if he didn't have job he has now, he'd be successful as a bandleader,"Les Brown, the world's renowned jazz artist, said in 1996.