Aled Jones: A Journey Through Music and Memories
Aled Jones, a name synonymous with musical brilliance, first captured the hearts of audiences at just 15 years old. His iconic recording of Howard Blake’s “Walking in the Air” propelled him to the top of the UK singles chart, reaching number five in 1985. This song, from the beloved Christmas cartoon The Snowman, marked the beginning of a remarkable career that has spanned decades.
Before his voice broke, Jones had already recorded 16 albums as a boy soprano, showcasing his incredible talent from an early age. Today, he has released over 40 albums, including duets with his younger self, affectionately known as “Little Aled.” As he prepares for what may be his ninth tour of Australia, Jones reflects on his journey and shares some of his most memorable experiences with ABC Classic Breakfast presenter Megan Burslem.
Why Australia?
Australia holds a special place in Jones’ heart. He has visited the country about 11 times, with this being his ninth tour. “I love the country massively; I would live there if I could,” he says. What draws him to Australia is the way people embrace their work, life, and fun. He also admires the strong support for the arts and the warmth of the audience.
“I’m blown away that I can travel to the other side of the world and people appreciate my music,” he adds.
Jones also emphasizes the importance of connecting with regional towns. He recalls a touching moment during a performance at the Sydney Opera House when a 90-year-old woman traveled seven hours to see him. Inspired by her dedication, he made it a point to include regional cities in his tours. The last month-long regional tour was one of the best experiences of his career, allowing him to explore places he wouldn’t normally visit.
Encountering His Younger Self
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jones’ career is his collaboration with “Little Aled.” “It was weird, but also wonderful,” he admits. In the studio, they created a distinction between Little Aled and Big Aled. When listening to Little Aled’s recordings, Jones realizes how free and joyful the performances were. He tries to carry that same spirit into his adult performances, reminding himself that it’s the heart behind the music that truly matters.
The Story Behind “Walking in the Air”
The story behind “Walking in the Air” is both surprising and endearing. Jones was asked to record a 30-second ad for Toys R Us in London. The song was linked to the magical cartoon The Snowman. However, coming from Wales, he had never seen the cartoon and only learned the first 30 seconds of the song.
During the session, the producer encouraged him to record the entire song. With little knowledge of the lyrics, the producer taught him line by line, and Jones repeated them. That’s how the song was recorded, and now, four generations have sung it, making it a real earworm.
Working with Leonard Bernstein
Meeting legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein was a dream come true for Jones. “He put me in a headlock and said, ‘Kid, I’ve been wanting to work with you for years,'” he recalls. Bernstein took him for a masterclass with the London Symphony Chorus, explaining that Jones would help bring the Chichester Psalms to life. The experience was nothing short of amazing.
The Evolution of Classical Music
Jones reflects on how classical music for young people has evolved. “I think what’s changed is that people now just appreciate good music,” he says. When he was a child, classical and popular music were seen as separate worlds. Now, he sees his children enjoying a mix of genres, from Eminem to Rachmaninov, which he finds wonderful.
Upcoming Tour
Aled Jones is set to tour Australia in April and May 2026, with stops in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, and various regional cities. Fans can look forward to a celebration of music, memories, and the enduring magic of his performances.
