Caroline Redman Lusher
Caroline Redman Lusher (born Caroline Anne Lusher, 17 April 1974) is an English singer and musician, best known for being the founder and director of Rock Choir, the world's largest amateur contemporary choir.[1] She is considered to be "responsible for the contemporary choir movement in the UK", and "the businesswoman behind one of Britain's biggest brands".[2] She has also enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist, performing on the Together album by vocal group Blake and several albums by The Soldiers, including Coming Home, which reached double platinum status.
Caroline Redman Lusher | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Caroline Anne Lusher |
| Born | 17 April 1974 |
| Origin | Birmingham, United Kingdom |
| Genres | Pop, pop rock, rock, soul, gospel, Motown |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, founder and director of Rock Choir, entrepreneur |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, violin |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Associated acts | Rock Choir |
| Website | www.carolineredmanlusher.com |
Redman Lusher has gained four gold and platinum certified sales awards from the British Phonographic Industry. On 17 October 2012 Redman Lusher received the prestigious Gold Badge Award for her "special contribution to Britain's music industry",[3][4] from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) in association with the Performing Right Society (PRS).[5]
Education and early career
Redman Lusher was a pupil at Saint Martins Independent Day School for Girls, Solihull from 1985 – 1992, winning the Christine Tucker Music Scholarship at the age of 11. In honour of her success, St. Martins named a new Year 7 Scholarship after her in 2012, the Caroline Redman Lusher Scholarship for the Performing Arts. It will be awarded for the first time in 2013. Redman Lusher went on to Salford University, where she gained a degree in popular music and recording.[6] Redman Lusher started performing professionally at the age of 15. She worked in London's West End as a singer, entertaining VIPs and celebrities in venues such as The Dorchester, Hyde Park and Lanesborough hotels. She also qualified as an A-level teacher in Performing Arts and Music.[7]
In 2001 Redman Lusher was teaching A-level music and performing arts at the Sixth Form College, Farnborough, Hampshire, when she devised the concept of Rock Choir.[7]
Rock Choir
Redman Lusher launched Rock Choir in 2005. Beginning with 70 members, it currently has more than 25,000 members across the UK.[8] Redman Lusher is widely considered to be the pioneer of the "no audition, no need to read music" amateur contemporary choir movement. An article in the Sunday Times Culture Magazine in 2009 called her "the key to the choir's success".[9]
"Others have attempted a similar formula, but none have turned an amateur group singing pop songs into a brand this powerful. She stands out for her rigorous classical training (Grade 8 piano and violin by 15; a degree in popular music from Salford; a thesis on Annie Lennox's songwriting style) and her insistence on a slick, professionally run outfit. Rock Choir works with a variety of people, from rights lawyers to web technicians to sound engineers. The selection and harmonising of the music – sometimes up to seven-part harmony, no mean feat – is done by Lusher herself."[9]
Awards and nominations
Gold Badge Award
Caroline Redman Lusher was honoured with a Gold Badge Award by the British Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) in association with the Performing Rights Society (PRS). This prestigious music industry award was given to Caroline in recognition of her exceptional contribution to British music. Only a handful of people receive it each year.
Guild of Entrepreneurs
Redman Lusher was invited to become one of the 100 founding members of the Guild of Entrepreneurs promoting excellence in the profession of Entrepreneurship.
Freedom of the City of London
Caroline was awarded the Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony at the Guildhall, London. The Freedom of the City of London is an honour bestowed by a municipality upon a valued member of the community. It is handed to a person who has achieved success in their chosen field and is recognition of the highest level of excellence and trust in the goods and services they provide.
Power 100
Caroline Redman Lusher was celebrated in the Power 100 of Inspiring Entrepreneurs. The Smith & Williamson Power 100 identifies those who use their experience or expertise to provide vital support to help inspire and professionalise the UK’s up-and-coming businesses. Without these types of individuals, many brands that are household names today would simply not exist – they are critical to the wellbeing of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 2016 saw names like Richard Branson, Baroness Karren Brady CBE and Baroness Martha Lane-Fox recognised for their contribution to championing the entrepreneurial cause
Honorary Doctor of Letters
In July 2017 Caroline Redman Lusher received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the London College of Music in association with The University of West London. This prestigious award is to honour Caroline for her magnanimous contribution to music education and for the innovation of Rock Choir which has inspired the nation’s communities to sing and perform. Caroline became an honorary doctor of the university on 25 July 2017 at Wembley Stadium along with 350 music graduates at their annual ceremony. It is usual that after graduation Caroline will now be invited to be a ‘Visiting Professor’ which will include masterclass teaching at London College of Music.
An honorary Doctor of Letters recognises Caroline’s outstanding achievements which will have had a long-term and significant impact on the country. She stands out at a national level as an example to others. Other community choirs inspired by Rock Choir will recognise Caroline’s contribution as inspirational and significant requiring unending commitment over a long period of time.
After Caroline created Rock Choir in 2005, it has become a British success story and remains the trail-blazer at the forefront of contemporary community singing. It was the first of its kind, inspiring individuals and communities to join together and sing contemporary songs without the need for audition or to read music. Whilst others tried to replicate its success, Caroline’s reputation dramatically grew, attracting thousands of individuals to join Rock Choir to take part in its unique and exciting experience.
Guest speaker and team-building workshops
Redman Lusher is a popular speaker at corporate events, educational workshops and business conferences, for organisations such as British Telecom, the WI, the Welsh Women Mean Business Awards, the Yorkshire Countrywomen's Association, and the Red Ribbon Awards. She has also incorporated music and song into team-building workshops run for companies including Virgin Money, Procter & Gamble and Santander.[7]
Philanthropy
Redman Lusher supports numerous local and national charities both personally and through Rock Choir. In 2012 Rock Choir helped raise over £1 million for charity[10] through its performances and social events. Redman Lusher has helped raise the profile of Rock Choir's two official charities, Missing People and Refuge, and agreed that Rock Choir should become official community sponsors of Missing People, regularly raising money through events and supporting the charity behind the scenes.
In February 2013, Sir Trevor McDonald announced Redman Lusher's appointment as an ambassador for Missing People. Sir Trevor made the announcement at the charity's offices in Mortlake as he formally accepted a cheque from Redman Lusher for £17,000, which was raised by Rock Choir's 16,000 members via fundraising events in their communities. Over the past two years, Rock Choir has raised over £50,000 to help the charity offer a lifeline to families when someone disappears.[11]
"As Patron of the charity Missing People, I am truly delighted to welcome Caroline Redman Lusher as Ambassador of the charity. If your child went missing wouldn't you want the world to stop and look for them? Thanks to Caroline, Rock Choir communities across the UK have already raised significant funds and awareness to aid the search. I know that she will be a truly formidable force as the charity seeks to bring more missing children and vulnerable adults to safety." – Sir Trevor McDonald[11]
Redman Lusher is also a patron of the charity W4W (Words for Wounded) alongside Louis de Bernières and Julian Fellowes. W4W supports the rehabilitation of wounded servicemen and women.[12]
Music career
Redman Lusher gained a 2:1 BA Honours degree in Popular Music and Recording from Salford University, and has grade eight certificates in both violin and piano from the Royal School of Music.[2] She has described a major early influence as Annie Lennox – Redman Lusher based her university dissertation on Lennox's composition skills. Other early influences include Tina Turner, ELO, and Aretha Franklin.[13]
Rock Choir Vol. 1
Redman Lusher composed the vocal arrangements and sang lead vocals on the first Rock Choir album, Rock Choir Vol. 1, released in 2010 by Universal/Decca Records. It reached number 18 in the UK album charts.
Rock Choir Deluxe
Rock Choir's second album, Rock Choir Deluxe, also featured song arrangements and lead vocals by Redman Lusher. It was released digitally to coincide with the airing of the three-part ITV1 documentary The Choir That Rocks. It reached number 17 in the UK digital downloads chart.
Perfect Day (album) (Various Artists)
This double album compilation featured Redman Lusher singing lead vocals on the Labi Siffre track (Something Inside) So Strong.
The Soldiers (album) The Soldiers 2012
Redman Lusher featured in a duet with Sergeant Gary Chiltern on the track Songbird by Fleetwood Mac.
Message to You (album) The Soldiers 2011
This album reached gold status, selling over 100,000 copies. It featured Redman Lusher in a duet with Corporal Ryan Idzi performing Wherever I Lay My Hat.
Best Of (album) The Soldiers 2011
Redman Lusher featured in Against All Odds.
Love Songs (album) The Soldiers 2010
This album reached double platinum status and raised nearly £90,000 for the charity Help For Heroes. It featured Redman Lusher in the duet Against All Odds.
Unsung Hero (single) Blake 2009
Redman Lusher featured on the track, which was released as a single from the popular album Together.
Together (album) Blake 2009
Redman Lusher featured on the track Unsung Hero.
Coming Home (album) The Soldiers 2009
One of the biggest selling albums of 2009, reaching sales of over 600,000 and achieving double platinum status. Redman Lusher featured again in Against All Odds.
Discography
- Rock Choir Vol. 1 Rock Choir (2010)
- Perfect Day Various Artists (2010) 'Something Inside So Strong'
- Rock Choir Deluxe Rock Choir (2011)
- The Soldiers The Soldiers (2012) 'Songbird'
- Message To You The Soldiers (2011) 'Wherever I Lay My Hat'
- Best Of The Soldiers (2011) 'Against All Odds'
- Love Songs The Soldiers (2010) 'Against All Odds'
- Together Blake (2009) 'Unsung Hero'
- Unsung Hero Blake (2009) 'Unsung Hero'
- Coming Home The Soldiers (2009) 'Against All Odds'
Personal life
On 2 August 2008 Redman Lusher married pilot Stuart Redman, who is a pilot. They live in Farnham, Surrey.[5]
Redman Lusher's father (a.k.a Captain Rock Choir) is former British Airways Chief Pilot[14] Dave Lusher, who is now Rock Choir's company secretary. Her sister Liz Lusher is also British Airways cabin crew.[2]
In 2011 Redman Lusher starred in the three-part ITV1 documentary The Choir that Rocks, which followed her and her team as they prepared for a mass performance by more than 8,000 Rock Choir members at Wembley Arena on 15 May 2011. After the first episode, 23,000 people logged onto their website, crashing the Rock Choir server, and 8,000 people emailed with membership enquiries.[2]
References
- Rock Choir Raises Thousands of Pounds to Support the Search for the Missing. Missing People official website. Accessed 27 July 2013
- Walshe, B. Caroline Redman Lusher – Rock Star. Coutts Woman. Accessed 23 May 2013.
- Welcome to the Gold Badge Awards Archived 19 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Gold Badge Awards official website. Accessed 4 December 2012.
- The Gold Badge Awards Archived 31 December 2012 at the Wayback Machine Gold Badge Awards official website. Accessed 4 December 2012.
- Unk. Interview: Caroline Redman Lusher Archived 29 January 2013 at the Wayback Machine. M Magazine. 2 November 2012. Accessed 10 June 2013.
- Carwithen, J. St Martin's School Newsletter. October 2012. Accessed 10 June 2013.
- Pitts, B. Caroline Redman Lusher on Founding the World's Largest Contemporary Choir Archived 13 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine. The Next Women Business Magazine. Accessed 13 June 2013.
- Rock Choir Archived 29 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Refuge official website. Accessed 5 June 2013.
- Boase, T. Singing is Believing. The Sunday Times Culture Magazine, 22 March 2009. Accessed 15 May 2013.
- Unk. Redditch and Bromsgrove Singers Enjoy Rock Choir Live. Worcester News. 4 July 2013. Accessed 29 July 2013.
- Appointment. Missing People official website. Accessed 10 June 2013.
- About Us. Words for Wounded official website. Accessed 10 June 2013.
- Critcher, P. For Those About To Rock Archived 14 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Be Happy Magazine. March 2012. Accessed 15 June 2013.
- Learmount, D.Beyond the Basics. Flight International Magazine. 7 February 1996. Accessed 12 June 2013.