University of Wales, Royal Academy of Music, Cardiff University, Gowerton Comprehensive School
Nationality
British, Welsh
Spouse
Carol Barratt
Children
Jody Jenkins
Music Groups
Soft Machine, Adiemus, Nucleus, Centipede
Nominations
Classic Brit Award for Album of the Year, Classic Brit Award for Single of the Year, Classic Brit Award for Composer of the Year, Classic Brit Award for Contemporary Composer of the Year
Movies
River Queen, Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, The Bad Sister, Shadows
Star Sign
Aquarius
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Trademark
1
Welsh Composer
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Quote
1
[on his most famous work, 'Adiemus] It is written in a very particular lingo, made-up nonsense language that can speak to anyone. It's classical music mixed with world music. I am a musical tourist. For Adiemus, I took my influences from around the world and put them together. I think that's what I do in all my work.
2
[on occasionally facing criticism for his style of composition] I am not remotely bothered by it. Someone once said I write spiritual music for secular people, and it was meant to be an insult. But for me that's a compliment. I just want as many people to listen to what I compose as possible. I get letters from people every day telling me my music has helped them.
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Fact
1
He was awarded the Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to composing and crossing musical genres. He is a composer in London, England.
2
Llanrhidian, Swansea, Wales [June 2010]
3
He lives in Swansea, Wales. [January 2007]
4
He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to music.
5
His son, Jody Jenkins is also making a name as a composer.
6
He was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the order of the British Empire) in the 2005 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Music.
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
2016
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Zoolander 2
2016
writer: "Here I Come" - as Karl Jenkins
Creed
2015
writer: "The Fire"
Grudge Match
2013
writer: "Here I Come"
Battle of the Year
2013
writer: "Boom"
Step Up 3D
2010
writer: "Here I Come"
The Karate Kid
2010
writer: "Here I Come"
So You Think You Can Dance
2009
TV Series performer - 2 episodes
Dancing with the Stars
2008
TV Series music - 1 episode
Superbad
2007
writer: "Here I Come"
Stomp the Yard
2007
writer: "In the Music"
Dave Chappelle's Block Party
2005
Documentary writer: "Boom"
Dying to Dance
2001
TV Movie "Adiemus III [Dance of Time]"
The Hurricane
1999
writer: "The Hurricane"
Great Romances of the 20th Century: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
1997
TV Short documentary music: "Romanza" - uncredited
$900,000
