The following cross-post is written by Cait Miller and originally appeared on the In the Muse blog.
The following post is co-written with Musical Instruments Curator Carol Lynn Ward-Bamford.
![His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, visited the Library of Congress on June 29 [1960] as part of his official visit in the Nationa’s Capital. Pictured viewing the Thai musical instruments, which were a gift of His Majesty’s to the Library, are left to right: Harold Spivacke, Chief of the Library’s Music Division, His Majesty, Cecil Hobbs, Head of the South Asia Section, Library of Congress, and Librarian of Congress L. Quincy Mumford.](http://blogs.loc.gov/music/files/2016/10/King-of-Thailand-1024x817.jpg)
His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, visited the Library of Congress on June 29,1960 as part of his official visit in the Nationa’s Capital. Pictured viewing the Thai musical instruments, which were a gift of His Majesty’s to the Library, are left to right: Harold Spivacke, Chief of the Library’s Music Division, His Majesty, Cecil Hobbs, Head of the South Asia Section, Library of Congress, and Librarian of Congress L. Quincy Mumford.
Further enriching King Bhumibol’s generous gift made over half a century ago, the Music Division is also home to the Bhumibol Adulyadej (King of Thailand) Collection, consisting of his compositions (13 music manuscripts and 100 pieces of printed music), clippings, correspondence, and other miscellaneous documents. The collection had been assembled by Serge Rips, a friend of the King of Thailand. His Majesty’s original compositions are closely tied to traditional Thai musical influences; however, they simultaneously reflect his affinity for jazz and swing music. Specific jazz influences include Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden, and Lionel Hampton, with whom he participated in jam sessions.
October 16, 2016 at 1:56 pm
I would love to learn more about his musical compositions, and if possible hear them. Any suggestions?
Thank you,
Ellen
October 26, 2016 at 5:08 pm
My tears fell upon hearing the King’s Anthem at the Wat Thai, Los Angeles prayer gathering on October 15, 2016 for this great king. I came to know of him in 1968, as a young soldier stationed in Thailand, when before each movie the King’s Anthem was played. I later learned that this amazing monarch was born in my home state of Massachusetts. I have been involved in the Thai Community for over 30 years and will forever love this great “Father of his people”.
November 12, 2016 at 7:17 am
Ellen , key search H.M.Blue or King Bhumibol music on youtube
There are many of his music there.