John Lewis launches charity single featuring award-winning music artist Laura Mvula

• New single by award-winning music artist Laura Mvula is a contemporary version of Paul Simon’s ‘I Know What I Know’
• Single released following the positive reception of the chorus in the new John Lewis’ ‘Live Knowingly' advert, part of the newly relaunched Never Knowingly Undersold brand promise
• Proceeds will support the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme

Critically acclaimed music artist Laura Mvula has released a contemporary rendition of Paul Simon’s ‘I Know What I Know’ as a charity single for John Lewis’ ‘Live Knowingly' campaign today, Friday 4 October. 

The single follows the enthusiastic reception of Laura’s chorus in John Lewis’ most recent advert ‘The Window’ for the latest ‘Live Knowingly’ advertising campaign.

John Lewis has reimagined its 100-year-old brand promise to be Never Knowingly Undersold on quality, service and price. This was supported with a campaign about what it means to Live Knowingly, the wisdoms we have gathered along the way.

Laura Mvula says: "I'm thrilled to be involved in this campaign. Being able to contribute to such a meaningful initiative through music is truly special.” 

John Lewis is donating its profits from the single to the Building Happier Futures programme, which is part of the John Lewis Partnership Foundation.

All donations will contribute to building supportive communities for care-experienced people to thrive in, through providing both employability support, unlocking the potential of a talented community and helping families and carers create happy and secure homes.

Commenting on the release of the charity single, Rosie Hanley, Director of Brand for John Lewis, said: 

"Laura Mvula's charity single beautifully captures the confidence of our new Live Knowingly campaign. 

"John Lewis stands for quality, service and value - things which are as important today as they were 100 years ago. We’re really proud of both the campaign and music track - classics which have been reimagined for the modern age."

John Lewis’ new campaign launched on 19 September, celebrates John Lewis' 100-year promise of 'Never Knowingly Undersold,' emphasising the brand’s commitment to price, quality, and trust. 

Notes to Editors: 

For more information contact: 

For Laura Mvula speak to Dawbell PR: 

• Laura Sinclair - [email protected] 
• Rey Hassan - [email protected] 
• Kiran Dhillon - [email protected] 

John Lewis Partnership press office:

Chloe Giles - [email protected]

About Laura Mvula:

As one of the most exciting musical talents to come out of the UK, Laura Mvula has previously won an Ivor Novello Award for Best Album, has been nominated for the Mercury Prize (not once but twice), BBC Sound Poll, the BRITs Critics Choice Award, two BRIT Awards in 2014 (British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act) and won an incredible two MOBO’s in 2013 (Best Female and Best R&B/Soul).

Having caught the attention of her musical hero Prince while performing for the first of two times on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, Laura has gone on to travel the world, selling out shows and captivating crowds at every destination. Crowned “Queen of the Prom” and given a five star review from the Evening Standard for her Proms 2014 Late Night performance at the Royal Albert Hall, Laura’s critically acclaimed career has led her to work with real-life inspirations Nile Rodgers and touring with David Byrne. 

About the ‘Live Knowingly’ campaign:

Please find a link to the press release here

About Building Happier Futures:

The Building Happier Futures programme, as part of the John Lewis Partnership Foundation, has committed to use 65% of total donations to continue our work with Action for Children, Home-Start UK and Who Cares? Scotland, and the remaining 35% in small grant funds to support other charity organisations that impact the care-experienced community.