Clay Aiken Fans Herald CD News

CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! 30 Second Promo
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'Tried & True' Classics

CD Showcases Clay Aiken's Vox

Clay Aiken has never sounded more at home than he does singing the lushly arranged classics on his fifth studio album Tried and True -- the international pop phenomenon's first album for Decca Records.

Showcasing Aiken's powerful voice and considerable interpretive gifts, the new CD is comprised of songs from the '50s and '60s that Aiken grew up listening to as a child. The platinum-selling artist and idol to many has arguably never sounded better.

For Aiken, Tried and True (so named because he feels the songs have stood the test of time) was about getting back to himself after a career performing more pop-oriented material.

The Clay Nation, which has earned "tried and true" stripes right along with the singer and the music selected for his June 1 album, has rarely seen a better description of THE VOX than the opening paragraphs from the Decca Records press release about the T&T CD.

My brother, who has teased me -- at times unmercifully -- about my seven-year passionate support for the singer, his voice, and his causes, visited last weekend. Casually, I played the YouTube video promoting the August PBS Special and asked what he thought. His honest and atypical response was, "I don't know who that is, but it is fantastic!"

He was pleasantly surprised when I told him that was Clay singing. (EUREKA!!!)

PBS Special graphic by Fountaindawg, photos by Jim R. Bounds

Clay Born To Sing 'Big Band'

A former bass student from my Nashville teaching days not only wrote a very special comment in the Carolina's Mother's Day entry but also called his "other mom" to wish her a blessed day. We talked about Clay, and my "brilliant" student stated, "Big band and Broadway are what Clay Aiken was born to sing."

With Tried & True pre-sale orders, track previews, and the actual June 1 CD drop clocking in at 15 days to go, I was curious to see what fans, their friends, relatives, and associates are saying about the album, the August special, this summer's 17-city Timeless Tour by Clay and Ruben Studdard.

CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! PBS Special Promo
View and comment at YouTube

Fans Anticipate Summer of Clay

Graphic designs about the CD, special, and tour provide dividers between fan posts and the reactions shared by the Not.Just.Us contingent. Among the many sites quoted are Clay's Decca page, the YouTube promo, various message boards, Facebook, and the Clayonline Still Spreading the Word! thread in the "Clay the Man" Forum:

caraleigh3: I am 20 yrs old, I was at that concert, and you will NOT be disappointed with Clay's new direction in music! He has brought a breath of fresh air to these older songs. I like some older stuff, and even I'm not familiar with a few songs on the album; so to me, it is new music!

cognitogrrl: The Vox is BACK, and I'm so happy - not only to get this show on PBS, but the Decca album in June plus I'm going to see Clay and Ruben in August! I'm getting back that golden voice I've loved since 2003, belting out gorgeous songs. Here you come again, Clay, and here I gooooooo!

lurkerchic: I really like this sound, this kind of music when it's done like this! It's kind of jazzy and cool. What a great performer!

CanadianFan61: Clay was born to sing and entertain, and nobody sings better than he does.

Invisible926: There is nothing like Clay Aiken live! I'm so happy that International Media and PBS will make it possible for more people to experience the magic that Clay's fans have enjoyed for 7 years.

sutter4clay: I am blown away after listening to both full length songs, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and "Misty." This album is exceptional in quality, and Clays voice never sounded more incredible.

Graphic by AmazingCA

unaserenata: If International Media captured half the magic that was present on the night of the taping, the special will be spectacular! Judging from this clip, it looks like they did. With Tried and True, Clay has made me love songs I didn't even like before!

remy5230: Stunning! Clay at his finest, singing songs he loves with style, flair and vocals to die for!

joanie: Saturday I was shopping at TJ Maxx with a friend. She picked up something with Elvis on it, and I said, "Elvis has left the building to Clay." I was a huge Elvis fan, never got to see him in concert, though I wish I had. As far as The Voice, Clay's voice moves me more than Elvis' ever did.

itsmeeee: I dont even know how to describe them, but if you haven't heard Clay since American Idol, or ever, go and listen to these song samples on iTunes. Every song takes my breath away, each in a different way.

The tone in Clay's voice, his phrasing, and his vocal interpretation of these classics is quite beautiful. The lyrics envelope you when Clay sings them. This album cannot come soon enough, but I'm so grateful for the samples at least.

"Crying" is stunning! Roy Orbison would be proud of Clay and Linda Eder's interpretation. I think that one will get played first, but I love them all!

madyjax: Good job, Decca. The care you take with your artists inspires public confidence. Your excellent reputation is well deserved. We've waited forever for this!

Graphic by Fountaindawg

Trio Describes Special UM Moment

Some of the most interesting quotes are from fans who attended the March taping of the PBS Special. Among the vivid descriptions of the performance are these three about Clay's version of "Unchained Melody":

luckiest1: I call it the airplane moment ... when he goes low then goes up and up and up in UM. I don't know how to describe it, but it's like nothing he ever did before. I can't wait for everyone to hear it!

cindilu2: And I call it the Supernova Moment. He goes from zero to "holy-#%&#-what-was-that???" in about five seconds. Awesome!

lilyshine: I just call it orgasmic.

Graphic by Fountaindawg, photos by Jim R. Bounds

NJU Crowd Marks Calendar, Too

CA fans are reporting positive response as they spread the word about the upcoming CD and PBS Special. Many have emailed links for "Tried & True" track previews and the August promo video to friends, relatives, and acquaintances in their address book.

Here are just a few. If you share NJU experiences in the comments, I will add them to the collection:

cincy: I played "Misty" for the ladies in the office and while it was playing our mailman came in with the day's mail. He wanted to know who was singing (said he really liked it!!). When I told him, he said he and his wife had seen Clay in "Spamalot" but didn't know he was "that great of a singer."

goldarngirl: I shared the YouTube video on Facebookl. An elementary school teacher of my son's is a friend of mine there, and he has commented twice on Clay links. The last comment asking the date of the special prompted me to invite him to the concert in Windsor. This is his comment about the promo and concert:

Wow, this guy can shift musical gears like a well-oiled Porsche! Have you ordered your tickets yet and would you let me know?

kathyd52: I had my neighbor listen to the preview songs on Facebook, and she said, "That's the kind of songs I've been waiting to hear him sing." Her preferred music is 1950's- 60's Motown. She has always liked Clay's music, but this is the first time she has sounded excited over the songs.

jessie44: I've talked the CD up at my chiropractor's office and gave the receptionist a heads up about the selections on Clay's My Space. She said she got chills just thinking about "Misty," which is becoming one of my favorites. That band and the brass solo on "Misty" are magnificent!

carolcooke: When I had my hair cut, I told three stylists I was going to see Clay in August. All of them said they loved his voice and admired him for his charitable acts and his kindness. They haven't seen him on television for a while and look forward to his promo appearances. They asked me to keep them informed!

janemartin53 (from the comments): Had a pharmaceutical vendor came to my office today. While we were discussing medications, he asked who was playing on my CD. "It's so relaxing, who is it?" When I told him it was Clay Aiken, he was really surprised. I told him Clay's new CD will be out in June and the music is like WOW. As he left, he thanked me for the information.

Timeless Tour graphic by Fountaindawg

Marlyne: My friend was very surprised and excited to hear that Clay and Ruben will tour together this summer. She feels theirs was the last season of American Idol with "really good and true talent" and is planning to attend a concert.

SueReu: I sent the PBS promo link to my mom so she could see the back of my head from way far away at the end of "Build Me up Buttercup." She listened to the whole thing, told me it was FANTASTIC music, and gave it a thumbs up!!!

claygalsal: I ran into my best childhood friend and her husband in the parking lot of Memorial Auditorium after the show. After jumping up and down for a few minutes and hugging each other, I asked her if she is a Clay fan and she said, "I am now!"

She also said that she would buy several of his CD's for herself and other people. I emailed her recently to let her know about when the public sale was starting for "Bringing Broadway Home". She and her hubby bought tickets! THEY ARE HOOKED!!!

brensmemaw: In March, I received a call from a friend from my high school days that I haven't seen or talked to in probably 30 years. She had just talked to a mutual friend who she told her that I had just come back from Raleigh where I had seen Clay Aiken. Joyce got all excited and said that she loves Clay!

She called me immediately to ask me all about Clay and what is happening with him. Needless to say, I filled her in and will keep her informed about the PBS Special and concerts near her via phone since she doesn't have a computer. It was so nice to catch up with each other after all these years and I owe it all to Clay!!

Claymatron: I was sitting beside a couple from Texas who had never seen Clay in concert but they'd driven 1600 miles for the show because they had found his music on YouTube. They remembered him from AI, but then lost track until a year or so ago when the woman (in her 40's) was hospitalized with a very serious medical problem and nearly died.

When she returned to her hospital room after one of her many surgeries, she looked over at her husband, who was fast asleep from exhaustion in the chair beside the bed, and said she felt overwhelmed with love for him.

She picked up her laptop and checked YouTube for Celine Dion's version of "Because You Loved Me," which was "their song" and found Clay's instead.

Her husband woke up, and the two of them sobbed in each other's arms over his beautiful rendition. They were both hooked and searched YouTube for every song he ever sang. They also checked the Internet to find out when he'd next be in concert and found the announcement for the PBS taping.

They loved the show and held hands all the way through it. It was truly a special time for them, and I know we have another couple of devoted fans.

Clay Aiken 'Tried & True' cover by Vincent Soyez

Sites Preview T&T Tracks, Special

Among the sites with "Tried & True" track previews are:

Best Buy

Barnes & Noble - Also see the album credits tab for a list of musicians and production technicians on the CD. LOL, I would have killed to play the flute/alto sax book for this show.

Decca Records (NEW!) - Watch video of Clay talking about the making of "Tried & True."

Amazon - Previews not yet live

Decca Records - Previews not yet live on Clay's page.

Clay Aiken/MySpace - Two complete tracks: "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and "Misty"

iTunes - Pre-order the CD to listen to snippets of 12 tracks, including "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" exclusive

YouTube - View CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! promo for PBS Special.

Don't forget to share your "word of mouth" and viral marketing experiences in the comments, and I will transfer them to the blog.

Gif by LovesClaysVoice

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken T&T Album Buzz Builds

BACK TO BASICS - Clay Aiken photo by Vincent Soyez.

Aiken Fans Remember Yollie950

T&T Buzz on 20-Day Crescendo

Scroll down for May 13 birthday party!

Twenty days from the June 1 Decca release of Clay Aiken's "Tried & True" CD, and the promotional buzz can only be described as a steadily building crescendo!

From USA Today to Etonline, the headlines herald the June 1 release of the singer's fifth studio album -- "Clay Aiken Goes Back to Basics," "Clay Aiken Sings 'Tried and True' Favorites," "Clay Aiken Comes Full Circle."

Never have fans observed such a well-planned promotion of a Clay Aiken album and event. In addition to the barrage of press releases, sneak previews of three tracks were played exclusively at Clayonline, the singer's official fan club site.

Facebook, MySpace, Feature Tracks

Clay's pages at Facebook and MySpace now feature full versions of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and "Misty." Other sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Clay's page at Decca are among the many poised to post tracks or snippets from the CD any day now. (UPDATE: B&N previews are LIVE now!)

Snippets of all 11 tracks are available on iTunes. Pre-order the T&T album there and receive a bonus track, "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me."

Meanwhile, International Media's second upload of CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! today has gone over 10,000 views.

CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! PBS Special Promo

Fans play an important role in the promotional roll-out by watching the video at YouTube, rating it, and adding comments at the site. Here are three:

Invisible926: There is nothing like Clay Aiken live! I'm so happy that International Media and PBS will make it possible for more people to experience the magic that Clay's fans have enjoyed for 7 years.

hoganna: Clay is one fantastic singer, performer and true humanitarian. I'm glad I discovered him on YouTube in time for 2010!

Suereu: Thanks for capturing the magic!

Below are opening graphs of four press stories. Link to these sites -- and others listed below -- to read the complete release and leave a comment.

Etonline: Clay Aiken Goes Back to Basics: New Album Details

Clay Aiken is making a musical comeback with a new album, and ET has all the info on his fifth studio album, Tried and True!

Clay chose the title Tried and True because the album will be filled with timeless classics.

"There are a lot of elements to this album that are about me returning to what I'm comfortable with," he says. "To me, older songs are more melodically appealing and beautiful. So doing this album was an opportunity to just be myself."

USA Today: Clay Aiken sings 'Tried and True' favorites

Clay Aiken is releasing his fifth studio album, Tried and True, on June 1. The new CD is comprised of songs Clay grew up listening to, from the '50s and '60s.

Tried and True is the title because Clay feels the songs have stood the test of time, says the release. "To me, older songs are more melodically appealing and beautiful," he says. "So doing this album was an opportunity to just be myself."

Highlights include: Can't Take My Eyes Off You, made famous by Frankie Valli; Misty, the Johnny Mathis hit, and a soulful rendition of Elvis Presley's Suspicious Minds.

MSN Music News: Clay Aiken Goes Back to Basics

Clay Aiken is making a musical comeback with a new album, and ET has all the info on his fifth studio album, Tried and True!

Clay chose the title Tried and True because the album will be filled with timeless classics.

"There are a lot of elements to this album that are about me returning to what I'm comfortable with," he says. "To me, older songs are more melodically appealing and beautiful. So doing this album was an opportunity to just be myself."

The album will include old-time favorites such as the swinging album opener "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," made famous by Frankie Valli; "Misty," the Johnny Mathis hit, and a soulful rendition of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds." The album also features two songs Clay sang while on "American Idol": "Mack the Knife" and "Unchained Melody."

Tried and True is set for release June 1.

SKOPE: Clay Aiken Comes Full Circle

Clay Aiken has never sounded more at home than he does singing the lushly arranged classics on his fifth studio album Tried and True — the international pop phenomenon’s first album for Decca Records.

Showcasing Aiken’s powerful voice and considerable interpretive gifts, the new CD is comprised of songs from the ’50s and ’60s that Aiken grew up listening to as a child. The platinum-selling artist and idol to many has arguably never sounded better. Tried and True will be available everywhere on June 1st.

Other sites featuring the release include:

Just Jared

ZAP 2 It

The Insider

Pop News Daily

Idol Gossip

LALate (scroll down)

No doubt many more sites will feature Clay's Tried & True CD release during the roll-out of the next 20 days. Daily checks at Google and other search engines will provide fans a list of sites to visit and leave positive comments.

In the past, many Not.Just.Us or casual fans have caught the "Aiken fever" through comments at websites and YouTube. The "Tried & True" Aiken fog is not far away!

On My Way Here/I Survived You - Cancer Tribute
Montage by Yollie950, vocals by Clay Aiken

Fans Mourn Loss of Yollie950

Sunday night the Clay Aiken family lost a very special member when Yollie950 (Dorian Limon) lost her battle with cancer and passed away quietly with the same grace and dignity she has shown during her nearly two-year struggle with the disease.

When her doctors gave her little hope a few weeks ago, she made the decision to abandon therapy and asked for prayers that she pass peacefully.

Yollie will be remembered for her compassion for others and her talent in creating montages. Constantly amazed that her YouTube Channel brought joy to Clay fans around the world, Yollie delighted in the entire process of creating montages, and she faithfully responded to those who commented at her site.

According to close friends, her loves for dance, music, and theater are reflected in her personal favorites among the many montages she created: Rudolph Nureyev-Dedication-In Memory of a Great Dancer, a pictorial piece accompanied by Clay singing "Lover All Alone," and In Memory of Patrick Swayze, a dance video backed by Clay's "Broken Wings" track.

A CA fan since American Idol, Yollie originally supported Ruben; but by the end of the series, she was pulling for the North Carolinian to win. She had hoped to attend a Clay/Ruben "Timeless Tour" concert this summer, but that was not meant to be.

A good friend, ymarie, shared these thoughts about Yollie:

Yollie was well-loved by everyone. She set a good example: live your life with passion and caring, don't sweat the small stuff, try to make someone else's life better. Fight the good fight; but when the fight is over, let go with grace and dignity and, hopefully, leave the best part of you behind in the ones who loved you.

Memorials, Donations Honor Yollie

Memorial messages abound at the Yollie950 YouTube Channel, as well as message boards throughout Clay Cyberspace.

Fans are also lighting candles and writing remembrances of Yollie on the Gratefulness site. At noon Tuesday there were 100 candles from seven countries burning. Candles only last for 48 hours, and Internet friends may want to repeat the condolence messages for her family.

Among the special messages sent to Yollie's family are remarks from Clay's mother, Faye Parker:

Thank you for sharing your mom with the world too. She has been an inspiration to the fans of my son. Her beautiful montages have touched a lot of hearts. I truly appreciate her support over the last seven years.

It is people like your mom who make a difference in the lives of others. It is people like her that are not known nationally but are "Winds Beneath the Wings" of her family and loved ones and of the Clay Nation. She will be missed by many. May God give you strength and support during this time of sadness.

Yollie is at peace now. Friends like to think she has a front row seat for all upcoming concerts. Still, the Clay Nation will miss her friendship and artistic gifts, both of which she freely shared.

Have a special week, Clay Nation!

Caro

to Lia, #1 on 5/13/10!


Graphic by ABeautifulMind

Clay Nation Celebrates Mother's Day

Clay Aiken and his mother Faye Parker. - Graphic by AmazingCA

Mama Mac Remembered

Fans Join Faye in Pepsi Project

Faye Parker has long been the "First Mom" of the Clay Nation, comprised of fans of her son, American Idol superstar alumni Clay Aiken. You can help Faye celebrate Mother's Day by getting on board a benefit close to her heart -- the National Inclusion Project's all-out effort to win $250,000 in the July Pepsi Refresh Challenge.

Co-founded in 2003 by Clay and Diane Bubel, the Inclusion Project is targeting July as the month to compete for $250,000 in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. Each month Pepsi gives away $1.3 million dollars to support organizations and people who have fresh ideas that make an impact in their communities.

A win would support Let's ALL Play and Camp Scholarships so that thousands of kids can participate in the organization's innovative inclusion programs. Watch Faye's passion for the Inclusion Project in Aiken's mother talks charity work, a WRAL-TV video.

To win the Pepsi Challenge, the Inclusion Project needs the assistance of the Clay Nation and those who support its mission. The easiest way to vote in the challenge daily is to let the foundation do it for you. To do so, fill out the form at the Inclusion Project's website.

Detailed instructions are provided by Aron Hall in this Pepsi Refresh Challenge Ustream. The voting database of a previous winner (Teach America) was 20,000 names and email addresses. The Inclusion Project's database is currently around 2,700. Now is the time for recruiting participants for daily voting.

Only one email per person will be accepted. If you sign up to vote through the Inclusion Project, do not register with Pepsi. In previous months, the Inclusion Project has created reciprocal relationships by voting for other charities, who will in turn vote for the foundation.

Stay tuned to the Inclusion Project's website and the National Inclusion Project on Facebook for updates.

Pass the word, and recruit other participants. If you would like to volunteer to help in this effort, contact Aron Hall at aronhall@inclusionproject.org.

A Mother's Day Remembrance

Saturday morning I was running errands, and memories of my mother enveloped me as I unconsciously performed the maneuver our family years ago tagged "the Mama Mac stop." This occurs when the driver arrives at an intersection in a relatively quiet neighborhood and figuratively, almost literally, drags his/her feet instead of coming to a complete halt.

In her later years and much to the horror of her granddaughters, all excellent drivers, Mother perfected the maneuver and employed it at will. On the day before Mother's Day, I drifted into "the Mama Mac stop" at least twice. We used to tease her about this tempered version of a stop, and I just bet she returned the grin this weekend.

Mama Mac, whom many of you have met through my Mother's Day blogs, was a character. This entry is a reprint from Mother's Day 2008. Reflecting the passing year, her five great-grandchildren became six with the birth of our new granddaughter almost a year ago.

On July 12, 2005, my mother -- the woman who gave my sister, brother, and me life, introduced us to the wonderful world of music, encouraged us in all life's endeavors -- left behind a tired, weary 93-year-old body and sailed peacefully on to her next portal.

On this fifth Mother's Day since that night, our family celebrates a joyful life that almost spanned a century with many fond memories, a full heart, and the knowledge that this very special woman is still singing glorious harmony through her offspring and the many students she touched.

Sail on, Silver Girl, Sail on By

As a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, musician, gardener extraordinaire, Alleen McDonald, affectionately known as Mama Mac, worked hard and lived a full life. Her green thumb was legendary, whether she was cultivating gardens of vegetables or azaleas.

An alto in the First Baptist Church-Wilmington Chancel Choir for 42 years, she appreciated good music and was a very enthusiastic fan of Clay Aiken. Some of the most enjoyable moments of the final two years of her life were spent watching and listening to Clay sing. She especially loved his rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and would have embraced the upcoming Tried & True album.

Our family misses its spirited matriarch. Besides her three children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, Mama Mac was special to a large extended family of friends, former students and coworkers, as well as the caregivers at Wesley Long Nursing Home where she lived following a broken hip.

Even with 35 years in the public schools, all the successful operettas and other musical productions, Mother is best remembered in our Wilmington neighborhood as "the beach lady." On any given summer day, we would load up her old 1939 Chevy, which she kept way past its prime just for beach outings.

Picture an old jalopy, of the running board variety, bursting with neighborhood kids in bathing suits, inner tubes, fishing/crabbing gear, picnic lunches, etc., bopping down the 10 miles between Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Fond, fond memories.

Sail on, Silver Girl, Sail on By

One of my favorite Mama Mac stories happened during National Caregivers Week in May 2005. A month shy of her 93rd birthday, Mother was very proud of the fact that she was cognizant 99% of the time and that she still had all her teeth.

Awakened from a mid-morning nap with a visit from her granddaughter and toddler twin great-grandchildren, Mama Mac immediately began insisting she needed to get dressed for a rehearsal. No one in the family knew that she and her physical therapist had been secretly rehearsing a duet for the nursing home's afternoon talent show, so we just assumed our matriarch was groggy and still getting her bearings.

When my sister dropped by after choir practice later that evening, proudly displayed on Mother's door was a huge lst Place Blue Ribbon. She most certainly did know she needed to get dressed to rehearse.

Our mother could sing harmony at the drop of a hat, a talent she shared with Clay and one of the many reasons she admired him so much. That day she and her duet partner were, hands down, the best!

Sail on, Silver Girl, Sail on By

Mama Mac was a character in the best way. At restaurants, she always pocketed several little pink packets of Sweet-N-Low and Ketchup "for the church." Annoyed or bored with a discussion, her final word on any subject was "whatevah," delivered with deadpan inflection and any number of hand gestures.

My brother has spent the weekend with me while his son performed in the two-day commencement ceremonies at Greensboro College. More than once he has commented how often he wishes he could talk with Mother or ask her a question.

After Mama Mac's death, our family received countless messages from her former students like this one:

Susan (Sunset Park, 1961-62):Your mother was my beloved 5th grade teacher at Sunset Park Elementary. My year with her was very special. Mrs. McDonald taught us everything from how to do research projects to how to harmonize when we sang.

The Christmas play she directed that year probably raised the bar for not just harmony but also the amount of instruments she had us playing in the background.

She encouraged us to be inquisitive beyond the textbook and rewarded us for creative thinking with extra credit points. She was a fair teacher with high standards. If we pleased her, we felt very good about our efforts.

Until her death, Mother's Day Weekend was on my brother's calendar as he drove up from Wilmington to visit Mama Mac and stayed with his big sis. Our routine was to stop by the Harris Teeter nearest the retirement home and pick up fresh blueberries and boiled shrimp, two of her favorite foods to enjoy on Mother's Day.

Ketchup was an automatic, either a bottle from my kitchen or with several of the packets that remain part of her legacy.

Happy Mother's Day, Mama Mac!

PHOTO INTERLUDE - Featured in this special Mother's Day respite are graphics and photos by Amazing_CA, 1; cindilu2, 2 and 3; Sally, 4; and Fountaindawg, 5. The close relationship Clay shares with his mother and Jaymes, mother of his son Parker, are interwoven with the song lyrics and flowers Mama Mac dearly loved.

Email Salutes Mother's Day

Email sometimes yields a most appropriate piece at just the right time. I received this from a friend and reprint it today for all the mothers who read the Carolina blog.

FOR MOTHERS

This is for mothers who sit up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, saying, 'It's okay honey, Mommy's here.'

Who sit in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.

This is for mothers who show up at work with milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For mothers who run carpools, make cookies, and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who don't.

This is for mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.

And for the mothers who freeze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars. And when their kids ask, 'Did you see me, Mom?' they say, 'Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world,' and mean it.

This is for mothers who yell at their kids and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all mothers who go hungry so their children can eat.

For mothers who read 'Goodnight, Moon' twice a night for a year. And then read it again. 'Just one more time.'

This is for the mothers who teach their children to tie shoe laces before they start school. And for mothers who opt for Velcro instead.

This is for all mothers who teach their sons to cook and iron and their daughters to take out the trash and change the oil.

This is for every mother whose head turns when a little voice calls 'Mom?' in a crowd, even though their own offspring are at home -- or away at college -- or have their own families.

This is for mothers who have sent kids to school with stomach aches, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away!

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them. But love them every day.

For mothers who bite their lips when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.

For mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their children who came home from school, safely.

This is for all mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from war.

This is for you all. For all of us...Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can do. Tell them every day that we love them. Pray and never stop being a mom.

Early this morning my daughter and grandchilren passed along electronic and telephone greetings to go with their Mother's Day remembrance sent the the old-fashioned way. I had just posted this entry when a former bass student from Nashville called to wish his "other mother" a happy day.

We exchanged new email addresses, and I mentioned that Clay Aiken has a new CD coming out in June and a PBS Special in August. I directed him to the CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! Promo. Even before my bassist saw the video, he said, "Big band and Broadway are the music Clay was born to sing."

Such an intuitive young man! Now I'm going to send him links to the press release and bio on Clay's Decca Records page so he can read those very words.

Gif by LovesClaysVoice

Happy Mother's Day, Clay Nation!

Caro

Decca Previews 'Clay Aiken T&T'

Clay Aiken Tried & True: LIVE! Promo

Decca Posts Press Release, Bio

PBS Video Renders Album Peek

Decca Records and International Media released glimpses of CLAY AIKEN - TRIED & TRUE: LIVE! Thursday afternoon, and the Clay Nation has been feasting ever since. Saturday's brand new promo link has been added to this blog.

This is the information on the International Media TV Channel at YouTube:

Tried and True, American Idol Super Star Alumni Clay Aikens first Public Television special, reaches back into the romantic past of the 50s and 60s, featuring many of the most iconic love songs ever written.

Shot at the Memorial Auditorium in Clays home town of Raleigh, North Carolina, Tried and True features a full orchestra and big band.

Clay is joined on stage by special guest and American Idol colleague Ruben Studdard, along with special guest Linda Eder, who is widely recognized as one of the best female vocalists of our time.

This special concert is the world premiere live performance of Clays forthcoming album, Tried and True, being released on Decca this Spring.

The video can be viewed full screen at the International Media YouTube channel, and hits/comments there are important. However, I know readers from some countries are unable to see YT videos. Here are Sendspace downloads for the T&T preview in video and audio formats.

Below are regular and widescreen clickable wallpapers of Clay's Tried & True: Live! preview by Fountaindawg:

Fans Embrace T&T Sneak Peak

So what do fans think of the sneak peak? Here are six, slightly edited comments from the YouTube Channel and this blog:

cindilu2: This needs to be on my TV NOW!!!! What a fantastic concert -- and this teaser is only the tip of the iceberg. Wait until you hear "Unchained Melody,"" Crying" (with the incredible Linda Eder). and all the fun with Ruben. Awesome!

vstreamer: Clay looks and sounds fantastic. He is in his element here; entertaining is in his blood. Oh, and the sound and lighting are also top notch.

GjpgD: I remember during Idol's Top 12 when Clay had to fill out a biographical form on the show's website. When asked his preferred genre of music from any era, he stated, "Big Band." Guess he's finally living his dream, thanks to a supportive label and fiercely loyal, tried & true fans. Rock on, Clay! You're a rock star of the heart and spirit, no matter what you're singing!

claydreamer: jhjujw45 5t rg5 ty 6 5t5 uhrg 5 t= !!!!!!!! That is from my four-year-old granddaughter who couldn't stop dancing as we listened to Clay sing! This is so wonderful. Clay's voice is always the best!

artz11: Yes, this is singing! The band and arrangements even in these small doses sounds incredible. A voice for now and forever!

Truth Rules: Full screen and headphones! I can't stop watching, and I was there! It's great that those who couldn't be in Raleigh that night finally get a taste of what we saw and why this got dubbed the OMG concert.

With special thanks to Bottlecap (1-5) and Cotton (6, 7), below are seven screen caps from "Mack the Knife," "Who's Sorry Now." and "Build Me Up, Buttercup." Click on the caps to enlarge.

Decca Releases T&T Story, Updates Bio

Decca Records has released a media story about the T&T album and updated Clay's bio. Both can be read in their entirety on the singer's site. See the NEWS and BIO headings on Clay's page at Decca:

Clay Aiken Comes Full Circle with Album
of Timeless Classics Tried and True

May 7, 2010 (New York, NY) -- Clay Aiken has never sounded more at home than he does singing the lushly arranged classics on his fifth studio album Tried and True — the international pop phenomenon’s first album for Decca Records.

Showcasing Aiken’s powerful voice and considerable interpretive gifts, the new CD is comprised of songs from the ’50s and ’60s that Aiken grew up listening to as a child. The platinum-selling artist and idol to many has arguably never sounded better. Tried and True will be available everywhere on June 1st.

For Aiken, Tried and True (so named because he feels the songs have stood the test of time) was about getting back to himself after a career performing more pop-oriented material.

"There are a lot of elements to this album that are about me returning to what I’m comfortable with," Aiken says. "To me, older songs are more melodically appealing and beautiful. So doing this album was an opportunity to just be myself."

Gif by LovesClaysVoice

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Photos Rock 'Clay Aiken T&T Live!'

THE BOOTH or THE JACKET - Clay Aiken photo by Vincent Soyez

Nashville Responds to Tragic Flood

Int'l Media Photos Delight Fans

International Media added three new photos to the Clay Aiken Tried & True Live! page Tuesday, boosting fan excitement to higher orbits. Celebrations continue, and message board posts filled with EEEEE's are naturally the norm.

Due to width limitations of this template, the panel reproduction below is different from the original at the Int'l Media's Clay Aiken Tried & True Live! site.

CLAY AIKEN TRIED & TRUE LIVE! - Panel of photos by Vincent Soyez
advertise the singer's June 1 Decca CD release and August PBS Special.

THE BOOTH PICTURE - Double click new photo of Clay to expand.

Internet fans wasted no time in nicknaming the above Vincent Soyez photo, now known in CA circles as "the booth picture" and/or "the jacket picture."

Tuesday morning I had the pleasure of sending the new photos to a few friends, one of whom responded, "Did y'all know it's hard to type from the floor?"

I wouldn't doubt this type of viral sharing turned into an all-day process as other Clay fans emailed friends and casual supporters the photos and link to the singer's International Media page.

Below is Cotton's clickable graphic of the three new photos:

Cotton/Soyez

Late Tuesday the Clay Nation received another treat, a radio spot advertising the July 26 Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Timeless Tour Concert at Ruth Echerd Hall in Clearwater, FL.

For a preview of "Mack the Knife," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," and "Suspicious Minds," download the audio file with the "radio spot" Sendspace link above.

Fountaindawg combined the PBS pictures of Jim R. Bounds, the Soyez photos, and the radio spot to create the above video, which can be downloaded with this Sendspace link.

Clearwater's advertisement also links to SueReu's Best AI Season Ever - Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard, Timeless montage.

Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard, Timeless
Montage by SueReu
Link to YouTube for full page view.
Download video with this Sendspace

Venues Set Timeless Ticket Sales

The popular "Timeless" duo of Clay and Rubin will again share the concert stage when they launch the summer's much-anticipated 17-city tour in Asheville, NC, July 23.

Ticket sales for the tour are underway at nine venues with the remaining eight scheduled to begin on the May dates below:

May 7 - Ruth Echerd Hall, Clearwater, FL (July 26 concert)
May 7 - King Center for the Arts, Melbourne, FL (July 25 concert)
May 7 - Club Nokie, Los Angeles, CA, May (Aug. 1 concert)
May 8 - Mountain View Plaza, Snoqualmie, WA (July 29 concert)
May 15 - American Music Theater, Lancaster, PA (Aug 8 concert)
May 21 - Caesar's Colosseum, Windsor, ON (Aug 5 concert)
May 21 - Horseshoe Casino, Hammond IN (Aug 13 concert)
May 28 - Potawatomi Casino, Milwaukee, WI (Aug 3 concert)

All 17 Timeless Tour concert sites are linked below. For up-to-date information on ticket sales, refer to Clayonline News, Ticketmaster, and the venue links.

Clay and Ruben at Lancaster, PA, site.

2010 Timeless Tour: Concert List

Jul-23 - Asheville, NC - Biltmore Estate (Tickets on sale NOW)
Jul-24 - Jacksonville, FL - The Florida Theater (Tickets on sale NOW)
Jul-25 - Melbourne, FL - King Center For Arts (Ticket sale: May 7)
Jul-26 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall (Ticket sale: May 7)
Jul-29 - Snoqualmie WA - Casino- Mountain View Plaza (Tickets: May 8)
Jul-31 - Reno, NV - Silver Legacy Casino (Tickets: NOW)
Aug-01 - Los Angeles, CA - Club Nokia (Tickets: May 7)
Aug-03 - Milwaukee, WI - Potawatomi Casino (Tickets: May 28)
Aug-05 - Windsor, ON - Caesars Windsor (Tickets: May 21)
Aug-06 - Chautauqua, NY - Chautauqua Institution Amphitheatre (Tickets: NOW)
Aug-07 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Foxwoods (Tickets: NOW)
Aug-08 - Lancaster, PA - American Music Theatre (Tickets: May 15)
Aug-10 - Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino (Tickets: NOW)
Aug-11 - New York, NY - The Hammestein (Tickets: NOW)
Aug-12 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Casino (Tickets: NOW)
Aug-13 - Hammond, IN - Horseshoe Casino (Tickets: May 21)
Aug-14 - Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage (Tickets: NOW)

Cumberland River flows through the streets of Nashville.

Epic Flood Strikes Nashville Area

Throughout the weekend's catastrophic flood in Nashville, TN, our family's home for many years and still very much a part of us, thoughts have been with friends and the tragedies suffered there. Our former home in Bellevue, a western suburb, was overrun by the flood waters Saturday and many in the neighborhood forced to evacuate.

In some areas, the torrential rain totals of May 1 and 2 were greater than 17 inches. The Cumberland River crested at 51.86 feet in Nashville, a level not seen since 1937. See May 2010 Tennessee floods.

President Barack Obama Tuesday declared four Middle Tennessee counties a disaster area so that federal assistance can begin immediately for flood victims. Metro Nashville schools have no projected re-open date. In addition to the above Tennessean link, see WSM-TV for videos of amazing rescues.

FB Friend Shares Flood Reports

Stephanie Morris DeKeyser, a resident of Hermitage, suburb on the other side of Nashville, has kept Facebook readers informed with links to local media reports, videos, and photos. Her Monday blog, The Flooding of Nashville, features excellent links, including photos of famous Music City landmarks such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Opryland Hotel, all under water.

Betty, a musician friend, sent word that the new Schermerhorn Symphony Center lost two Steinway grands and the $21.5 million organ console stored in the basement. The rising water stopped just before reaching the concert hall.

It is heartwarming to read how Nashville residents and relief organizations are offering assistance (the use of a pickup truck, pasture for horses, food, clothing) for those in need. To volunteer or donate, see Great Nashville Flood of 2010, as well as the American Red Cross.

The best news of the day arrived a little after 9 p.m. when my friend Judy sent an email that she is all right. Entitled "Water, Water Everywhere," the email arrived from Belmont University where she was able to sign onto the Internet. Normally a foot across, the creek behind my friend's house is presently 50-60 feet wide with a strong current.

Filled with the losses and challenges of friends and structures in the Bellevue area, Judy's report was was not without a grin:

Huge Sunday paper delivered itself! Floated from street past car, turned down sidewalk following current and right past the front door!

Sending prayers and good vibes to all Music City residents. Have a great week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken Photos Spotlight Triangle

CELEBRATION TIME - From new CD photo shoot pictures to more release party plans, May calendars of Clay Aiken fans are filling up. - Graphic by AmazingCA.

Clay Aiken Tried & True Live!

Soyez Shoot Touts Three Locales

New Clay Aiken photos from the singer's Vincent Soyez Tried & True shoot; initial promotion of the August PBS Special by International Media; and CD release party plans for Raleigh, NC, and Red Bank, NJ, are causing May to seem a lot like Christmas.

In Saturday's Examiner, Randy Hamilton unveiled the first photographs from the Tried & True shoot, representing three locations in the Raleigh-Durham triangle -- the Treyburne Country Club, the deck of the train car on the American Tobacco Campus, and the upstairs dining area of the famous Mecca Restaurant.

Readers of a previous article in this column, about the photography shoot for Clay Aiken’s next album, may be delighted to learn that the first of those photos have been released. These initial images are representative of the three locations for the day-long session.

The album cover has been available for a while, and you can view it on any number of the usual merchant sites. The album cover photograph was taken in the Mecca Restaurant in Raleigh in the upstairs dining area.

In addition, other images are approved and are now or will soon be posted on photographer's Vincent Soyez's web site. Whether or not any of these photographs (other than the cover shot) will appear in the CD package remains to be seen.

The complete article and comments can be read at the Examiner link. Below are clickables of three new photos by Vincent Soyez revealed in the column. To view them at the photographer's link, slide the rule 2/3 of the to the right -- or just wait for them to scroll by.

New T&T photos by Vincent Soyez

International Media Promos Special

Clay, you sing lie Andre Agassi plays tennis, perfection, perfection. And I would kill to write and produce your first CD. - Neil Sedaka, American Idol 2 guest judge

This memorable 2003 comment by Sedaka leads the new Clay Aiken Tried & True Live! page on the International Media site. The clickable banner below headlines the programs International Media is currently promoting.

The company that produced Clay's PBS Special has begun promotion for the August telecast of the special concert taped in Raleigh on March 12.

Tried and True, American Idol Super Star Alumni Clay Aiken’s first Public Television special, reaches back into the romantic past of the 50’s and 60’s, featuring many of the most iconic love songs ever written.

Shot at the Memorial Auditorium in Clay’s home town of Raleigh, North Carolina, Tried and True features a full orchestra and big band.

Clay is joined on stage by special guest and American Idol colleague Ruben Studdard, along with special guest Linda Eder, who is widely recognized as one of the best female vocalists of our time.

This special concert is the world premiere live performance of Clay’s forthcoming album, Tried and True, being released on Decca this Spring.

The page is filled with a wealth of information including CD and DVD premiums, meet and greet opportunities, etc.

Another famous quote about Clay appears at the bottom of the site:

I always like the idea that you can turn on the radio and say, 'Oh, that’s Clay Aiken. Oh, that’s Barbra Streisand. Oh, that’s Frank Sinatra, Oh, that’s Tony Bennett.'They’re a star if you can identify them immediately by their sound. That kid has his own sound. He’s got energy. He’s got soul. He’s got it all. That voice pours out of him. - Merv Griffin

Like most fans, I have bookmarked Clay's International Media page. Despite 80-degree weather in the Carolinas, the lyric that keeps coming to mind is ... "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"

Raleigh Party Begins with BBQ

Fans in the Raleigh area plan to celebrate the release of Clay Aiken's Tried & True album with a "Picnic in the Woods" barbeque party and National Inclusion Project fundraiser at the Community Hall, New Community Church, 9621 Six Forks Road at 7 p.m. Monday, May 31.

Backyard Barbeque Pit of Durham will furnish the fixings, including BBQ chicken, BBQ brisket, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, hush puppies, desserts, sweet and unsweetened tea.

The evening's activities center around music, interactive games, line dancing, raffles, silent aucitons, culminating with new TYT CD purchases at 12:30 a.m. June. 1. See the double clickable flyer for additional info:

Cost of the event is $35 per person, a portion of which will go towards a donation to the Inclusion Project. Deadline for reservations is May 23. Paypal and correspondence should be sent to specialprojects2@nc.rr.com. For more information, see the Raleigh CD Release Party website.

Pink Jackets Plan T&T Dinner

The Pink Jacket Ladies invite New Jersey Clay fans as well as those from neighboring states (New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania) to join them in a "spectacular Clay Aiken-Tried and True CD Release Party" on Monday, May 31.

Information about the Red Bank, NJ, event with a four-course sit-down dinner at the historic Molly Pitcher Inn, clack celebrations, fundraising activities for the National Inclusion Project, and middle-of- the-night CD purchases, is available on the double clickable flyer below.

Cost per attendee is $55. For further details, reservations, and payment arrangements, contact Betty Roy, the organization's treasurer, at betty.roy@verizon.net or 908.705.7618.

Below is a clickable of AmazingCA's opening graphic:

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro