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Foster Heads Clay Aiken-UM Fan Club 
Tue, Nov 10
UNCHAINED then ... now ... forever -- Graphic by cindilu2.
Welcome to the Club!
Foster a Clay Aiken-UM 'Junkie'
David Foster might as well be president of the Clay Nation when it comes to his unabashed appreciation for Clay Aiken's interpretation of "Unchained Melody." Like me, he is a true Clay Aiken-UM "junkie."
In the past few years, the successful Canadian music producer has specifically requested that Singer Man perform UM at his foundation's gala and in two David Foster & Friends concerts, the most recent being an unscheduled appearance in San Jose, CA, Friday night.
Clay performs UM at David Foster & Friends
Video by rob91902
Fans first heard Clay sing UM on American Idol, eventually discovering an earlier treasure in the singer's Hometown Connection recording. The lead graphic by cindilu2 highlights Clay's association with the song from American Idol to the Jukebox Tour and David Foster performances.
Unchained then ... now ... forever" was originally a banner at the Finding Clay Aiken message board. From the clickable banner below emerged cindilu2's handsome opening graphic.
Double click to enlarge banner by cindilu2.
With over 500 versions in hundreds of different languages, "Unchained Melody" is one of the most recorded songs of the 20th Century. In 1955, Alex North was contracted to compose music for the theme song of "Unchained," an obscure prison film.
Hy Zaret wrote the lyrics, and Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the soundtrack. Nowhere in the lyrics is the word "unchained," but the song became known as "Unchained Melody."
An instrumental version by Les Baxter (Capitol) was followed by Al Hibbler (Decca), Jimmy Young (UK), and Roy Hamilton (Epic), ranking at or near the top of the Billboard pop and R&B charts in 1955. "Unchained Melody" was the first and only song to have four different versions in the Top 40 in the same week.
The July 1965 recording by The Righteous Brothers became a jukebox standard for the late 20th century. It regained massive popularity when featured in the 1990 blockbuster film Ghost.
Always a favorite with Clay Aiken fans, "Unchained Melody" was a hit on the 2005 Jukebox Tour. Below is jojoct's recording of the Toledo Jukebox UM, which also can be viewed at YouTube.
UM at Toledo Jukebox Tour Concert
Video by jojoct
In 2006, at his host's request, Clay sang "Unchained Melody" at a benefit concert for the David Foster Foundation Gala in Vancouver. Link to 2006 David Foster Gala to view the UM performance on YouTube.
UM at 2006 David Foster Foundation Gala
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Clay has often stated that UM is his mother's favorite song. It was also at the top of the charts with my mother.
Countless afternoons, at Mama Mac's request, I carried along a tape of Clay Aiken songs to play during visits in the nursing home. The two most requested songs were "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Unchained Melody" with my mother singing harmony throughout.
Oh, my love, my darling,
I've hungered for your touch a long, lonely time,
Time goes by so slowly and time can do so much.
Are you still mine?
I need your love, I need your love,
God speed your love to me.It's amazing the memories spurred by Singer Man's surprise appearance on Friday. Thnx for taking this "Unchained Melody" stroll with me.
Champions Gala Raises $465,000
Supporters of the National Inclusion Project helped raise over $465,000 at the Oct. 17 gala honoring 2009 Champions, the foundation announced today.
The funds will be used to give children with disabilities the opportunity to experience life along side their typical peers. Read the complete release in Triangle Business News or at the above website link.
Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!
Caro
TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Unchained Melody, David Foster, Alex North, Hy Zaret, The Righteous Brothers, favorite song, National Inclusion Project, 2009 Champions Gala, Clayonline, Clay Nation
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