gerra730: 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Decca Records - Clay Aiken

Monday, May 10, 2010

CLAY AIKEN COMES FULL CIRCLE WITH ALBUM OF TIMELESS CLASSICS

CLAY AIKEN COMES FULL CIRCLE WITH ALBUM OF TIMELESS CLASSICS

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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.”

I am so looking forward to this album. Bring it on, Clay!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Clay Aiken, A Slow And Steady Kind Of Guy

Today Clay Aiken is to give a speech at HRC Carolina's Gala. From their website,

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all

Clay spoke with Matt Ehlers of the News and Observer a few days ago. My favorite quote from that article:

"There are people who are loud and make noise, and there are people who are deliberate and slow and steady," Aiken said during an interview this week at a downtown coffee shop. "Right now, at this point in my life, I feel like a slow and steady person." using his celebrity to make a difference and bring attention .

Admittedly, I am a huge fan of Clay Aiken; not just the music, but also of the person that he is. He lives by example, lending his voice and celebrity to important causes when he can. I believe he fits right in with the cause of the HRC. While I have always supported equal rights for all people, I never knew much about that cause. Since Clay came out of the closet as a gay man almost a year and a half ago, many people, including me, are learning more about the struggle that LGBT persons have on a daily basis to just enjoy the same rights that every other American enjoys.

There are many blogs and articles about today's event. One of the best can be found at this link,
Pam's House Blend:: NC: Raleigh native Clay Aiken to give equality speech at Saturday's HRC Carolinas Gala

The visibility of Aiken, who doesn't consider or present himself as an "activist," speaks volumes in a state like NC. We have few statewide rights (we do have hospital visitation parity, and an inclusive anti-bullying bill), but our metro areas are surprisingly fertile and vibrant ground for LGBTs to plant roots and live comfortably out of the closet. And that's what Clay means by slow and steady - we're not going to receive our rights on a fast track; we have to effect change by living our lives out when it is safe to do so. I know it's sometimes hard to explain to those from gay ghettos how things are different here, it's not entirely oppressive, but it's not the Castro by a long shot.

To read the entire article, click above. It's great.