The music writing team of Steve Morales, Cathy Dennis and David Siegel are very talented. They came together to write and produce one of the most important songs in Clay Aiken’s career. “Measure Of A Man” is a song that touched the heart of many when Clay included it in his first CD in 2003. And, of course, it became the title song for Clay’s first album.
I thought it might be interesting to know something about these three talented people who penned this uplifting song.
Cathy Dennis started her music career as a somewhat successful international pop singer. As a teen-ager, she was signed by Simon Fuller and his 19 Management Company. Perhaps this is the reason she has provided songs for so many Idol stars.
Cathy tired of performing and started her writing career where she has received great success for her pop songs. In 2004, Cathy was included on the Q Magazine list of the top 100 influential people in music. In 2006, she won the Woman of the Year Award for the music industry in the UK.
Her name is credited on many movie scores and popular songs of the day. She co-wrote “I Kissed a Girl” with Katy Perry which was a huge success.
In searching out David Siege, who is named as a writer of Measure of A Man, I was stumped. I went back to the album notes and realized that his name is misspelled on the CD insert under the song. It is correct under the song The Way. It is David Siegel
According to his web-site:
David Siegel is a Miami based producer/songwriter/musician whose name has appeared on over 30 million records sold worldwide for artists as diverse and popular as Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Pink, Clay Aiken, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, Thalia and T.I. He was also named in Top 10 singles for Jessica Simpson, Enrique Iglesias and Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, as well as the #1 single for T.I. “Whatever You Like.”
David is known for performing most of the instruments on his own productions, as well performing as a musician for countless sessions outside of his own work. He possesses extensive experience making radio hits for different genres of pop music in the studio, as well as years of playing live in front of thousands of people in numerous groups/rock bands in countless cities. His diverse range has led him to perform in shows as varied as moshing, screamo-math-metal bands to appearances on television with Miami rapper Trick Daddy and Lil’ Jon.
In May of 2009, David was listed as #3 in the Top Ten Songwriters chart in a special edition of Billboard Magazine.
Steve Morales is a superstar producer and songwriter who lives in Florida. A few years ago, Steve built a state-of-the-art recording studio. He partnered with Fabian Marasciullo and the two men have been able to work without leaving their homes in Florida. Their advertisement for the studio states:
their combined discography literally reads like the Who’s Who of industry superstars with acts from Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias and Britney Spears to Michael Jackson, J.LO and Clay Aiken.
Clay Aiken has certainly had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the industry and these three musicians wrote a beautiful song for Clay and his album.
I will never forget watching the video of Clay’s performance of Measure Of A Man in Wilkes-Barre, PA. It was one of the touching concert performances in 6 years of Clay concerts.
If you haven’t seen this video, it is a must. If you have seen it, well, you know its worth a second look!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Njjmalj2M
I saw that video earlier tonight. It’s very touching. MOAM is a beautiful song, still easily one that moves me every time.
Have watched video clips of Clay singing MOAM hundreds of times including the Wilkes-Barre performance. As Stephanie wrote, it’s a beautiful song that touches the soul.
I still get misty when I see this video, because Clay Aiken IS a Measure of a MAN!!! Clay does touch my soul!!
I have heard him sing this song live many times and it moves me to tears every time. Yes, Clay Aiken is the true measure of a man!!
I hope that guys would be write Clay’s new song for his next album. I love MOAM!
I love watching this video,it still gets to me. I loved MOAM from day one-there are so many great songs on it. But I think the actual song MOAM so clealy stated what Clay was all about. It is one of those cd’s you never get tired of hearing.
Ah, such sweet memories. I have played this video
probably a hundred times of the past few years;
always brings tears to my eyes…I could never thank
Clay enough for what pure joy he has brought to my life,
I’ll be forever grateful.
Thanks musicfan for another great article!! I love that MOAM video, but for some reason I ALWAYS get something in my eye when I’m watching it!!!!
Can’t wait for some more Clay Aiken memories – and we’re only 2 months away from what I’m sure will be another memorable event and we get to hear that amazing voice again.
The backstory to these talented songwriters, producers,
et al, is interesting to read. Clay Aiken has worked with some highly influential people in the past. I believe with the move to Decca/Universal, the caliber of talent he will be surrounded with will only enhance his natural talents and strong vocal prowess.
Look forward to 2010.
Okay, am I the only one who was completely pumped by “Perfect Day”? It has always been one of my favourites.
I think my favourite performance of MOAM was at the Capitol 4th of July celebrations. It was so touching how that song affected the upper brass that was there.
Once again RCA screwed up with the background on it on the album, but it is absolutely beautiful (like him singing in person) on that Sony Legend CD.
Thanks Musicfan and Sue ….. it is going to be a perfect day!
Carole, I LOVE PD – love the videos where his arm movements to the drumbeats get all he girls screeching. Great stuff. THAT should have been the follow-up single to MOAM
Typed too fast there (Clay has that effect on me) – I meant of course Invisible !!!
Great behind the scenes information. I’ve always loved Clay Aiken’s voice, his humanitarian efforts with UNICEF and his own charity as well. I believe 2010 will truly be the breakout year of Clay. He has a #1 label now, it’s only a matter of time before his music is available and appreciated by all music lovers.
Thank you for such an excellent blog.
I still love MOAM. I listened to it the other day and it still makes me smile.
I too still love MOAM the CD, and I am still a huge fan of Clay Aiken.
Measure of a Man always stood out to me from the first moment I heard the MOAM CD. Thanks for the wonderful background information on the writers of this song and the great video to go along with it. You always provide the most amazing Clay Aiken memories on this site!
I can always count on CANN for interesting informative articles. MOAM was a perfect song for Clay and I’m so thankful he recorded it.
This is such a great informative site and I wouldn’t let a day go by without checking it to see what new news you have for us! I’m never disappointed ~~ it’s always interesting and, even with quiet times, you managed to broaden our knowledge. Great video ~~ hope Clay’s next CD is as wonderful as MOAM!
Thanks once again for all the wonderful and informative information on some of the songwriters for MOAM.
I just love MOAM and I think Clay sang it spectacularly on his last Hard Rock Tour in 2008. I was at his last show in Orlando and the audience just wouldn’t quit clapping when he sang MOAM. He actually had to tell them to quit clapping or he wouldn’t be able to finish the show. LOL!!