What were you doing in 1968? If you were around at that time, you probably heard one of the biggest pop music hits of the year. Written by Mike d’Abo and Tony Macaulay, the song was released by The Foundations.
Do you know what song I am talking about? Well, Clay Aiken sang it on American Idol and then blamed Ben Cohn for the “high” range of the song on his PBS Special….yes! It is Build Me Up Buttercup.
“Buttercup” reached the number 2 spot on the UK charts and the number 3 spot on the Billboard 100. It was on the Billboard chart for 11 weeks.
Younger music fans were probably introduced to Build Me Up Buttercup when it was included in the 1998 film, There’s Something About Mary. The actors of the film actually made a video of the song. All the main actors mimed the words in the character of their role in the movie.
For some reason The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play “Buttercup” during the seventh-inning stretch. Of course, it is played after Take Me Out To The Ballgame. The crowd sings along and seems to enjoy the song.
On April 29, 2003, Clay Aiken sang Build Me Up Buttercup on American Idol. It was the Top 5 show and the first time each contestant sang two songs on the same night. Neil Sedaka was the celebrity judge for the evening.
Clay’s rendition of the song was a fan favorite so it was included on Clay’s PBS Special, titled Tried & True, Live! The talented Ben Cohn wrote the arrangement of the song that made Clay work the upper range of his voice. Clay received a standing ovation for the performance at the live concert.
The talented SueReu put together another fabulous video, combining many different Clay performances of “Buttercup”. Any time we get a SueReu video we know we are in for a treat. ENJOY!!
And lets hope we hear something (anything) about Clay and his adventure in New York!!
Clay sounds so great singing Build Me Up Buttercup. Thanks SueReu for another fantastic video!
I love Build Me Up Buttercup! Thanks for all the great information – loved Clay singing both on American Idol and during the Tried and True concert – so much fun!!
Thank you for using my video =)
What was I listening to in 1968…the Wedding March! I got married in August. Never cared much for Buttercup until I heard Clay sing it on AI 2. Clay was able to deflect Simon's jab with a quick comeback after he performed the song.
I love Buttercup so I'm glad Clay included it in his last tour and on the PBS special.
And, the entire student body in attendance at every Badger football game in Madison, Wisconsin sings it as well. When I heard about it, here on this board, I watched the Nebraska/Wisconsin game two weeks ago. They did it again, so I assume it is a weekly treat anytime they play in town. They must rehearse it a lot, as it is sung loud, clear and correctly. Love it. Now I watch every week whenever the University of Wisconsin at Madison play at home in Camp Randall Stadium.
Does anybody know what turned on this adoration of this delightful song of late?
LOVE THAT CLAY NO OTHER VOICE LIKE HIS.
I really enjoyed that video of Clay singing "Buttercup." I have always liked it ever since I saw Clay sing it on AI2. He does a great job on it…and it is an upbeat song.
iliked when clay sang butter cup
Absolutely fabulous!!!! I love it when he has to stretch to get it (you know, when he gets to show off). Great job Sue, Ben and of course Clay!
Buttercup is a real fun song…it is odd that the words are sad but the music so happy.
I love the Ben Cohn arrangement. It makes Clay sound really good.
Thank you for the information.
I don't actually remember Buttercup before Clay and I was old enough in 1968-a junior in high school but I don' t remember it at all. That is okay by me though because I don't think anyone could have sang it as well as Clay has. Love his version!
I was born that year. That's my #1 fave Clay song.!