Proud of Your Boy was an important song to the staff of Aladdin. It was written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menkin, the composing duo who also wrote the music for The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. The song focused on Aladdin’s relationship with his mother and Ashman said that it was his favorite song in the film.
In the middle of Aladdin’s production, Howard Ashman died of AIDS. It was a difficult time for all involved in Aladdin. It must have been even tougher for Alan when the decision was made to take the mother out of the story. The cut meant taking Proud of Your Boy out of the film which now Alan had become very attached to since the death of his friend.
Clay Aiken became a part of the Disney family by singing Proud of Your Boy for the new DVD. Alan Menkin said that Clay fit the part perfectly and was very pleased that Clay was involved with the DVD. After the recording, Buena Vista Home Entertainment became the title sponsor of Clay’s first tour.
On September 30th, 2004, Clay Aiken attended the release party for the Aladdin (Disney Special Platinum Edition) DVD. Clay was accompanied by his friend, Amber Nix. He walked down the “Blue” carpet and chatted with the press. Inside the theater, Clay performed the song Proud of Your Boy.
The following videos are great. I hope you enjoy them!
Did you buy the DVD with Clay singing?
That song gets me every time.
Why didn't I know about Clay attending the opening and SINGING POYB? I have the 2 disc DVD so I had to be around somewhere! Amazing song by the way. It still makes me tear up.
Absolutely – love Clay singing that song!! <3 I even got the little stuffed monkey that they gave with
the DVD – it is still out on one of my little tables – Close to my copy of LTS. Did anyone else get the
monkey with their DVD?
Whaaaat monkey? No I didn't know there WAS one!
Of course, I bought the DVD as well as other Disney CDs with POB. Perfect song for Clay.
Yes, I did buy the DVD Alladin with Clay singing POYB, loved it! Clay sang it so beautifully! Thanks Musicfan xo
Love this song and proud of our boy!
I really love this song! Aladdin was one of my fave movies as a kid, and Clay sings this song so effortlessly and beautifully!
Just recently was able to get the two disc set, it's difficult to find now. Perfect song in so many ways for Clay.
I tried to buy "Proud of Your Boy" as a single on iTunes, but you have to buy the whole album. I'd love to have that song by Clay…it is so beautiful. I loved what Alan Menkin said about how special it was to have Clay perform the tune.
ilove that song and i am indeed proud of our man