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!
This is one of my favorite songs he sings. It is a perfect fit for sure and to see him with that orchestra gave me chills when I first saw it, and still does. Magnificent, but what isn't from that glorious voice.
I absolutely love this song & the story behind Clay singing this. I know I am certainly proud of our "boy". He is doing wonderfully. Thanks for all of the work you put into this site.
This has always been a special song for me. Thank you for bringing it to us again! Wouldn't it have been wonderful to see him sing this song at the DVD release party?
Reliving this again is great!!! Watching the video and seeing Alan Menkin wiping tears away, was just so moving!!! Always thought Clay's voice was/is absolutely perfect for Disney movies, or any movie soundtrack. Thanks Musicfan as always for bringing these treasurers back to us. We are so fortunate to have videos.
this is a good song that clay sang watching the video and seing alen merkin just wiping his tears away we just so moving i always thought in my mind that clay wold be great singing a disney song and the orcastra when they played proud of you boy it gave me the chills when i first saw it and stilldoes incredable but what isent from that amazing voice