It was late on July 1, 2004 and a thunderstorm was threatening Manhattan. This was causing lots of frowns and lots of worry. Bad weather just couldn’t happen…..Not at that time…..Clay Aiken was scheduled to perform early the next morning and some of the potential audience was already waiting OUTSIDE to see their favorite singer.
Clay Aiken was performing in Bryant Park for Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series and fortunately, the weather was fine!!
The anchors and reporters for GMA were amazed. Each one, including Diane Sawyer, announced that it was the biggest fan gathering they had ever had for one of their concerts. The crowd was enthusiastic and there were many fans that brought signs declaring their love of Clay!!
Clay’s mother, Faye Parker was at the park for the concert. She was excited about the concert and the fans and graciously signed many autographs for the fans.
Before the concert started, there were many mentions of Clay and the up-coming concert. The weatherman for the show was stationed at the park. He interviewed audience members and was enthusiastic about the concert and amazed at the fans that had traveled from throughout the United States and Canada to see and hear Clay. Back in the station, the TV audience was told that Clay’s first album, Measure of A Man, had gone triple platinum. The audience also saw a clip of the cute skit that was a part of Clay’s visit to the Jimmy Kimmel Show.
Clay, along with his band and back-up singers performed three songs. They “rocked out” on Invisible, I Will Carry You, and I Survived You. This performance was a warm-up for Clay’s solo tour that was scheduled to start later in the month.
It was an exciting morning and everything seemed to go well. Clay looked great, the music was wonderful and the staff of GMA was supportive and shocked by both Clay’s wonderful concert, and the huge, supportive audience. AND, the thunderstorm didn’t hit Manhattan after all!!
Relive this amazing concert by watching the great videos below.
Love this blog. Thanks for the memories.
I just love those videos with Clay singing, never get tired of them, wonderful man he is. Thanks Musicfan xo
It is so exciting to watch Clay in Bryant Park again. He was just back in NYC meeting with folks about his run for NC-2. So much has changed and moved forward in Clay's life in just 10 years!
Watching this is bittersweet to me. The world was just beginning to open up to Clay then and now he's taken an entirely different direction. His talent, charm and charisma are like no other. So heartwarming to see Diane Sawyer hug him and call him "family." He still has that effect on people. That and his smarts and dedication I hope will win him this election and an opportunity to prove that he's so much more than those early fans ever even could dream.