For many years, Clay Aiken toured throughout the United States during the holiday season. Called The Joyful Noise Tours, Clay presented a program that was filled with joy and was a beautiful way to celebrate the holidays.
One of the most breathtaking moments of the concerts was actually the encore from the early days of touring. Good News is a dramatic song which conveys the true meaning of Christmas.
Good News was written Rob Mathes, a 47-year-old composer, arranger, conductor, producer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist. Besides writing beautiful music, the multi-talented Mathes has written arrangements for Jay-Z, Elton John, Mary J. Blige, Tim McGraw, Lou Reed, Beck, Chris Botti, Sting, Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming, Luciano Pavarotti and more.
In 2012, Mathes received an Emmy in the Outstanding Music Direction category for his work with The Kennedy Center Honors, a special that airs on CBS each holiday season. He also was the musical director of We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in 2008.
Good News was on an album by Rob Mathes called William The Angel. In 1993, the country singer, Kathy Mattea, included the song Good News on her holiday album, titled Good News.
Clay’s performance of Good News was exquisite and brought many people to tears.
Good news / Good news
An angel brings Good news
Good news / Good news
I leave you with Good news
Close your eyes / Fold your hands
For a moment let your sorrow fade
Why, oh, why are you afraid
Has this world stripped you of your faith
Close your eyes and on bended knee
Listen to an angel pray
And once again prepare the way
So you’ll see a gift that’s given
For you a time of joy/ Behold a baby boy
~~~
Good news / Good news
I leave you with…
I leave you with
Good news
The following video was recorded in Louisville during the 2005 tour. I would imagine you will just have to watch it more than once.
I certainly would love to hear a professional recording of Clay performing this beautiful song.
Did you ever hear Clay sing this song live at a concert?
Yes, indeed. I was at a Christmas concert at what was formerly the Kodak Theater in 2005 when Clay came back in for the Good News encore. I was seated right near an exit when I looked up and saw that Clay's bodyguard, Jerome, had slipped back into the auditorium just to hear him sing this wonderful song. It is one of my favorites and I agree, Clay should make a professional recording of it. Wouldn't it be wonderful if he did a limited release Christmas EP, such as the "Good News" EP that was available only at Walmart a few years ago – and sold out!. That was the one with the breathtaking cover art and renditions of "All Is Well," "Christmas Waltz," "Emmanuel," and "My Grownup Christmas List." Thanks for bringing back this sweet Christmas concert memory.
2005 was the first time I ever saw Clay "live". My venue was a bit rowdy with some drunkies in the front section. I don't know if that was the reason, but they did not sing "Good News", so I have only seen it through clack. This is a WONDERFUL version musicfan. Does anybody have the best in their opinion mp3 version of it? I can probably find it if somebody can direct me to the venue etc….. thanks in advance!! I'd love to add it to my Christmas folder!!
"We saw him in Wallingford CT in 2005 and he show was so Fabulous. H did such an AWESOME job putting it together. Its a Concert/ Play the best of both Worlds. It just goes to show you just how MULTI-TALENTED he really is. Hope he goes back to his Singing Roots…Miss it so much. I know the Clay Mates would WELCOME him back with Open Arms hands down NO Questions asked….Keep your fingers crossed"!!!
I attended this concert in Cincinnati with a friend who had never see Clay before. She was blown away by his performance. Good News would certainly be a song worth recording for Clay, but he doesn't have a record label at this time (as far as I know). I hope Clay is having time to enjoy the holidays with his son and family this year, but we sure do miss his Christmas tours.
I can't seem to log in. I have seen Clay sing Good News live a couple of times. It fast became one of my favorite live performances, not only of Clay, but of anyone. To see and hear him sing this inspiring song is a spiritual experience. It left me with goose bumps, chills, tears, and a smile. If there's anyone who doesn't feel something when he performs this song, they need to get checked for a pulse. Even watching the youtube vids of this performance leaves me with wonderfully, hopeful emotions, at a time when I doubt so much. Thank you, Clay! Shenandoah2
Loved "Good News". Clay always seems to finish his concerts off with the best song, that stays in your head. I was fortunate enough to see him perform this live, so I will forever be thankful for that.
Thanks Musicfan for putting up the video again. It's been awhile, and I loved it.
Wow. This is a very moving performance. I never knew Clay sang this song. From what I read about Rob Mathes, he and Clay should work together…maybe on a new album.
Thanks for the information and beautiful video.
Yes, I have heard Clay perform this live in concert and was at Louisville. It was unforgettable as almost all his concerts are. I so miss seeing him perform live. It just seems down right shameful that we are not able to hear his glorious voice. He does Christmas like no other. However, he can also rock a song just as well.