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.
Proud of Your Boy was an important song to the staff of the movie musical, 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.
I have added videos to this blog. They are wonderful behind the scenes stories about the song and why they chose Clay to sing. They are exciting to watch.
I really enjoy this song. Do you like it too?
I'm sure Ms. Kaye Parker is proud of her boy! Clay has made such an impact on the music world and the world itself! No wonder we are so proud to be fans and supporters of OMC! Thank you, CANN for sharing!
I was excited to get this DVD with the little monkey ( stuffed animal) that came with the DVD! It was a special offer still have the monkey sitting beside some other Clay books and
DVD's. Both of these videos are included and I treasure them. Yes, Clay makes so many proud of him – including his Mom, as Shirley said.
Thank you – CANN! It is such a joy to see how everyone took interest in Clay in the early years and even now!
I am certan that clays mother is very proud of clay he has indeed made such a very impact on the music wold and on the wold itself no wonder im so proud to be one of the many clay aikken fans and a surporter of clay thanks so much cann
Thank you for the pictures and videos. This is one of the songs, that I wish stay in the movie.