Today is the anniversary of the release of

Measure of A Man…

the first album from Clay Aiken!

Released on October 14, 2003

Debuted at #1 on Billboard 200

 Went  Double Platinum on November 17, 2003

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Wait….What happened the night before the CD was released??

It was Monday night, October 13, 2003. It was just like any other Monday night, but, wait…….this was a very different Monday night! Clay Aiken was making his debut on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

It was the night before Clay’s first CD was released and Clay stopped by the show as part of the promotion for “Measure Of A Man.”

It was obvious that Jay was amazed at the crowd that was there just to see Clay. From the beginning of the show to the very end, Clay’s name was used to get the crowd excited. Jay commented more than once that there were many fans that spent the night outside of the studio so that they would be able to see the taping of the show.

It seemed that many of the fans in the studio and at home, watching on TV,  were anxious for Clay to appear. They sat through an interview with comedian, Wanda Sykes, but began to lose patience when the “bird lady” seemed to take for ever!!

Clay Aiken performed “Invisible” and even added some new dance moves to the performance. Afterwards, he talked with Jay before a screaming crowd. Jay told Clay about the overnight crowd of fans and even got Clay to turn his feet around.

After the taping, Clay went directly to the airport to catch a plane to New York for more promotional appearances. But, Clay did make a short detour to wave at his fans who were attending a release party in the area. He didn’t have time to stop, but the fans saw his wave as he drove by. It certainly made the party guests happy and excited!!

Did you watch the show that night? I did and remember being very excited to see Clay seemingly so relaxed and professional.

I hope you enjoy the video that shows both Clay’s musical performance and his first Leno interview.