Producer David Foster loves him some Clay Aiken singing UM, the latest request coming in an unscheduled performance Friday. Cindilu2's very special graphic highlights Clay's UM performances through the years. The 2009 Champions Gala raised over $465k.

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UNCHAINED then ... now ... forever. - Graphic by cindilu2

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America Pays Tribute to Veterans

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Foster a Clay Aiken-UM 'Junkie'

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David Foster might as well be president of the Clay Nation when it comes to unabashed appreciation for Clay Aiken's rendition of "Unchained Melody." Like me, he is a true Clay Aiken-UM "junkie."

In the past few years, the successful Canadian music producer has specifically requested that Singer Man perform UM at his foundation's gala and in two David Foster & Friends concerts, the most recent being an unscheduled appearance in San Jose, CA last Friday night.

Using the video of rob91902 with the audio by kjmmom, the surround version of UM was posted at YouTube by EcirahcVirus on Veterans Day. Here is a Sendspace audio download of the performance.

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San Jose screen cap by Dancermom2, video by rob91902.

Fans first heard Clay sing UM on American Idol, eventually discovering an earlier treasure in the singer's Hometown Connection recording. The lead graphic by cindilu2 highlights Clay's association with the song from American Idol to the Jukebox Tour and David Foster performances.

"Unchained then ... now ... forever" was originally a banner at the Finding Clay Aiken message board. From the banner emerged cindilu2's handsome opening graphic.

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Unchained banner by cindilu2

With over 500 versions in hundreds of different languages, "Unchained Melody" is one of the most recorded songs of the 20th Century. In 1955, Alex North was contracted to compose music for the theme song of "Unchained," an obscure prison film.

Hy Zaret wrote the lyrics, and Todd Duncan sang the vocals for the soundtrack. Nowhere in the lyrics is the word "unchained," but the song became known as "Unchained Melody."

An instrumental version by Les Baxter (Capitol) was followed by Al Hibbler (Decca), Jimmy Young (UK), and Roy Hamilton (Epic), ranking at or near the top of the Billboard pop and R&B charts in 1955. "Unchained Melody" was the first and only song to have four different versions in the Top 40 in the same week.

The July 1965 recording by The Righteous Brothers became a jukebox standard for the late 20th century. It regained massive popularity when featured in the 1990 blockbuster film Ghost.

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Graphic by AmazingCA, photos by Tasapio

Always a favorite with Clay Aiken fans, "Unchained Melody" was a hit on the 2005 Jukebox Tour. Jojoct's recording of the Toledo Jukebox UM can be viewed at YouTube.

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In 2006, at his host's request, Clay sang UM at a gala benefit concert for the David Foster Foundation in Vancouver. Link to 2006 David Foster Gala to view the UM performance on YouTube.

Clay has often stated that UM is his mother's favorite song. It was also a chart topper with my mother.

Countless afternoons, at Mother's request, I carried along a tape of Clay Aiken songs to play during visits in the nursing home. The two most requested songs were "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Unchained Melody" with Mama Mac singing backup throughout.

Oh, my love, my darling, I've hungered for your touch a long, lonely time, Time goes by so slowly and time can do so much. Are you still mine? I need your love, I need your love, God speed your love to me.

It's amazing the memories spurred by Singer Man's surprise appearance on Friday. Thnx for taking this "Unchained Melody" stroll with me and especially to cindilu2, who provided the artwork.

Champions Gala Raises $465,000

Supporters of the National Inclusion Project helped raise over $465,000 at the Oct. 17 gala honoring 2009 Champions, the foundation announced today.

The funds will be used to give children with disabilities the opportunity to experience life along side their typical peers. Read the complete release in Triangle Business News or at the above website link.

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America Honors All Who Served

A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life." - Author Unknown

Thank you to veterans past and present. God Bless the USA!

This blog is also posted at Carolina On My Mind with video players and clickable graphics. Thank you for your kind comments in the OFC and Internet Clay blogs.

Happy Veterans/Remembrance Day! Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

• Caro