ClayManiacs

DisneyHand Helps Bubel/Aiken Foundation Make Wishes Come True
BURBANK, Calif., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first-time-ever, Buena Vista Home Entertainment has become the title sponsor of a major concert tour, sponsoring multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken's first nationwide tour -- which begins today (July 8, 2004). The multi-platinum selling artist becomes part of Disney's animation legacy by singing "Proud of Your Boy," a lost gem from the Disney vault, from Academy Award® winning songwriters Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. The inspiring song, was originally intended for the ALADDIN film but cut when the ALADDIN storyline changed. Clay Aiken's rendition will be featured only on the DVD debut of Disney's animated classic ALADDIN (also on the VHS), both of which will be available as a SPECIAL EDITION, on October 5, 2004. Unavailable in any form for over ten years, the double Academy Award® winning ALADDIN is presented for the first time in a digital format, in a magical 2-Disc DVD set with a whole new world of bonus features. The sponsorship will also benefit the efforts of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation thanks to a donation from DisneyHand, worldwide outreach for The Walt Disney Company. The 50-city summer tour is scheduled to open in Grand Fork, North Dakota on July 8 and conclude in Raleigh, North Carolina October 18.
"When Disney approached me to record this song," noted Aiken, "I was honored to have the chance to work with the incredible songwriter Alan Menken, pay tribute to his writing partner Howard Ashman and become part of the tremendous Disney songbook legacy."
"I love Clay Aiken's performance of 'Proud of Your Boy' and I was knocked out by the strength of his talent. To have this lost song, so dear to my heart and so vital to my collaboration with Howard Ashman, finally brought fully to life is a dream come true," said Alan Menken.
As the exclusive sponsor, Walt Disney Home Entertainment will participate in a variety of activities in key markets, geared toward raising awareness for the ALADDIN SPECIAL EDITION DVD release, Aiken's Summer tour, the charities and providing special offers for Aiken's fans. Among these activities are:
     -  Exclusive sneak previews of the "Proud of Your Boy" Music Video
     -  A special message about DisneyHand and Aiken's shared commitment to
        children
     -  Cross-promotional website activities on both www.aladdindvd.com and
        www.clayaiken.com