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SECOND HIGHEST SALES FIGURE SINCE 1993
« on: October 25, 2003, 10:39:45 AM »
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STRATOSPHERIC FIRST WEEK SALES SEND CLAY AIKEN’S
DEBUT ALBUM TO NUMBER ONE ON THE BILLBOARD 200
‘Measure Of A Man’ Is Double Platinum; Sells Extraordinary
613,000 copies the first week.
Aiken Has Second-Highest Sales Figure For a Debuting Solo Artist in the SoundScan Era
“Measure Of A Man,” Clay Aiken’s much-anticipated debut album, is already double platinum and had an extraordinary first week at retail, with sales of 613,000 copies and a smashing debut at No. 1 on The Billboard 200. Aiken has the third highest first-week sales figure of 2003, and the second-highest first week total of any debuting solo artist in the SoundScan era. “Measure Of A Man” sold more copies than any other album by a debuting solo artist since Snoop Dogg’s “Doggystyle” in December 1993.
“Clay Aiken is truly a major talent who will have a long-lasting music career. He has an extraordinary voice and very special natural charisma, which have clearly captivated millions. Clay’s debut album’s explosive sales is almost without historical precedent and we’re all over the moon about his album’s startling success.” Clive Davis, Chairman and CEO- RCA Music Group
The immediate success of the CD is the latest achievement in an amazing year for the 24-year-old native of Raleigh, North Carolina. On Oct. 14, 2002, he auditioned for “American Idol” for the first time. One year later to the day, his album “Measure Of A Man” was released by RCA. In reviewing Clay’s album as “the best pop album of 2003” Billboard magazine went on to say, “Every song, every note is brimming with glory. Throughout, the timeless production focuses squarely on Aiken’s immense talent. In another radio era, this album could be the ‘Thriller’ of the day, spawning hit after hit. ‘Measure of a Man’ is an utter triumph.”
The album was recorded in Los Angeles, Miami, and London under the close supervision of album producer Clive Davis, “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller, and RCA executive Steve Ferrera. Among the songwriters and producers who contributed to the album are Steve Mac, Clif Magness, Desmond Child, Steve Morales, and Rick Nowels. In addition to original songs like “I Will Carry You,” “No More Sad Songs,” and “I Survived You,” the album contains Aiken’s current hit at radio, “Invisible,” and his platinum single, “This Is The Night.”
“I am so proud of Clay. He is an inspiration to everyone around him. He is immensely talented, hard working and intelligent, yet still self-deprecating. Such enormous and remarkable success could not be happening to a more deserving person.” Simon Fuller, Clay Aiken manager, creator and executive producer of American Idol.
Shipping double platinum and debuting at No. 1 were just a part of the most memorable week in Aiken’s life. He also performed the National Anthem at the first game of the World Series, made his debut on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” and appeared on “Good Morning America,” “The Early Show,” “The View,” and “TRL.”
As “Measure Of A Man” continues to fly off the shelves, there’s much more coming up for Aiken. He will perform live on “The American Music Awards” on Nov. 16. He has been nominated for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist as well as the Fan’s Choice Award. Aiken is also scheduled to appear on “The Billboard Music Awards,” live from Las Vegas on Dec. 10.
On November 25th, he’ll sing holiday favorites from the RCA album “American Idol: The Holiday Classics” on “American Idol: Christmas Songs,” a FOX-TV special airing at 8pm. On Nov. 27th he will participate in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and on Nov. 28th he’ll be one of the stars of Nick At Night Holiday Christmas Special.
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