Clay Connor Interview

[Gypsee]

Thanks very much to Clay for taking the time to give us yet another view of Taylor in the early days, from one of his good friends. Clay is a fantastic artist in his own right and has performed in many venues. You can find info about Clay and his band at the end of this interview. Here is what Clay has to say about our inquiries:

*Please do not repost this interview or photos elsewhere. Thanks!*

TTHC: What are your memories about Taylor as a musician back in those days? He is so focused and pursues his Dreams so passionately. Was he always this way?

Clay: I remember very good times. I enjoyed the music or I wouldn't have played with him. I remember him being frustrated by responses we got sometimes. I also remember the Florabama times, when we rocked out. Yes for the most part. He believed in his music because he wrote good songs. And he told me one time that he knew one day it would happen for him.


TTHC: Do you have a favorite performance or venue you played with Taylor?

Clay: Probably an Auburn festival, definitely City Stages and the Alabama Theatre.


TTHC: Give us a story or two about those early days with Taylor? Anything you'd like to share is great!

Clay: I have to plea the fifth on this one.


TTHC: What did you think when you heard that Taylor was going to be on American Idol?

Clay: I laughed. You have to understand Taylor and I are great friends and this was not in our realm.


TTHC: How did you and Taylor end up getting together?

Clay: He used to come and sit in with me when Cool Beans would be playing out in clubs. I also would invite him to sit in, and then he hired me.


TTHC: When you see Taylor perform now, what is the biggest difference you see?

Clay: None. He is exactly the same performer as the first time we played together. There's nothing fake about him.

TTHC: Thanks so much, Clay! Here is a bit about Clay Connor, who everyone should take the time to listen to!

Clay: You can buy my cds online at www. clayconnor. com or myspace/clayconnor. Brian and I just started a new band about 3 months ago called Front Wheels. We have a myspace page that is being updated. We also will be going into the studio soon to record an album, December 13th and 14th.

Here are the links to Clay's sites:
Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/marylandavemusic

Clay Connor:
http://www.clayconnor.com/

Front Wheels:
http://www.myspace.com/frontwheels

[Gypsee]

Here is a glimpse of Clay's super talent!

Ain't Afraid To Die


It's Going Down

[Gypsee]

Clay's Photos....you can see LOTS more at his myspace and his personal website!

[PurpleButterflies]

I really enjoyed reading this! Thank you Clay and thank you Gypsee!

[san]

Thanks so much, Clay, for talking about Taylor.

I see something in all these interviews from old friends and band mates...Taylor is always Taylor. "There's nothing fake about him." It is refreshing in our modern world to see the real deal. It is evident in his music that this is really Taylor Hicks.

Thanks, Gypsee, for bringing these to us. This is really good reading!

[Gypsee]

Yep....the sincerity and admiration these friends who knew Taylor from before, just come through loud and clear. It's easy to see why they feel this way...and why he is so well respected among his peers.

He is R. E. A. L.

[RagsQueen]

Clay's a great guy and musician in his own right! I had a chance to see him several months ago and was very impressed! Helped me to understand the music scene in B'ham before Taylor won AI & since.

I'll bet he laughed - probably doubled over - and then realized Taylor was dead serious! Nice to see Taylor has kept his friends close!

[mouser]

I am always wary when people won't talk about those past incidents. I know I have always been pure of mind , spirit and action : AREN'T WE ALL??? LOL

Discretion is the better part of valor is obviously the motto of more people than just Falstaff.

Thanks Clay for taking the time to answer a few questions.

[Coder]

Hello again Clay! Brendon and I have your autographed poster up in our room. We listen to your CD all the time. Didn't know about the new band. See you at Front Wheels! Brenda

[Gypsee]

Here are some photos of Clay and Taylor, both pre and post Idol, at Flora Bama. These are posted here WITH PERMISSION from Clay

[loripjb]

He pleads the fifth

I can just imagine!!

Nice interview!!! Great pics

[Gypsee]

LOL lori, I tried to get him to reconsider, but NO dice...

[Gypsee]

Wow Clay's new band, Front Wheels, is hopping! Check out their new schedule!

Upcoming Shows ( view all )

Nov 14 2008 8:00P
THE BAR ST.CLAIR COUNTY PELL CITY, Alabama
Nov 15 2008 8:00P
THE BAR ST. CLAIR COUNTY PELL CITY, Alabama
Nov 26 2008 8:00P
THE OPEN DOOR CAFE BIRMINGHAM, Alabama
Dec 5 2008 12:00P
MARTY’S BIRMINGHAM, Alabama
Dec 6 2008 8:00P
OTEY’S TAVERN IN CRESTLINE VILLAGE MTN.BROOK, Alabama
Dec 13 2008 8:00P
C.R.S RECORDING STUDIO FT.PAYNE, Alabama
Dec 14 2008 8:00P
C.R.S RECORDING STIDIO FT.PAYNE, Alabama
Dec 19 2008 8:00P
THE METRO BISTRO BIRMINGHAM, Alabama
Dec 26 2008 8:00P
BILLY’S IN MTN. BROOK BIRMINGHAM, Alabama

[Gypsee]

Woohoo! Clay has given me permission to post another oldie of him and Taylor!

[mouser]

Taylor looks like he is actually sitting still in this picture..........unusual poster for him, don't ya think? LOL

[Gypsee]

***UPDATE FROM CLAY ON HIS NEW BAND FRONT WHEELS, WITH BRIAN LESS***

From Front Wheels myspace:
FRONT WHEELS WILL BE IN THE STUDIO THIS WEEKEND
We will be putting the final touches on the C.D this weekend.
Look for the finished product in March!

[Gr8fulheart]

How in the world did I miss that picture? How Cute!
Thanx Gypsee for the post.

[Gypsee]

***UPDATE***

Clay and Brian Less have a new CD coming out for their band Front Wheels! Here is some info posted on their Front Wheels myspace:

Front Wheels

04-03-2009 20:00 at CD RELEASE PARTY @ SMITH’S OLE BAR
, ATLANTA, Georgia
Cost:

ATLANTA ROOM

[Gypsee]

Here are videos from YouTube of Brian Less and Clay with their new band, FrontWheels. Their new CD is now available!

Georgia ~ Brian Less:


Honeky Cat: Featuring Clay on guitar:

[Gypsee]

MAKE SURE TO GET YOURSELF A COPY OF FRONT WHEELS NEW CD RIGHT HERE:

http://www.clayconnor.com/

THIS CD FEATURES BOTH CLAY CONNOR AND BRIAN LESS!