Sunday Edition Presents: Rod Clemmons
Episode Notes
Hey everyone…
Before we dive into a great conversation this afternoon with Rod I wanted to share a memory that goes along with the theme: a genie for Christmas.
When I was much much much much much younger, our elementary school used to put on a Christmas extravaganza and each grade have their own play. For a while, one of my younger cousins was staying with our family while his mom was out of the country for work. It was during the Christmas season and she would be home the day before Christmas Eve, which that year was the last day of school for us and the day of the Christmas extravaganza.
The kindergarten class which my younger cousin was in always performed.a teacher written play based on the 12 days of Christmas and my little cousin was chosen for the exclusive part of: five golden rings!
So the big surprise was for my aunt to slip in the back of the auditorium during the extravaganza And surprise my cousin!
Well… The surprise worked!
I don’t remember if it was eight… Nine… 10… But during the countdown when there was that wonderfully dramatic pause, my cousin would ring out in his clear beautiful voice: five golden rings.
However, during that eight, nine, 10 or what number it was he looked up and saw his mom sneaking into the back of the auditorium and instead of calling out five golden rings, he said in the sweetest, most vulnerable most affectionate voice:
Hi mommy
And the whole audience corrupted in cheers and well meaning laughter.
To this day, I can still very clearly remember the look on his face and the sound in his voice when he realized his mom was there to see him perform.
I have a lot of favorite Christmas memories, but this one is definitely and the top five.
But I digress as I’m known to do… Hopefully Many of you will listen to this great conversation with Rod later on today This Sunday on Sunday Edition with Anthony Corona 1 PM Eastern on 20/20 The BEACON — or later wherever you get your podcasts. Get ready for a jam-packed episode featuring the one and only Rod Clemmons — Grammy-nominated, totally blind independent R&B artist, songwriter, music producer, keyboardist, conductor, and now, a rising force in film and television. Rod joins Anthony to talk about his upcoming R&B album, his groundbreaking media projects, and the deeply personal holiday movie that’s capturing hearts: “A Jeannie for Christmas.” Inspired by beloved music teacher Jeannie Boyce and the legendary student Christmas productions at the Arkansas School for the Blind, this film is a heartwarming, authentic celebration of community, tradition, and talent. What makes it even more special? It features actual blind and low vision elementary and high school students—bringing real representation to the screen, employing blind talent both in front of and behind the camera. A Jeannie for Christmas is proudly endorsed by the American Council of the Blind and the American Foundation for the Blind and is shaping up to be a landmark in inclusive holiday storytelling. Rod will also share updates on his three original television series in development, including The Doodie Doos, a cartoon series created with fellow Grammy-nominated artist Dan Kenneth, and Best Friends, a heartfelt slice-of-life half-hour show. Want to hear more of Rod’s work or stay in the loop? Check out his full catalog at rodclemmons.hearnow.com and follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/rodclemmons to explore his wide-ranging discography, from jazz and R&B to Gospel and award-winning children’s music. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation — Sunday at 1 PM Eastern on 20/20 The BEACON. Can’t tune in live? No problem! Search for Sunday Edition with Anthony Corona wherever you get your podcasts, or ask your A-Lady to “Play 20/20 The BEACON.” Stay connected and be part of the Sunday Edition family! • Like our Facebook Page: Above the Fold
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