As the final show of the “Next Great American Band” was about to begin, fans and family members of the Clark Brothers gathered into the Franklin Center to see if three of Franklin County’s own would make it to the top.
As the final show of the “Next Great American Band” was about to begin, fans and family members of the Clark Brothers gathered into the Franklin Center to see if three of Franklin County’s own would make it to the top.
The Clark Brothers, Adam, Ashley, and Austin, have been competing for the top spot on “Next Great American Band” since the show aired on October 19. Ashley Clark said he and his brothers were watching “Idol Gives Back” when they saw the advertisement about the Next Great Band contest; it was the last day to send in a tape and on a whim the brothers made a tape and sent it in.
Out of 6,000 tapes that were sent in to the show only 60 were selected to go on to Las Vegas for the judging sessions that whittled the bands down to just 12 finalists. One by one the bands were eliminated after receiving the fewest votes from the viewers of the show.
In the end there were only three bands left Denver And The Mile High Orchestra, Light Of Doom, and Franklin County’s own, The Clark brothers. During the first few moments of the finale show, host Dominic Bowden announced that over two and a half million votes had been cast after the final performance show.
As family and fans watched the show unfold, , Adam, Ashley, and Austin were in another room of the Franklin Center, a fact that was known by only a select few that were on a need to know basis.
As the final two bands Sixwire and The Clark Brothers were called to center stage. Host Dominic Bowden revealed that the “Next Great American Band” was The Clark Brothers. When the judges were asked for their reaction, “Dicko” said “I’m thrilled, absolutely thrilled to bits. With all due respect to all of the other bands and especially to Sixwire, you guys week after week brought the magic and to me that’s what music is about.” Shelia E. said “I am so happy. I am so proud. I prayed for this moment. I really, really did.” John Rzeznik said “I just have to say ‘I knew it all along.’”
As the announcement was made, The Franklin Center erupted into cheers and applause from those viewing the show on several projection screens. Since the finale was a taped show, some of the family and a few select friends of the Clark Brothers already knew the outcome, but everyone that didn’t have a clue as to the results leaped from their chairs screaming with joy for the Clarks.
When the cheers died down, Debra Wier with the Franklin County Department of Commerce and Leisure Services announced that there was a surprise for everyone, as she introduced the “special guest”, Adam, Ashley, and Austin Clark entered the room. As they entered the crowd once again erupted with cheers and applause. Adam Clark spoke to the crowd and thanked everyone for their support, and went on to tell the crowd in the same humble fashion that they had shown many times during the competition that they would have never made it with out their many fans as well as the love and support from their family.
To show appreciation for all those who came to watch the finale, Adam along with Ashley, and Austin with instruments in hand performed one of the songs (This little light of mine) that they had performed during the competition.
After the performance, Debra Wier introduced County Administrator Rick Huff, who then read a declaration by the Town of Rocky Mount and the Franklin County Board of Supervisors declaring December 22nd to be officially known as “The Clark Brothers Day”. The official document bearing the official seals of both the Town of Rocky Mount and Franklin County which had been mounted on a plaque was then presented to the brothers as the crowd gave a standing ovation.
The next speaker was Bill Smith with the Crooked Road Trail project. Smith told the crowd that the Clarks were helping to keep the music of Franklin County, as well as Southwestern Virginia alive. Smith also read a letter written by Governor Timothy M. Kaine which thanked the Clarks for representing the Commonwealth of Virginia on a national level and bringing even more attention to The Crooked Road Trail. That letter was also mounted on a plaque and presented to Adam, Ashley, and Austin which in turn brought about another round of roaring applause.
Adam, Ashley, and Austin Clark spent the next hour and a half meeting fans, posing for photographs, as well as signing fans, hats, and T-shirts emblazoned with their likeness along with the phrase “The Clark Brothers, The new sound of the crooked road”.
Take a look at the photo gallery for this event:
Set 1
