Rivenmaster Meets Allan Clelland Goddard and Connor Blackley in Florida

Over the last two weeks I did some amazing traveling from Michigan all the way down to Houston, Texas where I met two young bass players Tommy Freeman and Michael Thompson. (See Recent Article)

We left Texas and traveled the Gulf States of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, stopping along the way to enjoy some sites.

Palm Trees In Baton Rouge

We enjoyed a short visit to Baton Rouge touring a River Boat and then again in Orange Beach, Alabama visiting a friend. We were taken back by the beautiful area with a white sandy beach that lined the shoreline for miles.  I don’t think I have ever seen such beautiful white sand! While it was very warm and humid, it was well worth the stop to enjoy this area of the country!

Leaving Alabama I was soon sitting at the tip of Florida, trying to decide which way to go. Having several young artists who are regularly featured on my site residing in Florida, I quickly decided to go further south taking an 11 hour trip down to the Jacksonville and Orlando Area.

While I wish I would have had more time, and been able to see everyone I know in Florida, I was happy to be able to visit with two very talented young men and their families. Allan Clelland-Goddard, and Connor Timothy Blackley.

Rivmaster-Allan Clelland-Goddard

My first visit was to the home of Allan Clelland-Goddard where we were treated to a wonderful visit to their home and a backyard BBQ.  Not only was their home beautiful but the hospitality shown to me was incredible and will never be forgotten.

Visiting with Allan was especially enjoyable as we were able to sit down together in his living room and do an exclusive interview with him which we are happy to now share with all of you.

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Connor Blackley Third Round X-Factor Audition Experience

"Connor Blackley at Home"

Connor Blackley has always been an amazing vocalist!

From the very first article I wrote about him, I saw a tremendous young talented singer, whose skills and abilities were destined to carry him on a great adventure, ultimately fulfilling his dream to become a Pop/ Country recording artist.  In fact I likened him to a miniature Garth Brooks in the making!

While Connor is very versatile and should not be locked into just one genre, I think you will agree that when he sings a country ballad he demands your attention.  Even more so now, with his treble days behind him, Connor’s new mature, full sounding vocals, draw you in delivering even greater meaning to the songs he performs.

I’m very happy to debut his latest single cover here for your enjoyment!  If you have been keeping up with Connor on this site, you’re going to be amazed at his brand new sound in this cover of  “Anymore by: Travis Tritt!

In my last update I announced that Connor and his good friend and singing partner Cortnie Frazier had won the opportunity to audition for Simon Crowell’s new reality singing competition show X-Factor.

While I wish I could tell you that we will be seeing Connor perform this fall, he and Cortnie were not selected to go further in the competition.  Regardless of this decision for this year, these two fine young singers not only enjoyed a wonderful experience, but also were benefited by some terrific local media attention prior to their audition for the show.

CONNOR SING COVER OF “HILBILLY SHOES” AT 2011 NACMAI AWARDS!

 BEHIND THE SCENES STORY!

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Connor Blackley of Florida 2011 X-Factor Hopeful!

Recently I was overjoyed to hear that Connor Blackly of Florida was awarded a front of the line audition pass for Simon Cowell’s new Talent Show X-Factor which will air this fall on Fox.  Connor was first introduced on this blog more than a year and a half ago and his vocals have become even more pronounced and much deeper.  I have often toted that Connor would someday become a Country Star and he has just won an opportunity to possibly sing for America on this American Idol type show in front of a panel of judges.

Of course we don’t want to get too far ahead of the process as his audition for the show will not take place for another couple of weeks.  However this is one blogger that has more than his fingers crossed for this young artist.

I asked his Mother to present a blow by blow account of how this all came about and she sent me the following letter to share with all of you.

“I was watching TV when I saw on Fox 30 News (a Jacksonville station), that they were having a “X-Factor Front of the Line Pass Contest“. They were conducting  a contest at Latitude 30 (a family type club, w/ a bowling alley, arcade, restaurant, comedy/music theater), and they were going to pick 2 acts to win an all expense paid trip to Dallas for the actual X-Factor auditions, providing them with front of the line passes.

Connor Blackley & Cortnie Frazier

Connor had told me weeks earlier that he wanted to audition for the X-Factor, but the closest one to us, was the Miami audition, and besides the 6 hour drive on a weekday, Connor was previously committed to another engagement, so it didn’t happen. When I told him about the contest, he was very psyched, and said that he wanted to audition with his duet partner, Cortnie Frazier (age 12). I called Cortnie’s grandmother, Lawana, and she said that Cortnie would love to audition with Connor. So we coordinated outfits and the kids decided on the stage name of “C Squared” since their
names both start with “C”. … Continue Reading

Connor Blackley Wining Vocalist and Entertainer!

Connor Blackley

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T hirteen year old Connor Blackley from Florida, USA, finished last year with high honors capturing three awards at the Orange Blossom Country Music Association competition.  The International (OBCMAI) competition is held each year in the fall and 2010 proved to be a banner year for Connor.

Connor was awarded first place for Male Vocalist and Male Entertainer of the Year in New Country (age 13 to 17), and also captured first place for mixed duet New Country with his friend Cortnie Frazier (age 12).   With these wins under his belt he is automatically eligible to compete this coming March in the North American Country Music Association, International (NACMAI) in Pigeon Forge, TN.

CONGRATULATIONS CONNOR!

There has never been a doubt in my mind that Connor Blackley is a winner! Since the first time I watched this young man perform I knew he had the it factor!  His natural talent and ability to connect with his audience, regardless of size is inspirational. Connor not only continues to have a good voice but is a real crowd-pleaser. … Continue Reading

Connor Blackley in Nashville

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Connor had a great time in Nashville last month! He sang a 15 minute set at the Hard Rock Cafe and then 15 minute set at the Nashville Palace..

School is in full swing and Connor is doing very well balancing his vocal classes as well as his academic classes.
He is having a blast with his band United. They have several gigs coming in in the next couple of month, including the Orange Park Fall Festival and a Fall festival in Oakleaf. Connor got his start singing in Church and still sings regularly at the church where he attends, and this month he will be singing for Homecoming weekend. … Continue Reading

Connor Blackley Florida’s Country Crooner

Connor has been very busy this summer and participated in a 4 week theatre camp, where he played Willy Wonka in their production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  Connor did an amazing job, and had a great time in the process.

Six months ago, Connor was asked to be the lead singer of a band called United. United is a rock band, which is a little out of Connor’s genre, but he is really enjoying himself and the band is getting quite good. The boys have a unique common ingredient in that each member is 12 years-old. The band consists of, William (on guitar), Nick (on drums) and Joseph (on bass). The band has been playing around the Orange Park, Green Cove Springs, and Fleming Island area and most recently performed for a benefit in Kingsland, Georgia.   … Continue Reading

Connor Blackley “You don’t wanna miss a thing!”

Connor Blackley performing at a local Taste of the Island Festival.

Conner Blackley was first introduced here at Rivenmaster’s Place on January 13, 2010.
Since that time Connor has only continued to improve and his voice has become even richer while still maintaining a fantastic upper register which literally can
Fly Me To The Moon !

The school year has been a busy time for Connor, but he is busting out his summer wings getting ready to fly into performances and competitions which begin as early as this weekend  at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival’s “Generation Next Youth Jazz Competition”.
The competition is for singers and musicians (ages 7 to 21). Last year Connor was the 2nd youngest in the competition and came in 3rd place (he was the highest placing vocalist). Connor is hoping to snag 1st place year and use the $1000 prize towards guitar lessons.

Connor has many opportunities to show is wonderful singing abilities around sunny Florida and is often asked to sing for sport events. In this picture Connor is singing the National Anthem for the Jacksonville Suns at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. In addition to this performance, Connor will also be singing the National Anthem for 2 of USSSA Pride’s (Professional Fast pitch Softball team) games in Orlando, the first one being on June 5th and the second in July. Connor does our Country proud for each and every performance!
This is one young man who lives life to the fullest and enjoys every moment he has to make others happy as he sings.

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Listen to another new recording by Connor, a Tim McGraw song; Live Like you were dying” “Live like you were dying”
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Recently I asked Connor a few questions for which he gave me the following answers.
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Rivenmaster: What is your greatest ambition right now?
Connor: To become a professional singer!
Rivenmaster: Who would you like to sing with if you could sing with anybody?
Connor: That’s a hard question….Brad Paisley. Jon Bon Jovi.
Rivenmaster: What is your most memorable experience so far in your career as a singer?
Connor: Working with Cirque du Soleil in Vegas on the Viva Elvis show.
Rivenmaster: What person in your life is the most inspirational to you?
Connor: My Mom!
Rivenmaster: Who is your Hero?
Connor: I have lots of hero’s: my parents, teachers….but I have to include our military fighting overseas.
Rivenmaster: Do you consider Country Music your favorite choice in music? What other genres do you enjoy if any?
Connor: I really enjoy Country but I love all kinds of music: Jazz, Rock, Oldies, and Christian….all of it.
Rivenmaster: If you could meet any recording artist who would you like to meet?
Connor: There are so many I’d like to meet! Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Usher, Michael Buble.
Rivenmaster: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Connor: Hopefully I will have my own songs playing on the radio and be on tour.

Connor Blackley Jazz Fest 2009

Connor’ school (Lavilla School of the Arts) recently held their end of the year banquet and awards dinner and Connor received 2 medals: one for receiving Superior on his Italian Art song at Solofest in March, and the other for his chorus receiving Superior at the MPA’s earlier in the year.

What else can I add about Connor other than to say that this is one young man who I will have my eye on for several years to come and “I Don’t wanna miss a thing” that this boy records because I for one just can’t get enough!