In the vast world of music, few figures manage to bridge as many cultural and genre boundaries as Clarence Jey. An American songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer of Sri Lankan heritage, Clarence Jey has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
From charting on the US Billboard Hot 100 to contributing to Grammy-winning records and Emmy-nominated TV shows, his journey is a testament to talent, versatility, and relentless creativity.
Early Life and Beginnings of Clarence Jey
Clarence Jey’s story begins in Australia, where he grew up performing with local bands. His passion for music was evident from an early age, and he spent countless hours composing and producing music in his Melbourne studio. It was here that he began to blend his love for music and television, leading to his significant breakthrough in 2007.
Jey wrote and produced the theme song and additional music for the Emmy-nominated Discovery Kids animation television show, “Growing Up Creepie.” This pivotal project set the stage for his relocation to Los Angeles, California, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Rise to Prominence in Television
Upon moving to Los Angeles, Clarence Jey’s career in television music composition flourished. He composed music for popular shows such as “Common Law,” “America’s Got Talent,” “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew,” and “The Newsroom.”
His work extended beyond television, with his music being featured in commercials for major brands like Kohl’s and Vodafone. Jey’s ability to craft compelling and memorable compositions quickly made him a sought-after talent in the industry.
The Viral Sensation: “Friday”
In 2011, Clarence Jey played a pivotal role in one of the most significant viral sensations in internet history. He co-wrote, produced, and engineered “Friday” by Rebecca Black, a song that skyrocketed to over 200 million YouTube hits. The song’s infectious melody and controversial lyrics propelled it onto the US Billboard Hot 100 and iTunes Top 20 in March 2011.
Esteemed figures in the music industry, including Simon Cowell and Lady Gaga, praised the song’s genius. The cast of Fox’s “Glee” covered “Friday,” further cementing its place in pop culture by entering the Hot 100 and iTunes Top 10. The song’s legacy continued with performances by major artists such as Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Miranda Sings.
Contributions to Film and Theater
Clarence Jey’s talents are not confined to music production and songwriting. In 2014, he expanded his repertoire by working in film, producing and composing original songs for the Jean-Claude Van Damme movie, “Full Love,” which premiered at the Shanghai International Film Festival.
Clarence Jey also served as the music supervisor for the film, showcasing his versatility and expertise in different areas of music production.
Continued Success and Recognition
Jey’s collaboration with the US reality show “Famous in 12,” produced by Harvey Levin of TMZ, highlighted his commitment to nurturing new talent.
He wrote and produced music for Reggae sensation Rayvon (known for his work with Shaggy), demonstrating his ability to adapt to various musical styles. In 2015, he produced and composed music for the Grammy-winning R’n’B group All-4-One’s 20th Anniversary album, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Musical Theater and Television Contributions
In 2016/17, Clarence Jey ventured into musical theater, composing music and writing lyrics for “Jambalaya The Musical,” in collaboration with Jeff Barry, an esteemed American songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
Jey’s work in television continued with the production of the opening number for the Hallmark Channel movie “My Christmas Love” and contributions to the Australian TV comedy series “Please Like Me.”
Accolades and Recognition
In 2017, Clarence Jey’s achievements were recognized by the Tamil community in North America when he was awarded the “Tamil American Pioneer” award. This prestigious accolade honored his contributions to music alongside other distinguished winners such as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Palani Kumanan and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.
Recent Achievements
In 2018, Jey continued to make waves on the US Billboard Charts with “Wasted,” a song by New Zealand Roots Reggae Band Katchafire. The track debuted at Number 3, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.
On National French Fry Day in 2018, YouTube sensation Miranda Sings collaborated with Dunkin’ Donuts to release an adapted version of Jey’s hit song “Friday” as part of a marketing strategy. Additionally, Roger McGuinn of The Byrds recorded a cover of “Friday” for his album “Sweet Memories,” which also featured some of The Byrds’ greatest hits.
In 2019, Clarence Jey partnered with Jeff Barry to write songs for “Lego City Adventures,” an animated TV series produced by LEGO. The series premiered on Nickelodeon, further showcasing Jey’s ability to create engaging content for diverse audiences.
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