CD featuring local phenom flying off the shelves
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Day 26 released its self-titled debut album on Tuesday. Local residents flooded record stores around the county in support of the all-male R&B group, which includes Gaffney native Michael McCluney (right).

Last August, Gaffney residents celebrated as native son Michael McCluney was chosen by Bad Boy Entertainment president and CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs as one of five men to be part of the label's next all-male R&B group.

The town showed its support for the local talent again Tuesday, flooding record stores in hope of securing a copy of the band's selftitled debut album, "Day 26."

"It is definitely good to see someone from your hometown who you went to school with make it big," Gaffney High School senior Brandee Bonner said.

"He has made us all very proud of him," Gaffney resident Asia Littlejohn said. "I heard a friend's copy of the CD and fell in love with it. I cannot wait to pick up a copy of my own."

Local music distributor Carousel Records received its shipment of the album last week, expecting a number of fans, friends and family to request copies in advance. Despite its efforts, the record store was still forced to request more copies to be shipped after selling out early Tuesday afternoon.

"It is definitely good to see someone from your hometown who you went to school with make it big." - Brandee Bonner

"That album has been flying off the shelf... a lot of people want it," said Carousel Records owner Steve Petty. "The fact that (McCluney) is a local guy definitely has something to do with that and why it is in such high demand."

McCluney was known locally not only for his musical prowess. The talent was part of Gaffney High School's 2003 Class 4A Division I championship team in addition to its step team. However, his surviving auditions and criticism from Combs earned him a place in the national spotlight.

According to Gaffney High School senior David Dewberry, McCluney always felt he would have his time in the limelight.

"(McCluney) always had the confidence he would be able to make it," Dewberry said. "He showed that while he was on 'Making the Band.'"

Though McCluney is making waves in New York and a number of other cities across the country, he is still making an impression on his peers in Cherokee County.

"I'm happy to see someone from Gaffney live out their dreams in front of a national audience. Mike's showing that we are talented in more than sports." - Damar Bridges

"He is a big inspiration to the younger kids...giving them belief they can do something with themselves," Dewberry said. "He has shown us that dreams do come true. Anything is possible if you work hard and don't give up."

The group is currently on tour promoting its album with other "Making the Band" artists Danity Kane and Donnie Klang.

Day 26's first single off its self-titled album, "Got Me Going," is currently 42nd on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

With the album's release, some expect it to rise even more.

"I believe they will definitely do well," Littlejohn said. "The album is going to knock its competition out of the water."

"(McCluney) has shown us that dreams do come true. Anything is possible if you work hard and don't give up." - David Dewberry