Georgia rock band “Midnight Clear,” won the CBS News’ summer battle of the bands competition on Thursday. It was announced Thursday morning on CBS News’ The Early Show that “Midnight Clear” won the three-month “Living Room Live: Battle of the Bands” competition and will be flown to New York to play live on Monday, September 24 on The Early Show in New York Cit

“Living Room Live: Battle of the Bands received thousands of entries from talented musicians all over the country. ‘Midnight Clear was selected by our viewers as the ultimate band, and we’re thrilled to give them the opportunity to perform live from our studio in New York City,” said producer Tammy Caputo.

The members of Midnight Clear received the good news in various parts of Georgia.

In Savannah, brothers Brant and Jeremy French, co-writers of the band’s performance-winning song, “You Should Have,” kept their phones turned off, because The Early Show airs an hour later in Savannah than on the rest of the East Coast. “We wanted to watch the results when they aired. I was on pins and needles all the way up to the announcement, and then all I could say was ‘thank you Jesus,’” said Brant French, vocals, bass and keyboards. “We’re so excited we’re turning flips so to speak.”

“After all the anticipation, winning this is such a huge accomplishment, and there are no words to describe how I feel,” stated lead vocalist Jeremy French. “It’s so many emotions, happy, excited and thankful all in the same package of gratitude. It’s just surreal and a dream come true.”

In Gainesville, Georgia, guitarist Derrick Gaddis was at work as a Dental Technician at Dental South where his boss Shannon Davidson had the TV turned on before they opened for business. “The staff gathered around anxiously, not knowing if we’d be popping corks and confetti or consoling,” Davidson said. Gaddis admitted, “I’d been really nervous the past couple days. When they finally announced we won, at first, it was just a major release like letting out a breath you’ve been holding in; now, it’s just beginning to sink in how big this is for us,” he said. “People we can’t possibly know came together for us, and it’s an honor that they like what we’re doing when there are so many great bands out there.”

What about going to New York City for the first time for yet another first, to play “live” on national television? “It’s overwhelming,” Gaddis said. “Right now, I’m focusing on what I need to do to prepare for the trip. I’ve never had anything like this happen to me before,” he added.

In the North Georgia mountains of Dahlonega, just before the winner-announcement segment, drummer, bandleader and the group’s Producer, Rory Knapton went out into his backyard to be near the grave of his 18 year old, 3-legged dog “George,” a canine friend who was with him everywhere during his long climb to this moment. Rory is a seasoned musician who is a couple decades older than his band-mates who are in their twenties. This dream, that spanned decades and linked generations of talent, was culminating in a few moments. Either they’d get their chance to be featured “live” on a national network, or--- Wife Joyce whooped with victory and Rory knew he wouldn’t have to worry about the “or.” 

“This is thanks to all who supported us,” Knapton said wanting to concentrate on naming just a few who helped with what he called “a Herculean effort” in helping them to victory. “Thanks to my wife Joyce, all the family, friends, all the School Faculties and students across Georgia who helped us, the Glynn Academy Class of ’67 and Friends alumni email loop, Mike Williams from Houston, Texas, and all the local papers and radio stations that got the word out, as well as all the new fans and friends across America, and, of course, especially to CBS News’ “The Early Show” for making it possible.

The Glynn Academy alumni e-mail group, created by Billy Brewer of St. Simons Island, Georgia, made a special effort to help their classmate win by sending hundreds of emails among each other many times each day during the final weeks of voting. Rory grew up in the Brunswick, Georgia area and coincidentally the Class of ’67 had their 40th Reunion on Jekyll Island in June. It was the first Reunion Rory had attended. He played for the event, which reminded his former classmates of his talent and that he was still chasing his dream.

“Rory wowed us at the Reunion with his world class drumming talents, and all the guys of Midnight Clear” came together and clearly presented the best of all the competing bands in the CBS competition,” Billy Brewer said. “We are so very proud of Rory, our ’67 classmate, and we’re happy that they will be going to New York City. It would not surprise me if the a group of us followed him there!”

One of Rory's former Brunswick, Georgia classmates who reconnected with him at the reunion went out of his way to muster votes. Steve Holcomb of Marble, NC, said he believes he speaks for many, "We did it because we care enough about a classmate blessed with incredible talent and know he deserves his turn in the national spotlight. We did everything we could to help make it happen." Holcomb added that it also comes down to one word, "Agape. That's a word that describes unconditional love and caring, to do something for someone with no anticipation or expectation of return."

As for what comes next, promoters, Agents and record labels have all begun to make contact, but for now the focus remains on their “live” appearance on “The Early Show” September 24t.
“This is our breaking point to let America know who we are and to hear our music,” summed up Brant French. “I think our music can touch the hearts of people across the board and we are so grateful to everyone who jumped on the bandwagon and helped us win.“ “I’m looking forward to it, I’m confident in us, and we’re going to give it our best,” concluded Jeremy French.

Band Websites: www.midnightclearband.com & www.myspace.com/midnightclear.