The cowboy in Clay Walker was put to the test in 1996 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The doctors told him he would be in a wheelchair in four years and dead within eight. These were all just in time with Clay Walker’s budding career. He was just 26 years old then, had a few hit songs and a daughter waiting for him at home. Accepting the news, the “Fall” singer never faltered a bit. Instead, he used it as a motivation to live his life the best way he could.
On Having One of his Greatest Falls
Clay Walker did not lose hope after knowing about his sickness. The eight years given to him passed and he is still singing wonderful music. Fortunately, Clay Walker managed to find a new doctor who put him on a drug that hinders the disease’s progression and sent him into remission. Moreover, Clay Walker knew that because of his diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis more than 20 years ago, he cannot always do everything he wants when he wants to. With his three children with him, he and his wife, Jessica, remained the unstoppable pair. However, his multiple sclerosis was a part of him, but it is not who he is or what he does. He did not swim and let the disease eat him whole. A former football and basketball player who hunts and fishes, he has committed to being super active.
He may have bad days here and there, but in 2003, he also formed Band Against MS. Since then, he has supported its education effort, and while still singing, playing guitar, golfing and being with his wife and kids. The “Fall” singer really competed for death against all odds.
Song Facts
Clay Mills, Sonny LeMaire, and Shane Minor penned the song “Fall”. However, it was not just Clay Walker who recorded it. The pop singer, Kimberley Locke, also had her version. They both signed to Curb Records. Their versions were released separately in county radio and adult contemporary radio format. Walker’s reached fifth on the U.S. Country Singles charts, and Locke’s reached the first spot on the U.S. Dance charts. Walker’s version was the second single in his 2007 album, also titled Fall. The song’s character addresses a lover who has had a bad day and offers moral support to the lover. This song is perfectly fitting for Walker’s struggle. We sing,
“Go on and lose it all,
Every doubt, every fear, every worry, every tear…..”
…..we are here with you, always!