As requested, here is Taylor's "Run Baby Run" from his Joliet concert. This one's for you froggie!
You'd better believe it! Not one but 2 videos for your viewing pleasure!
video capture thanks to 1brc
It was a bitter cold night and raining to boot, but inside the Rialto Square Theater, Taylor was on fire heating up the audience!
Let's just say even the non-smokers wanted a cigarette after this concert!
video capture thanks to DianeC
Now since this is the night for filling requests, here's one from me! Taylor this song is Taylor-Made for you! Please, please could you add this to your next tour!
As in some "Medicated Goo" from Taylor Hicks! Just a little spoonful!
You don't need any sugar to make it go down and it's better than chicken soup! Some Medicated Goo For The Soul!
A little tease while we wait for the release of Taylor's 'Whomp At The Warfield' DVD! The anticipation is killing me, he was on FIRE!!! Sure hope my TV screen will be able to handle it!
Still feeling out of sorts, his "Medicated Goo" from his Cohasset concert will WARM you up and make you feel all better! Absolutely electrifying, he was smokin'! (Darlin' this is for you, it's my belated birthday present!)
Whatis going on in Soul Patrol land? I think the Soul Train has derailed, most certainly it has become side-tracked! I touched on this issue back in October with my post Naked In The Jungle, and it seems SOME of the natives are still restless. Everyone is missing Taylor on board as our conductor, our engineer ... but it was time for refueling and maintenace and we just need to remember It Is About The Music!
So maybe it's time for a chill-pill along with a bit of humor to get back on the right track :-)
And to remember ... Every time a hand reaches out to help another .... That is Christmas Every time someone puts anger aside and strives for understanding ... That is Christmas Every time people forget their differences and realize their love for each other ... That is Christmas May this Christmas bring us closer to the spirit of human understanding Closer to the blessing of peace!
Backing up and switching tracks here is the latest Taylor Hicks news via the grapevine!
Taylor Hicks was a big hit on "American Idol" and AutoZone Liberty Bowl expects he'll be a big hit with football fans next month when he performs during the halftime show.
Hey, Isn't That ... From The Washington Post Taylor Hicks -- yes, the prematurely gray dude who won "American Idol" last year -- dining with three others at BLT Steak Saturday night. Told the manager he was just visiting D.C. friends on his days off.
THE GRAPEVINE: LATEST NEWS from HQ 11.21 Thanksgiving Audio Message from Taylor! Taylor wishes you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
I'm ready to board the 2008 Soul Train, hope you all will be on board!
I have always claimed to be a Taylor Hicks supporter as opposed to being called a fan, but I am going to get fan-girly here for a moment! If you would like to join me in my fan-girly moment just scroll down to the bottom of my blog!
I LOVE the new slideshows at photobucket, well new to me! I have my photos stored at several photo sites so I didn't have access to all of my photos of Taylor, but I think I'll be moving more into my photobucket account soon!
Just lovin' the zoom effect on this slideshow! If you hear any big bangs, it's just us folks here at the pond a thudding!
Hope you enjoyed your visit to my pond, we do have a good time here, feel free to join in!
Taylor Hicks making it 'REAL' with some hot jazz for a Rainy Night In Torrington! A smokin' hot concert with a couple of my favorites presented here!
Beginning with "Compared to What"! As Taylor introduces the song he makes mention of the date it was recorded as being 1953 ... I think he picked that year out of a hat! I have the album 'First Take' from 1969 when Roberta Flack first recorded it. I must confess though that the lyrics didn't register with me until recently. I never knew it was a protest song till I learned to start paying more attention to the messages being delivered in the different songs that Taylor sang throughout his tour.
video capture by taysharp
"Compared To What" Love the lie and lie the love Hangin' on, with a push and shove Possession is the motivation that is hangin'up the God-damn nation Looks like we always end up in a rut (everybody now!) Tryin' to make it real — compared to what? Slaughterhouse is killin' hogs Twisted children killin' frogs Poor dumb rednecks rollin' logs Tired old ladies kissin' dogs Hate the human, love that stinking mutt (I can't stand it!) Try to make it real — compared to what? The President, he's got his war Folks don't know just what it's for Nobody gives us rhyme or reason Have one doubt, they call it treason We're chicken-feathers, all without one gut (God damn it!) Tryin' to make it real — compared to what? (Sock it to me, now) Church on Sunday, sleep and nod Tryin' to duck the wrath of God Preacher's fillin' us with fright Tryin' to tell us what he thinks is right He really got to be some kind of nut (I can't use it) Tryin' to make it real — compared to what? Where's that bee and where's that honey Where's my God and where's my money Unreal values, crass distortion Unwed mothers need abortion Kind of brings to mind ol' young King Tut (He did it now) Tried to make it real — compared to what?! written by Eugene McDaniels
Eugene McDaniels had a solid, if not spectacular, recording career in the 1960s, singing pop ditties for the Liberty label. Disenchanted by the state of race relations in the late 1960s, most notably the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., McDaniels took a brief sojourn from the States. During this period, he wrote "Compared to What." The song was initially recorded and released by a young soul vocalist by the name of Roberta Flack: her version appeared as the opening track on her debut recording, First Take (1969). Roberta was discovered singing and playing jazz in a Washington nightclub by pianist Les McCann, who recommended her talents to Atlantic Records.) A second version of the song was recorded later that year by pianist Les McCann and saxophonist Eddie Harris for their album, Swiss Movement, recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival. The McCann and Harris version became an international hit, selling over a million copies. At a time when black folks, American youth, and anti-war protesters were literally taking it to the streets, "Compared to What" was a scathing critique of social realities in the United States, taking aim at the clergy, "poor dumb rednecks," "tired old ladies," and the Vietnam War.
I've recently become acquainted with some of the music from Boz Scaggs, thanks to Taylor! Music just wasn't a big part of my life until Taylor made me sit up and take notice! I mentioned that I have Roberta Flack's 1st album, but I should also add here that I have a total of 5 albums to my name.. I know, that's a pretty sorry collection, but I prefered listening to the instrumentals in my parents collection.
I would play "Take Five" and "Green Onions" and I loved "Theme From A Summer Place", and "Satin Doll"!
Getting back to Boz Scaggs, I recently came across his "What Can I Say" and it's a song that I would have loved hearing Taylor sing with the band.
Let's just say it would have the same effect as when he sings "Let's Get It On", oh yeah !
And can't you just hear Brian's saxophone wailing!
Which brings us to The Dirty "Lowdown" , another very HOT song that we haven't heard from Taylor enough!
video capture by taysharp
Well I'm ready for another Rainy Night In Torrington!!! Thank goodness for videos and a special thank you to taysharp for her audio and video captures from Torrington ... cause it's gonna be a long cold winter!
Thanks for stopping in to visit, take a look around and take a dip in the pond, your comments are welcome!
It is International Friendship Week February 20th - 27th, a very fitting time to begin!
In the middle of the night you call to shed some tears. We talk for hours on end as I help dispel your fears.
We laugh and tell some jokes, remembering days gone by, we talk about our friendship and then you ask me why.
Why did you take my call when I know you were asleep? I tell you it's because I have promises to keep
I promised I'd be there if you knocked upon my door, or if you called me on the phone cause that's what friends are for.
I value all your love, we've walked so many miles you've stood by me in sorrow, you've taught me how to smile.
So if you ever need me to comfort and console, please know I'll always answer, CAUSE THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR!
THERE IS NO DISTANCE TOO GREAT BETWEEN FRIENDS, FOR LOVE GIVES WINGS TO THE HEART.
"Dance Myself To Sleep"
Sweet Dreams my friends!
Here is my response to 'Soul Butterflies', the following video is from an album from Blossomhead called Dream Beautiful.
A word from Blossomhead, aka Greg Reid. "Over the past few years I've had to face more than most people probably face in their lifetime, from two major operations, cancer and the ravages of chemotherapy to very deep personal issues surrounding life, death and relationships and yet I still feel as though I am the luckiest man alive. There are not many people who get a second chance at being alive and the chance to face their death again. The first time I wasn't ready but the next I think I will be able to leave peacefully. So I guess you could say I'm a survivor who has been given a second chance to complete the things I have come here to do. One of those things is the making of this album. It has taken Seven years to complete and I think the wait has been worth while, I hope you do to. Dream Beautiful has a life of its own and I believe it will give joy to people and I could ask for no more."
~A BUTTERFLY BLESSING~ Lord, Bless me with the ability of a butterfly to endure the changes that will happen to me in my lifetime.
Help me to accept these changes with a positive and loving attitude. Bless me with the beauty of a butterfly to allow me to reflect the colors of my soul, being and individuality, and to look for these things in others.
Bless me with the ability of a butterfly to create and instill the feeling of wonder, passion, and excitement towards all of your living creatures.
Bless me with the butterflies' ability to pollinate your flowers, so that I may cultivate your human garden with love and compassion.
Last, but not least, Lord, Bless me with the grace of ascension, so that I may ascend into your glorious heaven like a rising butterfly, when my journey here on earth, is complete. Amen
Good Thoughts from MissP Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours!
The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm! Love me when I least deserve it, because that is when I really need it!
Live Love Laugh Dance ... Enjoy!
From Miss Karin 'Our' Mantra "Feeling Good" by Michael Buble
Love it Karin, I could listen to this over and over!!!
Okay let's try this again, this is the video that wouldn't show up before, that was supposed to make you smile!
Ready for another good laugh? Here they are ladies, my cowgirl boots! Now what in the heck do you wear with somethin like these babies lol
Something to warm you up and start thinking of Spring, this is my #1 favorite song of all time!
Well since I've travelled back to my hey days of music, here is my #2 all time favorite, this is also a beautiful tribute!
Something for our road TRIP! This was originally "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" featuring all the Country greats, but my computer shut-down, I lost it, and can't find it again. But I found this one, and we know the answer!!! We know who's gonna give their heart & soul!!!!!!!
Hello ... Hello ... where is everybody??? Well, I know it still looks like Christmas at least here in the North. This is a beautifully done video that I really enjoyed and wanted to share with my friends!
Taylor Hicks' appearance on July 6th in Hagerstown, Maryland had ALL of the necessary ingredients for a blue ribbon concert!
I was lucky enough to have been there and truly appreciate having these memories captured on video to savor!
One of the highlights was Taylor sitting on his stool chatting and joking with the audience and then thanking the audience and promoters for the warmest welcome EVER!
This video just recently surfaced and I was thrilled to run across it, his Hagerstown performance of "The Fall"!
video captured by skeeter Thank YOU!
We often talk about an artist that is able to make you really feel a song, a perfect example ... Taylor's "Happier With Him" from Hagerstown! Taylor makes you feel it, right down to your bones!
video captured by collins316 Thank YOU!
From The Herald Mail
"Soul Thing" as well as Taylor's "Don't Change The Recipe On The Red Velvet Cake" quote!
Another video capturing some of the special highlights of this concert is featured at Taylor's Angels. Visit their blogspot, listed in my sidebar under favorite links to view Taylor receiving The Key to the City of Hagerstown! Then make sure to read how 'Taylor Scored A Victory In Maryland' from their blog post of July 25th! But don't stop there, keep reading, find out how they have been helping in Taying It Forward One Soul At A Time
Here is the latest charity that Taylor has become involved with.
Bid 2 Beat AIDS, an annual auction of rare and autographed items from stars in music, film, theater, sports, politics and television, starts December 1st to coincide with World AIDS Day.
It is the largest multi-celebrity charity auction ever on eBay.
Proceeds benefit Lifebeat, the Music Industry Fights AIDS.
In its first two years, the auction raised over $150,000
to support AIDS/HIV programs that reach countless people nationwide.
Taylor Hicks is listed among the stars who have contributed,
and if you would like to bid on the above signed CD, here is the info: The 2007 auction goes live on eBay on December 1st
Main Street in Downtown Rochester, Michigan A perfect spot for a very special performance!
"Main Street" by Taylor Hicks From his concert in Downtown Royal Oak, Michigan April 22, 2007
The crowd was wild that night!
video capture by eljean video presentation by The Boogie Board (Thank You)
I always make sure to head to Downtown Rochester during the holidays to support the local businesses and enjoy the old-fashioned holiday decorations.
We were a bit disappointed last year, when my sister and I drove into town to have an early dinner and do a little shopping and the decorations were few and far between.
You can imagine our surprise to walk out of the restaurant and see
Christmas lights gone wild!
It was simply amazing, everywhere you looked beautiful vivid colors
covering every building from top to bottom!
It was breathtaking!
The official lighting of the Big, Bright Light Show will occur during the 35th annual Lagniappe event starting at 7 p.m. Monday, November 26th. The lights will be on display every night from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. thru December 31st.
This year’s holiday season promises to be bigger and brighter than ever with the second annual Big, Bright Light Show
set to welcome winter. More than 1 million lights — a half-million more than last year!
'Tis beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!
I vividly remember sitting in the parking lot of Walmart last December with my friend
Taylor's just released CD was playing and we were sobbing and hugging!
It was finally here!!
Woo hoo and we had the bonus track!!
I immediately fell in love with Taylor's "Wherever I Lay My Hat",
and it tugs at my heart and moves me every time I listen to it.
I was quite surprised when I learned that it was originally by Marvin Gaye.
I couldn't remember ever hearing it before and then realized
it was recordedbeforeMarvin came to Motown.
I grew up surrounded by the sounds of Motown, listening and dancing to the the songs of Glady's Knight & The Pips, The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and Marvin Gaye ... just to name a few.
I love Taylor's take on WILMH, and though I like Marvin Gaye ... can't say I care for his original version.
It's doesn't move me or make my heart go ping.
I'm probably showing my limited exposure to music here ...
but I had never heard of Paul Young either.
I guess by the 80's I had already pretty much stopped listening.
Raising 5 kids I already had enough noise in the house
:-)
"Wherever I Lay My Hat" was written by Marvin Gaye, Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield, and first recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1964.
Almost 20 years later
Paul Young's version of the song was a UK number one single for three weeks in July 1983.
23 more years passed
Then Taylor Hicks put his own soulful spin on it and recorded it for his self-titled CD "Taylor Hicks"
When you watch the video below you will see why it's Taylor's soulful version that I love!
video capture by Phantom video presentation by The Boogie Board (Thank You)
Marvin Gaye's "Wherever I Lay My Hat" (audio only)
Hope you enjoyed today's trip down memory lane
woo hoo waiting for the release of "Whomp At The Warfield"
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at the pond! I've caught the Christmas bug and have been treating it by enjoying all of the videos and music from Taylor's appearances in 2006 at Christmas In Washington, The Early Show and Christmas From Rockefeller Center! They are wonderful medicine and I highly recommend them!
I caught the bug when I created my 'Merry Christmas Baby' video and with the addictive personality I have ... of course thoughts and images starting popping into my mind for another Christmas video!
"White Christmas"
And now one of my all time favorite Taylor Hicks' videos!! Here is the the CBS Early Show video from when Taylor stopped by to lift their holiday spirits with his Funky "White Christmas" performance! You can also find this video featured in their Top News & Video Section at CBS.com!
Well Halloween has just passed and Thanksgiving is fast approaching!
That means that Christmas is just around the corner and will be here before we know it!
To get you in the Christmas mood, the above gorgeous photo is from Rockefeller Center when Taylor performed last year and gave us some really rockin' whompin' Christmas music!!
And to further get you in the mood ... my "Merry Christmas Baby" video!
It was created by combining together his performances from 'Christmas In Washington' and 'Christmas From Rockefeller Center' ... with a little Christmas fun thrown in!
For those of us NOT in The Right Place ... which would be heading in the direction of Philadelphia, MS and the Pearl River Resort
for Taylor's concert with LMBO .... I share your pain!
To my souls sisters lucky enough to be attending
have a great time, I am sure it will be a fantastic concert!!
Okay, moving on to my original reason for this blog topic
When I hear Taylor sing 'The Right Place' I'm always reminded of Ray Charles' Diet Pepsi commercials ... this was one of my favorites!
I ran across Jim Vallance's website recently and thought you might enjoy reading the history of "The Right Place" and Jim's commentary on Taylor.
"The Right Place" Recording Artist: Taylor Hicks Writers: Jim Vallance, Bryan Adams Date Written: March 1989 / Vancouver Canada Albums: 'Taylor Hicks' (2006 / December 12)
I don't always follow "American Idol", but I was watching on October 10, 2005 when Taylor Hicks performed his audition in Las Vegas. He sang a Sam Cooke song, "A Change Is Gonna Come". I thought he nailed it!
When Paula said, "Can you give us 20 seconds of something else", Taylor sang a few bars of "Swannee River", the Ray Charles arrangement. Again, a great job. He had a vibe about him, an enthusiasm that was charming, genuine and infectious.
I usually agree with Simon, but on this occasion I was stunned when Simon said, "No". Thankfully, Randy and Paula came to the rescue, and Taylor went on to the next round.
I continued to follow "Season Five" as Taylor hung in, week after week. I was happy when he finally won the competition. I thought he deserved to come out on top.
In March 1989 Bryan Adams and I wrote a song for Joe Cocker, called "The Right Place". Joe asked us for "something that sounds like Ray Charles" ... and that's exactly what we wrote. But Joe decided "The Right Place" was the "wrong song", and he didn't record it.
So we sent the song to Ray Charles himself, but Ray didn't record it either (I was never able to confirm if Joe and Ray actually heard the song, or if it was rejected by their "handlers" before it reached their ears). After that, we gave up, and "The Right Place" collected dust on my shelf for nearly 20 years.
Meanwhile, back at the "American Idol" auditions ... despite Simon's scathing comments, Taylor received a resounding "Yes" from Paula and Randy. As Taylor headed for the door, grinning from ear to ear, Randy yelled after him, "Bring all the Cocker, all the Ray Charles. C'mon man!" Joe Cocker. Ray Charles. That stuck with me.
A year later, in September 2006, when I heard that Taylor was recording an album, I remembered what Randy had said, and it made me think of "The Right Place".
I knew the song wasn't a "hit" in the traditional sense, but I thought it might be a perfect vehicle for Taylor to channel his "inner Joe and Ray". I contacted my publisher, Ron Moss. Ron agreed the song was an appropriate "pitch", and he sent it to Pete Ganbarg, the independent "A&R man" who was assembling material for the Taylor Hicks project.
At first, Pete and producer Matt Serletic didn't think "The Right Place" was exactly right for Taylor. They liked the song, but they wanted us to "re-harmonize" the B-section. With that comment in mind, Bryan and I traded a few emails. But we were at a loss.
We really wanted to "deliver" for Pete and Matt, but we didn't know where to go with it, what changes to make. It looked like the song might spend another 20 years on the shelf. But then something unexpected happened.
During the next week or two the song started to "grow" on Pete and Matt, and presumably on Taylor and Arista chief Clive Davis. They decided to record the song after all, without the requested "re-harmonization". I was thrilled!
Bryan sang beautifully on our "home demo", but I was equally impressed with Taylor's performance. I was also very happy with Matt Serletic's production and arrangement, especially the use of bass, drums, guitar and gospel backing vocals (our original demo was very sparse ... just me on keyboards and Bryan's vocal).
On July 17, 2007 Taylor performed "The Right Place" on the popular morning television show, "The View". It was "back to basics", with Taylor on vocals and harmonica and Loren Gold on piano, similar to the way the song had originally been written and demo'd.
It was apparent that Taylor had developed an affinity for the song in the ten months since he'd recorded it. On "The View", his vocal performance digs even deeper than it did on the recorded studio version, and Loren provides solid support on the piano.
For anyone who ever doubted the legitimacy of his American Idol success, this performance proves, beyond a doubt, that Taylor Hicks is the "real deal".
Yes, indeed!
Video by Evancol
(Thank You)
And thanks for stopping in to visit my little pond, your comments are welcome!
Taylor Hicks Premieres New Single From: FanBolt.com Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Taylor Hicks will thrill longtime fans, and inspire new audiences, with the release of his anticipated new studio album, The Distance, on March 10.
The album will be released on Hicks' Modern Whomp Records label and distributed through a partnership with independent artist services company Artist To Market (A2M).
Debuting January 27 digitally is the first single "What's Right Is Right," a mid-tempo song about love and commitment, driven by funky keyboards and sax work.
Produced by Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill), and tapping the talents of guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., The Distance includes fourteen tracks, some co-written by Hicks:
"Wedding Day Blues," "Seven Mile Breakdown," "What's Right is Right," "Hide Nor Hair," "Woman Gotta Have It," "New Found Freedom," "The Distance," "Nineteen," "I Live on a Battlefield," "Yes We Can," "Maybe You Should," "Once Upon a Lover of Mine," "Keepin It Real" and "Indiscriminate Act of Kindness."
Since becoming Season 5 winner of "American Idol," Taylor Hicks has seen his self-titled debut album certified platinum, performed with Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers and Jackson Browne, toured through Asia, penned the Random House memoir Heart Full of Soul, and made his Broadway debut as Teen Angel in Grease.
At the beginning of 2009 Taylor has embarked on a national US tour with Grease with stops in Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. (just to name a few)
Taylor Hicks "Early Works"
First and foremost, these two albums represent who I am and who I am trying to represent as a songwriter. "In Your Time" was a first attempt at recording songs that I had written at the time. Some songs that were really hitting home with me at the time. "Under the Radar" was a second attempt at a first attempt to try to record an album that resembled the production quality of Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat." The songwriting was getting better and my direction as an artist was getting clearer. Warmth in the production was the main goal; "nostalgic" and "endearing" are the terms that I like to use for these two records. Thanks for going on the ride! Taylor Hicks
'American Idol' Alum Taylor Hicks Channels Elvis, Liberace For 'Grease' Gig
In 2006, when salt-and-pepper-pelted soul singer Taylor Hicks won the fifth season of "American Idol," he probably never imagined he'd be popping out of an ice-cream cone, singing "Beauty School Dropout."
Now Hicks is doing just that, playing the Teen Angel - a role made famous by Frankie Avalon in the 1978 film version of "Grease" - in the musical's latest Broadway revival. For his first foray into acting, it's not a bad gig, and Hicks is hoping it will open more doors for him down the line.
"It's a really cool part," he said. "The Teen Angel comes down and tells Frenchy she should put down her teasing comb and go back to high school. I've kind of channeled Elvis, a little Graham Parsons and Liberace, all at the same time, for this role. It was just a perfect fit and a way for me to experience the Broadway stage in a small dose, instead of a full role. I come out in the second act. I pop in from an ice-cream cone, in a blue rhinestone suit, and rock it out for a few minutes." Hicks said his Teen Angel is like none that has graced the stage before him, because he "Taylor-ized it."
According to Hicks, the "Grease" part wasn't his first offer. Earlier this year, he'd been asked to join the Broadway cast of "Hairspray," a gig he couldn't fit into his schedule. But being part of "Grease" has given him the itch to act again.
"Right now, I'm releasing a new record in the fall - hopefully - so [doing] this allows me to stay in the city, be in front of thousands and thousands of people for the next three months, and it allows me to reinvent myself, as a musician, an entertainer and possibly a Broadway actor," he said. "This is a nice way to get my feet wet in the acting field. Before, I was so entrenched in music - playing clubs and roadhouses when I was a kid - so Broadway was kind of an abstract thought for me. It's not now. It's real, and I enjoyed being directed from a theatrical aspect as opposed to a musical aspect. It's going to be an interesting road for me."
Hicks said that his fans, known as the "Soul Patrol," have been at each performance - so much so that during one of the shows, he looked down and spotted his face tattooed on a woman's body ("It wasn't anywhere revealing," he said).
Hicks' year has been full of ups and downs. It started off on a bad note, as Arista Records revealed they'd dropped Hicks from their roster after just one release. His 2006 self-titled effort has sold 702,000 copies to date, making it the worst-performing of all the "American Idol" champs' albums. But then, Hicks landed the "Grease" gig, and, with a new album to record, he's close to signing with a new label.
"I don't have a name for the album yet, but I do know that it's some of the best music that I've ever written, and from an artistic standpoint, this album, being in my control, has allowed me to really breathe as a songwriter," he said. "As an artist, you kind of understand the times and what your surroundings are and write from them. So there's some political undertones on the album. It's a serious time for us."
Hicks said he's not worried about the future, because he knows he has what it takes to sustain a career in music. "It would be scary if I didn't really believe that I was supposed to do this," he said. "For me, as a kid, I knew I was supposed to entertain and perform for folks. When you have that self-belief and inner-determination, you understand there are peaks and valleys in this business, and you just keep working at it. You show up to work, whether it's 25 people at a Steak & Ale, or Wembley Stadium and there's 500,000 people. If you keep working, and you're good to people, you'll be blessed."
Despite the poor sales, Hicks said he's still proud of his debut album. "As many songs as were thrown at me in the 10 minutes I had to choose them, I kept a good guard up, because I knew my artistic guard would allow people to say that I really took the integrity to keep my art," he said. "I've been working 15 years to make it in this business. I didn't want to not make it anymore. I'm proud of that record. I just wish we would have had more time to record it, but I'm proud of it. That's key." MTV News (click MTV for video) By Chris Harris, with reporting by Jim Cantiello
Taylor sets his sights on a new project! Soul man TAYLOR HICKS is tackling a new role. The former "American Idol" is joining the Broadway cast of Grease on June 6, reports the Associated Press.
Hicks is set to play Teen Angel in the infamously popular musical, saying, he plans to add "soulful flavor" to his performance of "Beauty School Dropout."
The country crooner spoke to the AP saying, "It's a big number, and, you know, I've made some pretty grand entrances before .... And this one is probably the grandest entrance I've made in my career."
Taylor Hicks @ Planet Hollywood
video capture: DeeDee
“The soul takes flight to a world that is invisible, and there arriving she is sure of bliss and forever dwells in paradise.”
"American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks gets in some practice putts at the Winged Foot Golf Club during Autism Speaks' annual New York Celebrity Golf Challenge fundraiser. (Joe Larese/The Journal News)
The New York Post
10th Annual NY Celebrity Golf Challenge June 16, 2008
Taylor Hicks, Nick Gregory, Don Criqui and Gloria Reuben among those expected at Winged Foot Golf Club (Mamaroneck) for today's Autism Speaks celebrity golf fundraiser.
This much anticipated annual event will continue to build on its impressive fundraising record which garnered $1,200,000 in 2007 for the mission of Autism Speaks.
PEOPLE.COM - TAYLOR HICKS ADMITS ...
Taylor Hicks is used to being the object of adoring fans – but when the Jonas Brothers made a TV appearance in New York, the American Idol swapped roles.
Hicks, who is currently starring in Grease on Broadway, couldn't resist partaking in Jonas Brothers mania with thousands of other fans outside of the Live With Regis & Kelly studios in New York City Thursday morning, he told PEOPLE.
"Once I arrived and saw all the Jonas Brothers fans, I got in on the screaming. We were all having a great time out there," said Hicks, who grabbed a sign from a fan and proudly held it up when the band arrived for the show.
"We were all just being fans and that's a cool thing." Asked if he's really a true fan, he told PEOPLE "I am!" "What they do is awesome because it gets kids into music," said Hicks who was at the ABC studio to tape a performance of "Beauty School Dropout" for the show's Broadway Week celebration, to air on Friday.
"They are a classy act," he added, noting that Nick is his favorite Jonas Brother because "he's the leader of the band." Sadly, Hicks didn't get to bond with the guys. "I just saw them in passing. They’ve got some pretty heavy security."
In addition to starring on Broadway, Hicks is busy recording his second album, which he hopes to release in the fall. "I love New York. I'm working on Broadway and it’s a great way for me to get my feet wet in acting and a great way to season yourself as a performer," he said.
"I've been able to breathe more as a songwriter, having the time and being able to find the right songs."
Boots, Blues and BBQ
A Soulful Night On The Farm
Boot, Blues, and BBQ with Taylor Hicks a Benefit for Hannah Home Shelby (A Ministry of The King’s Ranch and Hannah Homes) Saturday, May 10th Presented by Governor and Mrs. Riley
Hannah Homes provide long term shelters for women, and women with children, who are fleeing domestic violence.
This Christ-centered home provides free housing, food, clothing, transportation, counseling, parenting classes, dometic violence classes and a host of other services to aid residents on their journeys toward healing and wholeness.
"We've probably all called Hannah Home to come get some stuff from us at one point in time," says Taylor Hicks - musical guest for the fundraising event.
"It's a great cause ... and I'm wearing the old boots, and got some blues, and I just had some barbecue."
Taylor Hicks escorted Alabama's first lady Patsy Riley, as the Governor was on crutches and unable to attend.
What's Going On
Taylor Hicks joins Tony and Jay on the Opening Drive, 100.5 JOX, The Sports Monster, to talk about singing the National Anthem at Talladega and his new album.
From 'Heart Full Of Soul' Taylor Hick's Inspirational Memoir
"Singing is all about conveying emotion and stirring something in others ... and that happens only if the message you're sharing is coming from the heart and soul."
~ Taylor Hicks ~
Taylor Hicks @ Talladega
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Talladega Super Speedway April 27, 2008
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
Taylor Hicks Donates Autographed Harmonica for 23rd Annual Event TALLADEGA, AL
April 25th @ the International Motorsports Hall of Fame SPEED Channel Dome at the Talladega Superspeedway.
Alabama’s own soulful singer/songwriter and 2006 American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, is supporting the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind by donating an autographed harmonica for the upcoming live auction at this year’s Race Fever.
Autographed during the 2008 Alabama Music Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Award Show where Hicks received the 2008 America’s Music Award, this “Taylor-made” item is sure to “Make You Proud” when you “Take it to the Streets”.
2008 Kentucky Derby 'Grand Gala' Celebrities
Taylor Hicks, Michael Jordan, Chris Tucker and Gabrielle Union Photos by AP
Alabama Hall Of Fame
Taylor Hicks' ~ "Jailhouse Rock" Purple Velvet Jacket
Alabama Music Hall Of Fame
2008 America's Music Award Winner Taylor Hicks
Shriners Hospitals For Children
A Public Service Announcement
for Shriner's Hospitals for Children from Taylor Hicks
(video courtesy of Shriners Hospitals, The Taylor Hicks Community and Taylor's Angels)
NBA All Star Weekend
From Yahoo Sports NEW ORLEANS - Februrary 15, 2008 Actor Seth Gilliam and singer Taylor Hicks help out in the Fairmont Neighborhood during the NBA Day of Service In New Orleans for Habitat For Humanity.
2008 Children's Miracle Network Celebration
Photo: Taylor Hicks was joined on stage by children from across the country who are champions in fighting life threatening illnesses at the 2008 Children's Miracle Network Celebration in Orlando.
The Heart And Soul Of Palm Night
Taylor Hicks rocked Palm Night, the January 26th fundraiser for the Family Center at the Palm restaurant. One of Charlotte's oldest and most respected child abuse prevention agencies, The Family Center is the region's leading provider of therapeutic, educational and preventative services to children and families.
McDonald's NBA All Star Celebrity Game
photo credits: Evancol
Opportunity
You never know when it will knock. My big opportunity came during an audition in Birmingham, Alabama. I walked through that door and when I came out, I had the opportunity of a lifetime.
We probably walk through a million doorways in our lives – some more important than others. Some of those doors lead to opportunities that are beyond our imagination.
I believe your home should represent your outlook on life. The front door to your house leaves a strong impression on guests. My front door is a symbol and it says when you enter my home, you are entering a place that is very special.
I’ve teamed up with Harmony Doors to create a series of distinctive doors designs inspired by the same influences that have shaped my music.
All net proceeds generated by the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, supported by the Chrysler Corporation, are distributed to the Eisenhower Medical Center and 40 other charities.
Hicks Gets Slick by Neil Ray Ramos Manila Standard Today - Philippines 1/18/08 Just like when he slowly but surely won over many to his cause during the fifth season of the popular TV singing contest, American Idol, Taylor Hicks broke stereotypes and exceeded expectations when he flew in recently for a short visit and to perform in several gigs.
Once described as “the least likely Idol,” owing to the fact that he looked very much as tubby (and with the same salt and pepper hair) as Jay Leno, Hicks was surprisingly fit and trim, and is now more comparable to George Clooney (the other famous guy with the same salt and pepper hair) rather than the obese comedian/TV host—and quite amicable to boot.
Clad in black coat and jeans and brandishing his trademark harmonica, Hicks, was as candid as he was accommodating during the press conference held answering every question with typical flair.
Asked what he knew about the Philippines prior to coming over, the singer said that “I knew from friends that the Filipinos are very musical in that you guys love dancing and singing.” He also said that friends told him that the Philippines is “the place to be if you want (to pursue) a career in singing.”
Well, if Hicks knew a thing or two about the country, most of those who came to the meet-and-greet session seemed to know a lot about him, mentioning intricacies associated with the singer like the Ray Charles Statuette he always travels with (yes, it was with him) and screaming “Soul Patrol” (a term of endearment for Hicks fans and supporters).
What's Going On
Taylor Hicks' Sirius Radio interview from Graceland
'Idol' Sings The Blues In Manila By Fran Katigbak Philippine Daily Inquirer 01/01/2008
It’s not easy singin’ the blues to an audience whose daily dose of music comes from skinny teenyboppers, booty-shaking divas and bling-clad “boys from the ’hood.” Not if you are gray-haired and inclined to play the harmonica or if your dancing looks drug-induced. But just as he defied pop stereotypes when he won “American Idol” Season 5, soul singer Taylor Hicks also proved it pays to stay true to his style and brand of music. Filipino fans, even those as young as 6, watched the 31-year-old artist in a series of shows recently sponsored by the Ayala Malls in Manila. At the show in TriNoma, Hicks was in his element singing tracks from his self-titled album as well as songs he composed early in his career. Of course, not to be missed were the Alabama native’s harmonica-playing and the manic, footloose moves that became his trademark on “AI.” Article continued here ...
God's Bouquet You must bloom where you are planted in the garden we call life, and bring some special beauty to each corner where there's strife. Perhaps you're but a dandelion, wishing you were a rose, yet in this place of growing things, you're the one God chose. It's up to you to finish what the Good Lord has begun, by growing just the way you should and face the rising sun. There's room for you, if you but choose, in a glorious array ... Of beauty from God's garden, that he'll add to his bouquet.
