Taylor Hicks My Idol: It's A White Christmas At The Pond

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

It's A White Christmas At The Pond

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!

Video capture by evancol (Thank You)

I hope all your Christmas dreams are sweet,
Bloom

3 comments:

KarinP said...: You are definitely way ahead of me with thinking about Christmas, Bloom and we have already had our Thanksgiving here.

Your video is absolutely great. I know how much work it must have been to find just the "right" pictures for it.

Now, on to the Taylor White Christmas video. This definitely jingled by bells tonight as it did when I saw Taylor perform this live on TV last year.

First of all, he looked absolutely gorgeous in that suit! And, talk about "did not expect that", I surely did not expect the twist he put on that song! I was jumping and down to that one. The harp, as it always does, just finished me off. Of course, the sax solo by Brian was fantastic. This performance was one, of many, that made me so proud to be a Taylor Hicks fan! Fabulous video and thanks to evancol for capturing it for us so that we can watch it over and over and over.

I do hope that we see some Taylor Christmas appearances this year. I am really hoping that next season will start off with a Taylor Hicks Christmas CD.

It is a time to step back from the hustle and bustle of our lives and remember those who are not going to be home with their families because they are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. A time to sit and thank God that our families are in tact and that we know that they are safe and at home.

For many families, the Christmas Season will be very difficult because far too many loved ones will not ever be coming home. Others will come home but will they ever be the same as they were when they left?

We have so much to be grateful for to the men, women and their families for their sacrifices.

I know that you are not a Country Music Fan but somehow this post has gotten away from me. I am reminded of a song by the group Alabama and while it is early, maybe it is not to early to hope for peace and goodwill this Holiday Season. Hope you don't mind me posting the lyrics. I wish I could post the song for you.

It is definitely "food for thought". Sorry if I have put a damper on your thread but I think we always need to be aware of what is going on outside of our livingrooms.

Tonight is Christmas by Alabama from their Alabama Christmas Album

The factories are all shut down and the shopping malls are all closed
And the busy streets are all empty except for the falling snow
And in the small towns, in the cities families gather as one
'Cause the night of love and sharing they look forward to has come

'Cause tonight is Christmas, tonight is love
Tonight we celebrate God's one and only Son
Tonight there's hope for peace on earth eternally
Tonight is Christmas and the world's in harmony

But across the seas two armies stare down at each other's guns
Each believing in their cause enough to die or kill the other one
But tonight there'll be no shooting, not a drop of blood will spill
They will cease their fire this silent night in the name of peace and goodwill

'Cause tonight is Christmas, tonight is love
Tonight we celebrate God's one and only Son
Tonight there's hope for peace on earth eternally
Tonight is Christmas and the world's in harmony

Now is a good time to toast with the red, Bloom! You have definitely given me some Christmas spirit this week. Is it enough to pull out the paintbrushes and paint the little houses? I may need another glass of red or white to do that!

Thanks for everything you do to highlight Taylor and his music.; November 8, 2007 at 12:37 AM
Bloom said...: The Early Show "White Christmas" video is indeed a treasure!!
I wish it was available at youtube too .. a lot more traffic there.
Note ... add to Christmas Wish List!
This is a high quality video as well as being an outstanding performance by Taylor!
As long as I'm making my Wish List ... Taylor we would LOVE a Christmas CD next year!

Thank you Karin for the lyrics and the audio for 'Tonight Is Christmas'.
Not being a Country fan :-) I had never heard the song before.
I imagined Taylor singing as I listened and I think this would be a great song for him to cover on his Christmas CD!!
I could hear his soulful take and it brought to mind his 'In The Ghetto' performances.
Yes, I could so hear him singing this!

My friend you have not put a damper on this thread!
I appreciate where your thoughts travelled and I appreciate that you noticed my Christmas card request!

It is a time to step back from the hustle and bustle of our lives and remember those who are not going to be home with their families because they are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
A time to sit and thank God that our families are in tact and that we know that they are safe and at home.
We have so much to be grateful for to the men, women and their families for their sacrifices.

Thanks Karin for always putting things in perspective ... I raise my glass to you!; November 8, 2007 at 9:08 PM
KarinP said...: My mission is to get you to give some consideration to Country Music, Bloom. By the time you get into it, I am sure there will be a "bluesy Country" music slot which I am sure you will enjoy.

This Alabama Christmas CD was released in 1985 and I have listened to it every Christmas since. Even my kids listen to it because it generates such fond memories for them. Now, their children are enjoying it too. The other tracks on this CD are just great.

I just listened to the song again because I wanted to hear what you heard and visualized with respect to Taylor performing this song. Yes, indeed, you make a great point. As I listened intently, I could imagine some Taylor harp and some Brian sax in this one too. Now that would just send chills down the spine and I think it would touch the soul just at In the Ghetto did.

I do hope that we get that Christmas gift next year. A Christmas CD from Taylor with the "right" songs is a must.

By the way, the Alabama CD can still be purchased at Amazon - just in case you want to hear more.; November 8, 2007 at 11:46 PM

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

MTV News

'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."

To prepare for the role, he claims he "started doing séances to channel Elvis, and he told me that I needed to wear a midnight-blue, rhinestone-studded suit, and that's what happened. Now we're packing the place out. It's sold-out every night, and I get to play a little harmonica, which is cool. I couldn't do that on 'Idol.' That wasn't the year where you could play instruments."

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

THE INSIDER
May 15, 2008

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."

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."

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.

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”.

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.

The Taylor Hicks Orleans Collection

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).

'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 ...

Taylor Hicks My Idol

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

It's A White Christmas At The Pond

3 comments:

TO TAYLOR HICKS MY IDOL

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