~ Like the ripples in a pond, the work of one man spreads out and touches the lives of others ~

From The Soul of One ~ To The Hearts Of Many
TAYLOR HICKS MY IDOL
Taylor Hicks "The Distance"


Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Taylor Hicks - Seven Mile Breakdown

"Seven Mile Breakdown", Taylor Hicks' new music video premieres tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6th on AOL music!

"Seven Mile Breakdown" is the second single being released from Taylor Hicks' CD 'The Distance'. To read more about Taylor's newest single, soon to impact Country radio, scroll down to the previous blog entry. You'll also find there, video of Taylor's American Idol appearance last week, when he introduced American to "Seven Mile Breakdown". Fabulous performance, well deserving of the standing O for Mr. Hicks!

We waited, what seems like forever, to have a 'real' Music video showcasing Taylor's talents, and now within months we have two!!

I have been throughly enjoying Taylor's "What's Right Is Right" video from his first single! We are now in for a second musical and visual treat, thank you Taylor and thank goodness for MODERN WHOMP RECORDS!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Taylor Hicks - "It's good to be home on the Idol Stage."


It was "Rat Pack Week" on American Idol this past week. I was reminded of the Season 5 AI tour and the many times that Taylor along with his AI5 Rat Pack would give an often surprise after-show concert in the city that they were in.


image: American Idol Season 5 Rat Pack
Bucky Covington, Ace Young, Taylor Hicks, Elliott Yamin


image: American Idol Season 5 Rat Pack
Soul Patrol Bus (image by Allyn)



The mantra from the judges this week was "swagger". Armed with a guitar, harmonica and a new single, "Seven Mile Breakdown", Taylor Hicks brought HIS confident swagger to the stage on Wednesday evening.

video: "Seven Mile Breakdown" American Idol 4-29-09

The audience rewarded him with overwhelming applause and Taylor, himself, seemed genuinely taken aback when he saw all four judges standing after his performance. It must have been a really "sweet" moment for him.

Taylor has not rested on the laurels of the Season 5 Idol crown. He has worked non-stop the past three years building a career in the entertainment industry. The always humble Southern gentleman thanked American Idol and his fans when he was being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on-stage. While Taylor worked for many years as a "working musician", he has always expressed his gratitude for the doors that opened for him after his win.

"Seven Mile Breakdown", is being released to Country radio stations on May 5th. According to Wikpedia, there are over 38 genres of Country music with many sub-genres. There is no doubt in my mind, that this song will find it's place in one of those genres. For me, it is very exciting to see Taylor enter the Country market. He has the genuine desire to sing a song that tells a story, he's got the whiskey-tenor voice to tell the story and he's got his trusted harmonica!

Congratulations, Taylor on a fabulous performance!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Taylor Hicks On American Idol


From Taylor Hicks' MYSPACE and Taylor Hicks HQ

It's official!!!
Taylor Hicks will be performing his latest single, "Seven Mile Breakdown", on American Idol next Wednesday, April 29!
Tune into Fox at 9/8c to see Taylor Hicks back on the stage where it all began!

We've had some incredible performances of Taylor Hicks' "Seven Mile Breakdown" captured on video to whet the appetite of those of us not yet fortunate to have seen Taylor perform it live.

ENJOY!!!
Taylor Hicks @ Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco
April 14, 2009

video by: Robin Again (thank you!)


Taylor Hicks - Accoustic performance of "Seven Mile Breakdown" on San Francisco's View From The Bay




IT'S GONNA BE A LONG SIX DAYS WAITING TILL TAYLOR HICKS


ONCE AGAIN ELECTRIFIES THE STAGE OF AMERICAN IDOL!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Taylor Hicks ~ New Found Freedom


Last week, we had the opportunity to have a sneak peek at Taylor Hicks' new CD, The Distance which will be released on March 10, 2009. Many of Taylor's songs have a message and, for me, the title track, "The Distance", has the biggest message for humanity.

In my opinion, there is another song from Taylor Hicks which has a very personal message of self-realization and it is "New Found Freedom". As I watch some of Taylor's most recent interviews, the lyrics to this song definitely fit the man and where he is right now.

The words below, in particular, are clearly evident in the media we have been seeing and hearing lately.

"When I walk
I walk with confidence
I hold my head up high
When I talk
I’ve got a positive sense
Of who I am inside."

For those of us who boarded the Taylor Hicks Train at the beginning, we have shared an incredible ride!

We started here:
video: Taylor Hicks - American Idol Audition


We watched every week and saw Taylor evolve as an artist. This was an exciting moment for all of Taylor's supporters:

video: Taylor Hicks - American Idol Season 5 Finale



Listening to one of Taylor's most recent interviews, with Taryn Winter Brill from ABC News Entertainment - "What's the Buzz", gave me a sense of Taylor's "New Found Freedom". Taylor, as an entertainer and a man, has broadened his scope since that "first" day he appeared on our television screens. He does not just "talk the talk" with respect to the lyrics of this song, Taylor Hicks "walks the walk".

We are now here:

screencap caption: Taylor Hicks Goes "The Distance"

screencap caption: American Idol's Taylor Hicks

screencap caption: "Grease" Star Taylor Hicks

screencap caption: Taylor Hicks Singer/Songwriter

To enjoy this fabulous interview from What's The Buzz, click here





Mary Colurso, Birmingham News, has written a wonderful "up close and personal" interview with Taylor Hicks which gives us more insight into Taylor and The Distance.

To read Mary's full interview with Taylor click here

I really enjoyed reading Mary's interview, "Track by Track with Taylor". It gives us more understanding with respect to Taylor's perspective on the songs which have been included on The Distance. It's no secret that I happen to agree with his assessment of "Maybe You Should".

click here
for Mary Colurso's "Track By Track With Taylor"



Taylor Hicks now has his own record label, "Modern Whomp Records". He is looking forward to signing other artists to his label in the future. Taylor has worked continuously over the past three years. He has literally spread his "Teen Angel Wings" and with the release of "The Distance", this artist is "gonna fly" with the "Taylor Hicks' Sound"!


Today's cup:
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"As long as we are persistent in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time."
~ Denis Waitley ~


Mark your calendar and tune in!

TV Guide's "IDOL TONIGHT", hosted by Kimberly Caldwell and Justin Guarini, will premiere it's 4th season Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT with special guest Taylor Hicks, season five winner of “American Idol”.



blog post and screencaps by KarinP

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Taylor Hicks Did Go "The Distance"


“I think a common theme on a lot of records that you hear today is that all the tracks sound like the first song that you hear on the CD, and the voice of the artist is really kind of secondary in the majority of records,” Hicks said. “I think on this particular record, my voice is a common thread, and my love for different styles of music is really apparent. I think that’s why Climie was such a wonderful producer to work with. He was able to facilitate the music on the record and mold it into the shape of my vision. Working with him was very beneficial to this project.”
~Songwriters Universe Magazine Interview by Jason Blasco~


Bloom and I were very fortunate to catch the KOL Listening Party for 'The Distance' while it was posted online. We are hoping that the preview will once again be available on March 2nd. If you have not yet heard a preview of Taylor Hicks' new CD, please check AOL Music on Monday. Taylor is scheduled to appear on Regis and Kelly on Monday, March 2nd as well. I can't think of a better way to start off the month of March!

Taylor Hicks has accomplished his goal on this CD. No two tracks sound the same which keeps you wondering what is coming next. There is something for everyone on 'The Distance'. Taylor boldly shows his unique versatility by crossing more than one genre of music!

It didn't take me long to come up with some descriptive words for the songs on 'The Distance'.

Taylor Hicks' music displays sensitivity, versatility, emotional vulnerability, compassion for mankind, understanding, empathy and perhaps most importantly, "optimism" with the title track, "The Distance".

His sense of humour is clearly evident on two of the tracks - "Keeping It Real" and "Wedding Day Blues". Taylor teams up with Elliott Yamin on "Woman's Gotta Have It". I hope that we will hear more collaborations from these two artists in the future because they really are a unique combination of talent.

If you have ever experienced "a love gone wrong", (haven't we all at some time in our lives?),"Maybe You Should" will bring you to your knees and tears to your eyes. "Nineteen" is a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices of our men and women who bravely find themselves abroad.

Everyone will have their own favourites on this CD. There is no need for me to elaborate on each track. It more important for you to make your own assessment. Visit AOL often and enjoy the new music that Taylor has shared with us.

On behalf of Bloom and myself - "Thank you, Taylor!"

Listening to Taylor Hicks' CD makes us FEEL good!



We wish Taylor continued success in the entertainment industry!


Today's cup:



"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
~Herman Cain~


Tuesday, February 24, 2009

"TAYLOR HICKS EXTENDS NATIONAL GREASE TOUR" – A SIGN OF THE TIMES?



A few days ago, I was surprised to read that Taylor Hicks had extended his contract with the National Grease Tour until 2010.

When I discussed this with a friend, she told me that she was not at all surprised. When “times” are difficult, she said, people feel the need to be distracted from the everyday challenges of life. Taylor intends to continue the “shadow tour” with his music which, in the end, turns out to be a “win/win” situation for him and his growing fan base.

My friend’s analogy to the desperate times of the Great Depression really did hit home with me when I watched the Oscars on television. It wasn’t an obvious choice for me to watch this show but since my favourite programs were not scheduled, I decided to take in the celebrations of the evening.

The multi-talented Hugh Jackman was an impressive host for the Oscars. I thoroughly enjoyed his musical and dance performances with Anne Hathaway and Beyoncé. In several interviews over the past few months, Taylor has made references to his goal of being a well-rounded entertainer. After watching Hugh Jackman, Taylor's rationale of "honing his craft" is understandable especially in today’s environment.

On a non-musical note, I thought it was wonderful that the acting nominees received individual recognition by one of their peers before that “envelope” was opened. All too often in previous shows, the names are read far too quickly without any personal mention of the accomplishments of the nominees. This was another “feel good” moment in my opinion.

As I watched the performances which included dancers and top hats, I was reminded of a time many years ago when there were afternoon movies on television that always had a great story, lots of music and dancing. You walked away from the television feeling good!

It seemed to me that the dominance of a musical theme throughout the show reinforced my friend’s conclusions that when the road is full of potholes, as it has been over the past several months, we all look to the entertainment industry to distract us from the hardships and the ongoing uncertainty that we are faced with on a daily basis.

During one of the elaborate musical performances, there was a tribute to Grease which obviously made me smile. I had always been a fan of the original movie and its music. Hugh Jackman shouted out “good music is coming back”! Yes, I thought, bring back some really good music. I want to feel good.

Music continued to be in the limelight during the Oscars when Queen Latifah performed “I’ll Be Seeing You” as pictures of those who have “moved on” were flashed across the screen. At the end of the show, we saw clips from upcoming 2009 movies accompanied, yet again, by music.

All of the emphasis on “music” that I saw on the Oscars tells me that Taylor Hicks has made a good decision to stay with the Grease Tour. Musicals are coming back which was clearly evident in the very popular movie “Mamma Mia"! When times are the darkest, we seem to yearn for nostalgia and we want to tap our feet to the beat of the uplifting songs.

Taylor Hicks' new video produced by Jake Davis for his newly released single, “What’s Right is Right” gives us this feeling of nostalgia with the lighting effects; the scenes of a dimly lit bar and an old-style restaurant. The song gives us hope that life will get better and that love from those around us can see us through the troubled days we face as citizens of this world.

Taylor’s new CD, “The Distance” which is being released on March 10th will, I am sure, give us more “feel good” music!




Today's cup:
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A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.
~ Author Unknown ~




Monday, February 16, 2009

Taylor Hicks Tells It Like It Is



American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks Talks About His New Album The Distance, And His Songwriting
By Jason Blasco

Taylor Hicks quickly discovered the instant fame that comes from being named the 2006American Idol winner. Hicks has refused to buckle under the blazing spotlight of the entertainment industry, and has thrived on eclipsing expectations since his national television debut when Simon Cowell vehemently stated, “The American Idol audience would not put him in the final group, and he should be singing as a background singer.”

Hicks proved Cowell wrong by becoming American Idol’s Cinderella story and champion. Hicks rode the wave of success with his 2006 debut album, Taylor Hicks, that was certified platinum less than a month after it’s December release. But despite the early success of his debut album, he was dropped by both Arista Records and J Records in early 2008 after disappointing overall sales.

Like he has throughout his entire career, Hicks took being the lowest-selling artist in American Idol history in stride, and continued to move forward with his next project. Hick’s new album, The Distance, which will be released in March and contains the single “What’s Right is Right,” encompasses Hicks’ love for blues, pop, R&B and country. The album also features more of Hicks’ own compositions than on his previous album. Hicks is releasing The Distance on his own Modern Whomp Records label, which is distributed via a partnership with independent artist services company, Artist To Market. Hicks has also secured a deal with Vanguard/Welk Records to release some of his pre-American Idol material.

“Well, for me, I wanted to first of all understand the record, and what the model for owning and operating my own label was going to be,” Hicks said. “I felt like owning my own label would be the best way to go, because the distribution and the music has changed significantly. I felt like it was in my best interest to own a label because it’s a hybrid, up-to-the-minute record deal, if you will, and I felt like distribution was the way to go as opposed to the actual classic music business models.”

For Hicks, releasing The Distance under his own label changed the dynamics, and it allowed him the flexibility of more creative expression as a songwriter than he had with Arista Records. “Well, with the first record, I was unable to have the time and creative freedom to collaborate with who I wanted to write with,” Hicks said. “I think that is one dynamic that really sticks on this record. I wanted to showcase the songwriting side of me that I did on my first two records, prior to Idol. I think having the time, being able to pick the writers that I wanted to write with, and thinking about what I created is more apparent on this record.”

Article continued @ Song Writers Universe click here


YAHOO!!!!

YAHOO Music Video Premiere -click HERE!
2/17/09
"What's Right Is Right" - Taylor Hicks




Video still by music video and film director Jake Davis



Today's cup:

"I'm a firm believer in telling the truth, even when the truth hurts. Think of it this way - in the end, telling the truth is easier than keeping up with a bunch of lies. It's also good karma."
~ Taylor Hicks ~


Friday, February 13, 2009

Taylor Hicks Plays The Dating Game



Dating With The Stars
From: Live With Regis and Kelly


The votes have been tabulated and three lovely young ladies have won the chance to vie for a date with Taylor Hicks on Live With Regis and Kelly - Dating With The Stars.

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Make me a match,
Find me a find,
Catch me a catch"


Tune in Monday, February 16th to meet the winning bachelorrettes chosen for Taylor pictured below!
Who will be the lucky young lady???
Find out on Thursday, February 19th when Taylor Hicks plays The Dating Game!

Good luck girls and have fun!


Julie Courtney, 31
San Francisco, CA
Real Estate Consultant


Stephanie Hlad, 27
Brandon, FL
Office Manager


Emily Stivers, 27
Washington, DC
Online Campaign Coordinator

Watch all week starting Monday, February 16th as Regis and Kelly play matchmakers to two adorable, charming bachelors - Food Network Chef Danny Boome and American Idol winner and musician Taylor Hicks.


Video credits: Live With Regis and Kelly

Meet the Bachelors - Taylor Hicks and Danny Boome


Taylor Hicks will be appearing again on Live With Regis and Kelly Monday, March 2, 2009 to perform his newly released single, "What's Right is Right" currently available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon.com.


Today's cup:
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"Well, somebody has to arrange the matches,
Young people can't decide these things themselves."
~ Hodel - Fiddler On The Roof ~

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Disney's American Idol Experience Gala



Taylor Hicks, David Cook, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia Barrino, Kelly Clarkson, Mickey Mouse, Carrie Underwood and Ruben Studdard


Disney's American Idol Blue Carpet


Taylor Hicks smiles for the cameras on the blue carpet.


Minnie Mouse and Taylor Hicks on the blue carpet.



Taylor Hicks riding in the Disney American Idol Experience motorcade



Taylor Hicks exits Motorcade at the Disney Hollywood Studios American Idol Experience Press Event on February 12, 2009.
video capture: auburnsummer (Thank You)



'Idols' Unite at the Disney 'American Idol Experience'
Former "Idol" contender and special ET correspondent Kimberley Locke was front-and-center at the parade to get the dish on this incredible day.
video credit: ETONLINE


Taylor talks with Orlando Metromix


Taylor talks with with 96.3 WDVD



Taylor Hicks at Disney's American Idol Experience Gala holding
a special microphone-shaped statuette created by Simon Fuller and presented to each of the Idol winners.



All seven winners of “American Idol” gathered for the first time ever at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the grand opening of The American Idol Experience attraction. Pictured, (L-R): Ruben Studdard, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, David Cook, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks — hold silver microphone awards presented to them at the event by Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of “American Idol.”


American Idol Celebrities
Cast: Simon Fuller, Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest.

Former Idol Winners: Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Kelly Clarkston.

Notable contestants: David Archuleta, Bo Bice, Jason Castro, Bucky Covington, Diana DeGarmo, Melinda Doolittle, Josh Gracin, Justin Guarini, Michael Johns, LaKisha Jones, Kimberley Locke, Sanjaya Malakar, Mandisa, Syesha Mercado, Chris Sligh, Carly Smithson, Phil Stacey, Brooke White, and Ace Young.


Inside Disney's American Idol Experience


Today's cup:


"To all that come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."
~ Walt Disney ~


Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Be My Valentine

Photobucket

After winning over the hearts of all of America, Taylor Hicks is ready to win over the heart of one special lady.
Photobucket

From: LIVE With Regis And Kelly ~ Dating With The Stars

Born and raised in Alabama, he is a true Southern gentleman who has spent a lot of time in NY lately starring in Broadway's "Grease"... and is now touring the country in the show.
Besides music, Taylor loves golf, scuba diving, skiing and watching college basketball. He would love to meet a free spirited career-minded gal who can be serious during the week but can cut loose on the weekends.
If your heart is ready for a little Soul Patrol … Taylor is your guy.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but even if you don't have a special someone to celebrate with, it's not too late to find love. In fact, Regis and Kelly are going to play matchmaker! We have two adorable, charming and more importantly single men that we are giving our viewers a chance to go on a date with, which may include a trip to New York City to be on our show.
Click here to read more!


Valentine's Day Fun Facts

About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged in the US each year. That's the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.

Women purchase 85% of all valentines.

Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the biggest holidays for giving flowers.

Worldwide, over 50 million roses are given for Valentine's Day each year.

California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine's Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America.

Men buy most of the millions of boxes of candy and bouquets of flowers given on Valentine's Day.

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine's Day.

Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentines Day candy box in the late 1800s.

To be awoken by a kiss on Valentine's Day is considered lucky.


Valentine's Day Superstitions

On Valentine's Day, the first guy's name you read in the paper or hear on the TV or radio will be the name of the man you will marry.

If you see a squirrel on Valentine's Day, you will marry a cheapskate who will hoard all your money.

If you see a goldfinch on Valentine's Day, you will marry a millionaire.

If you see a robin on Valentine's Day, you will marry a crime fighter - maybe they mean Batman!

If you see a flock of doves on Valentine's Day, you will have a happy, peaceful marriage.

If you find a glove on the road on Valentine's Day, your future beloved will have the other missing glove.


Wishing everyone a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with all the love your heart can hold!
~Bloom~


Today's cup:Photobucket

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."
~Aristotle~