I am long overdue in officially welcoming KarinP on board as a blog author here at The Pond.
Karin, I really wanted to to do something for your Birthday that was beautiful or at least clever, but as I wasn't clever enough to even realize I missed your birthday, this is the best way I could think of to celebrate your Birthday!
Plus it gave me a perfect opportunity to say thank you for your friendship, thank you for your endless support, and to thank you for all of the wonderful videos you have given us of Taylor.
YOU are "Simply The Best" and I don't know if you remember this or not, but this is a video you made for your friends at The Official Soul Patrol way back in November of 2006.
The "Groove Moment" is on this one!
video: Taylor Hicks Is "Simply The Best"
And so MY Friend are YOU!
Audio: Taylor Hicks self-penned "My Friend" is available on his newly released "Early Works".
What do Taylor Hicks, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix and Michael Buble have in common? The obvious is talent, creativity, personality and presence.
Today's blog is dedicated to friends and friendship, (crazy and otherwise) with some great music to listen to and a very eclectic selection of videos, including 2 new ones I have created :-)
The common denominator?? Taylor, Elton, Jimi and Michael are all singing here today to and about friends so make yourself comfy and enjoy! (Don't forget to click on the audio player to pause it in the side-bar)
"Anybody here have any crazy friends?" ~Taylor Hicks~
Remember the first time we all heard Taylor ask that question?!? Some of us were doing the pointing and some of us were being pointed at :-)
Taylor Hicks ~ "My Friend" An original tune from his album 'Under The Radar' (2005)
Live at the Beacon Theater, NY (April 2007) video capture by lacilovebug (Thank You!)
A good friend is like a wonderful book, the inside is better than the cover.
Elton John ~ Making "Friends" This is a video montage I recently created about making friends. (The pretty girl you will see towards the end, she's my baby girl)
"Friends" (1971) was a project Elton John and Bernie Taupin (lyrics) took on before their breakout success in the United States. It was recorded as the soundtrack to the film Friends, and was a minor hit in the U.S. (#34 on the pop chart).
What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies.
This recording of Jimi Hendrix's bluesy "My Friend" combines a humorous song with sound effects to create a bar or nightclub atmosphere.
"My Friend" is a song written and recorded by Jimi Hendrix in New York City in 1968. The song was first released in 1971 on the posthumous album 'The Cry of Love' and later appeared on the CD 'First Rays of the New Rising Sun'. (It was mixed posthumously by Hendrix's engineer Eddie Kramer.) Because it was left unreleased at the time it was recorded, some people have raised doubts if Hendrix had ever intended to use that song on any of his albums.
Michael Buble's "Feeling Good" My latest video creation is an animated get-well message filled with feel better hugs for friends. (dedicated to Karin, she's a good egg)
Michael's "Feeling Good" is a wicked jazz tune from his album 'It's Time'. IMO Mr. Buble's version is the best sung and arranged (David Foster) version of this number that dates back to the 1965 musical 'The Roar of the Greasepaint—the Smell of the Crowd'.
That's it my friends, MY last video for today!
May you be blessed with good friends.
May you be a good friend to yourself.
May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where there is great love, warmth, feeling and forgiveness.
May you always be in the gentle nest of belonging with your anam cara (soul friend).
A video response from my anam cara Karin! Michael Buble and Blake Shelton (Michael's new best friend) duet together in Nashville singing "Home".
While this wasn't the special guest we were hoping for nevertheless this was fantastic!
Today's cup of karma
When the power of love, overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. ~Jimmy Hendrix~
Have a Bloomin' wonderful day My Friends, hope you enjoyed the view! ~Bloom~
"My Friend" by Taylor Hicks This entry is dedicated to all my crazy friends out there, and the GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE!
When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, And then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.
One friend will meet your spiritual need, Another your shoe fetish, Another your love for movies, Another will be with you in your season of confusion, Another the wind beneath your wings,
Another will be your dancing partner.
But whatever their assignment in your life, On whatever the occasion, On whatever the day, Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, Or to make all the arrangements for a ... road trip, Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ... Those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several.. One from 7th grade, One from high school, Several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, On some days your mother, On some days your neighbor, On others, your sisters, And on some days, your daughters.
But on most days it's our Soul Sisters!
So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes, 20 years, or since Taylor Hicks' music brought you together ... the message never grows old ... a great friend IS the perfect accessory!
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.
