The Soul Of A Man

"Soul Thing" is my story.

"Music is maybe our highest form of communication -
it permits the telling of stories and sharing of them
with anyone who might want to hear them or even
need to hear them.

"Soul Thing" hits home for me because it's so much
about who I am and what I do."
~Taylor Hicks~

The story of Taylor Hicks' personal anthem, "Soul Thing", is beautifully interpreted in this video tribute which was done by KarinP.
Thank you Karin!



"I'm proud that my name has become so closely
associated with the word soul.
The moniker used to describe people who dig
what I do, the Soul Patrol, seemed to just
take on a life of it's own.
I love that my supporters wound up naming
themselves and did such a fine job."
~Taylor Hicks~



~The Soul Of A Man~
What a gift from Heaven, to bring forth such emotion.
I wonder if he ever knew, he would cause this fan-comotion!?

He stands so true, to himself, in the music that he sings.
I hope that he has realized, the joy, his person brings.

Kind and caring and gentle, are the impressions that he gives.
It's in his music, in his soul, it's in the way he lives.

He's not just, another 'star', but a new one, in his own right.
And high above the musical world, he is shining so very bright.

To love so much, so deeply, what it is, you so well do,
Is testament to strong dedication, and to staying to roots, so true.

He's full of a deep-set passion, which he feels so deep inside.
He's not afraid to show the world, his kindhearted, softer side.

And he's not afraid to just let go, just have a real good time.
He lets himself be taken away, in his musical, movement rhymes.

It all adds to his character, to the personna he projects.
All he is and all he does, so emotionally effects.

Its amazing to have such a talent, which brings so many to tears.
Though he is still younger, he is wise, beyond his years.

He's given us such a gift, which we cannot fully repay.
But we can, support him, in our own, special way.

What a testament of a person, who gives back all he can.
What a joy to be able to know,
This awesome soul of a man!
© Cathy Faist (used with permission) Thank you!
Taylor Hicks My Idol Scrapbook Tribute



From The Montgomery Advisor
Alabama's own American Idol 2006, Taylor Hicks
never expected to see "Soul Patrol" signs when
his plane landed in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"It's amazing the responses I had in Asia,"
said the Birmingham native, who's as famous
for his head of salt and pepper hair as he is
for his soulful singing and harmonica playing.
"I'm blessed to have such a dedicated group of fans."

These days, he's living on the road.
"There are four pieces of luggage that I carry with me at all times, and I call that my apartment," he said.
"I'm letting the music carry me where it needs to go."

He's also doing a lot of writing and making plans for his next project, for which he will have more creative control.
That pleases him a lot.

"It's thrilling to be part of the
Alabama Music Hall of Fame", he said.
On Friday, Taylor Hicks received the 2008 America's Music Award.
"It was thrilling to just be in the same room with all the legends of music.
I'd buy a ticket just to go," he said.



From The Montgomery Advisor, a snippet of Taylor Hicks'
performance of "Soul Thing" from the Awards Banquet.



Where the city street meets the country road,
where the sun is nice and warm,
no matter how long I may roam,
this song still takes us home.

Takes us home!



Sweet Home Alabama, congratulations to our Soul Man!

A Thank You to Taylor, his Soul Patrol and his Angels

To all my friends on the Soul Patrol ...

I am seldom at a loss for words, as my wife Cassie can attest.
We were overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity and compassion from all of you, so many of you that we have never met.

The words, Thank You, just do not say what we are feeling in our hearts.

This picture is of our 2 boys, Evan and Spencer.
Thanks to you, they had as wonderful of a Christmas as could be possible, under such incredible circumstances.

I wanted to share this picture of the boys taken yesterday, because it shows one of the only things that was salvaged from the house, before the wrecking crew demolished it.

Evan is holding a collage that we made for him from Taylor's show at the Maryland Theatre. It was hanging on the wall in his bedroom, and as the fireman removed a smoldering mattress, this is what they found!!!

It was Evan's first concert and he got to have his picture taken with Taylor (he is also a big fan). The fact that this one item was spared the devastation, has to be more than just luck (it is melted and burnt on the back and smells like smoke, but it is intact!)

It is a sign that even though there may be bumps in the road,
Taylor Hicks and his music will survive.

I know many of you were concerned with the news out of J records.
I was glad to see Taylor respond to all of you, in the manner that he did, and let you know that everything is going to be just fine.
Keep in mind Taylor's own words, spoken to the crowd at the Maryland Theatre ...

"If you stay the same person, it doesn't matter WHERE you go."
~ Taylor Hicks, July 6th, 2007 ~

I want to take just a moment and give a personal thank you to Taylor.
Taylor, when you agreed to come to Hagerstown, my wife and I knew
it would be a very special night.
You had touched so many people along the way, but we never could have anticipated what happened following our terrible day in December.
Because of the time we spent with you, so many people opened their hearts to us.
You were the bridge that brought us together with so many amazing people.
My family thanks you for that gift!

If there is anything Cassie and I can do for you
(besides throwing you another great party in Hagerstown), don't hesitate to let me know.
We are on your team, always will be!

One more special thank you to Taylor's Angels.
You people are incredible!
God bless all, for not only what you did for us, but for what you have done and continue to do for so many people.

Once again, thank you all so very much.
I can only think of one appropriate way to say thanks.

Cassie and I will continue to support and promote Taylor with the same passion that we always have.

When (not IF) Taylor returns to Hagerstown,
I hope some of you will follow him here.
I promise you we will put on one heck of a party.

Take care Soul Patrol.
Hope to see you all again real soon!!!!!
Bruce and Cassie Torres

No matter how many times I read this letter from Bruce, the words keep blurring before my eyes, I just can't seem to stop the tears from flowing.
I know that hearts speak when words cannot, but we have always heard Bruce's heart loud and clear.
I hope he can hear ours too.

It has been our privilege to get to know Bruce and Cassie and their boys, they are gifts that we can thank Taylor for bringing into our lifes.

We have all benefitted from their kindness and total commitment to supporting Taylor Hicks' music, and I'm thankful that so many stepped forward to offer their help when it was needed.

To give Bruce and Cassie an opportunity to forget their problems, for even just a bit, and simply enjoy just being together as a family.

So many times in reaching out to others, we discover some new strength within ourselves.
I would imagine that this is where Bruce and Cassie's strength has been drawn.
They have always reached out to help and support others!

We are looking forward to another exceptional Taylor concert in Hagerstown, but even more importantly the wonderful welcome that Hagerstown extends to everyone ... thanks to Bruce and Cassie Torres!

Teri, thank you for sharing Bruce's letter and the photo that he sent to Taylor's Angels of Evan's buried treasure.

Treasures are somewhat like wildflowers ... they are often found in the most unlikely places.

A New Year's Prayer

New Year's Eve and 2008 are only hours away!!

I'm expecting it to be a wonderful year for all of us and that it will be an exceptional year for Taylor Hicks and the Soul Patrol!!

Wanted to take this opportunity to wish Taylor, his family and all of my soul sisters and soul brothers a Happy New Year from the pond!

The New Year's Cake
Stir together golden dreams of hope.
Add a cup of New Year's light.

Catch flakes of Heaven's drifting snow,
To make the mixture pure and white.

Add to it a stirring of Angels' Wings,
Bearing Joy, Love, and Inspiration.

Blend into the mix a Prayer of Hope
To God for the souls of every nation.

Frost your cake with Loving Kindness,
And then to make it especially nice ...

Give a large serving to the world;
And Peace on Earth with every slice!



Dear Lord, please give me ...
A few friends who understand me,
and yet remain my friends.

A work to do which has real value,
without which the world would feel the poorer.

A mind unafraid to travel,
even though the trail be not blazed.
An understanding heart and a sense of humor.

Time for quiet, silent meditation.
A feeling of the presence of God.
And the patience to wait for the coming of these things,
with the wisdom to know them when they come.

~By W.R. Hunt~

The New Year lies before you
Like a spotless tract of snow
Be careful how you tread on it
For every mark will show.

Wishing everyone and their families a very safe and Happy New Year!
God Bless,
Bloom

If Wishes Were Snowflakes

My Holiday Wishes to Taylor,
his family and his Soul Patrol!

If wishes were * snowflakes * I'd be sending you a blizzard this year!

I wish you love and peace
throughout the coming year.
May happiness and laughter,
fill your life with cheer.

I wish you an abundance of sunshine
for each and every day.
May memories all be good ones,
with every passing day.

May your clouds have silver linings
and your rainbows a pot of gold.
May you listen without judgment,
to things that you've been told.

May you follow in God's footsteps,
as you travel down life's road,
And may He ease your burdens,
to lighten every load.

A "Merry Christmas" I extend
to bring good cheer to you.
I wish this and so much more
May every dream come true!

A Blessed Holiday To All
From my little pond,

Taylor Hicks My Idol!

Hugs, Bloom

Gift Of Love

HELP SEND A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE TORRES CHILDREN!

Yesterday I passed along Taylor's Angels plea for your help for the Bruce Torres family who recently lost everything in a tragic house fire.

The SOUL PATROL is working together through The Whomp Swamp and Taylor's Angels to give a holiday gift of LOVE to the two Torres boys, ages 7 and 10.

As the promoter of Taylor Hicks' Hagerstown concert, Bruce gave a wonderful welcome to Taylor ... this is our opportunity to say "Thank You."

For those of you who are unable to send a donation or

giftcard directly,
but would still like to help us be sure these boys have a

great Christmas,
another option is to make a donation through paypal to:
evancol@aol.com

before midnight on December 20.

You CAN use your Visa or Mastercard.
You will receive an email confirmation of your donation with a copy going to Taylor’s Angels.
The totals will be posted on Taylor's Angels and

at The Whomp Swamp.

All the donations will be combined, and one Walmart Giftcard will be sent overnight to the Torres Family.

They can then ALL shop on Christmas Eve for presents and goodies for the holidays!

MAKE THIS A HAPPY HOLIDAY FOR THESE DEAR CHILDREN AND WONDERFUL FAMILY!

PLEASE GO TO: www.paypal.com and send your contribution to

evancol@aol.com

Have a happy and blessed Christmas!

Taylor’s Angels and The Whomp Swamp

It's important to remember too,
that even the Littlest of Angels is needed!

Happy Holidays, Bloom

Christmas, my child, is love in action.

Every time we love, every time we give,

It's Christmas.

Dale Evans

A Plea To The Soul Patrol From Taylor's Angels

If you have visited Taylor's Scrapbook Tribute you will recognize these two photos of Bruce and Cassie Torres of Cabana Cove Concerts along with their outstanding crew.

They are the promoters responsible for bringing Taylor to Hagerstown, Maryland ... and as you know one of the highlights of the Taylor Hicks 2007 tour ... was his performance on July 6th in Hagerstown, Maryland.

These are the people who made sure right down to the very last detail that Taylor's reception in Hagerstown was phenomenal!

Now they need the help of Taylor's Soul Patrol!

Over the weekend, Taylor's Angels received an email from Mr. Torres stating that he and his family had just lost everything in a massive fire that destroyed their home and everything they owned.

Teri from Taylor's Angels has asked that the Soul Patrol rally together and help this family during the holiday season!!

"We realize that you are probably wondering why we ask for support for this family, but we can't emphasize enough that this particular man and his wife are totally dedicated to promoting Taylor Hicks and his music any way possible!
Their belief in Taylor is strong and has never wavered.

Taylor’s Angels has continued to correspond with Mr. Torres over the months because of his true dedication to Taylor Hicks and his firm belief in Taylor’s amazing artistry.
In working with Mr. Torres to send over 60 children within the community to the July 6 concert, Taylor’s Angels became increasingly aware that this promoter was actually promoting Taylor Hicks, his artistry and his music and was focused on that aspect more so than the bottom dollar.
His attention to every detail regarding Taylor’s visit to Hagerstown was impeccably thought out.
As a result, Taylor set the one day sales record for tickets at the legendary Maryland Theatre, where his idol Ray Charles had once played.
As everyone is well aware by now, Taylor’s performance in Hagerstown was one of the best of the summer tour.
All the fan sites were talking about his energy, passion and song selection.
We believe Taylor knew the passion with which this show was promoted and was touched by the love he felt in this small community.

We hope that the Soul Patrol will rise to the aid of this incredible promoter who so deeply respects the artistry of Taylor Hicks and believes in his future!

We ask that, if you are able, you will send toys or gift cards to this family who has suffered such tragedy.
They have two boys, ages 10 and 7, who need toys.
The oldest is an artist and loves to draw and the youngest loves to build things.
Department store gift cards would also be a blessing and would allow them to purchase food, clothing and other necessities.
Anything you can do would be of tremendous help!

The address for you to send your items is:
Mr. Bruce Torres
17734 Burnside Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740

If you need more information, please email us at taylors_angels@yahoo.com.
We thank you for your generous support and wish you all a joyous holiday!"


Teri I hope that the SP reaches out and embraces this family the way that they embraced Taylor Hicks ... with open arms and big hearts!!
I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through right now and my hearts aches to know they have lost everything.
It must be a horrendous experience and we can only be thankful that no one was harmed.

Everytime I read Tina's posts about Bruce and Cassie and Cabana Cove Concerts, I am moved anew at how truly unique these promoters are, their love of Taylor and his music speaks for itself.
I copied one of the posts that Bruce sent to the SP from Taylor's scrapbook and hope you don't mind if I post it here.

Mr. Torres and his wife, Cassie, were speechless after reading some of the comments on the various fan sites regarding how well received Taylor's concert was in their small hometown.
They sent their warmest thanks and wished to respond to Taylor's fans in this manner:

"To all the fans who sent messages regarding the Hagerstown concert, my wife, Cassie, and I want to thank you for the kind words.

It was our first concert production and we were honored to have Taylor Hicks as our guest.
Those of you who were there know what a special night it was.

For so many others who could not attend but got to listen in or see some of the video, I am sure you could feel it as well.

Being able to bring so many children to the show was as much a gift to us as it was to them.
For one little girl who had recently revealed an unbearable past, it became a very special night.
The only peace she has known over the last year has been his music.
Her mother told me that looking up at the pictures of Taylor on her wall gave her something to smile about.
She was the first person I brought in to meet Taylor during the meet and greet.
Nothing will ever erase her horrible experiences, but in that one moment sitting next to Taylor Hicks, the world became a better place.

Taylor Hicks' music is his vehicle, but his caring and compassionate nature is the "heart and soul" of the artist.

It was a pleasure to be a small part of the magic that is following him around.
We hope to have him back in Hagerstown sometime, and we hope to see some of you again."
Bruce and Cassie Torres
Cabana Cove Concerts


Kudos to Taylor Angels' for reaching out to the SP and asking that we show our support by giving back some of what Bruce and Cassie Torres have given to Taylor and to us!!!

We need only remember Taylor's words that night ... whether you were there or listened to the cellcert or watched the outstanding videos from this concert ...
"This is the warmest reception I have ever received"


Phyllis from The Official Soul Patrol responded:

"This is very sad to read about ..... This family stood by Taylor and his dreams ... They believe in DREAMS ... WE as Taylor's FAMILY of Dreamers and Dream achievers MUST COME TOGETHER and give with all that we can ... so we can stand as GOOD WILL AMBASSADORS of the TAYLOR HICKS fan club ...f or those children who have had a black cloud placed over the memory of Christmas this year ... WE NEED TO REPLACE THAT MEMORY ... with a RAINBOW ....... I ask that everyone who has been BLESSED by TAYLOR ... or by being A TAYLOR FAN .... give something ,... no matter how little it need be but lets pull together and show these people what Christmas means to "SOUL PATROL"

Gift cards ... a secret SANTA present .. a shirt ... anything attached with HOPE
WE CAN WE SHOULD!!!
LETS GIVE BACK TO A FAMILY THAT HAS SHOWN UNDYING LOVE for TAYLOR HICKS and HIS DREAMS!!!

GOD BLESS THOSE WHO BROUGHT THIS STORY TO US ...
Now we all can be TAYLOR ANGELS and help heal this FAMILY........
GOD BLESS TAYLOR'S FANS ...
Lets make this a CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER IN A HAPPY WAY FOR THIS FAMILY PLEASE.!!!

P.S. To the member that has brought this to our attention ... please email me, every available way to send gifts of hope to this family.... ASAP.... these children must receive XMas gifts everyway possible ... I want to send them a Letter from Santa ... PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH CONTACT INFO ... thank you.
To the family ... I promise you ... this disaster will bring you a rainbow full of love and needs met ....
This is the time of year that great miracles HAPPEN ... you will come through this ... I PROMISE YOU THAT.... this website is powerful when prayers begin for someone ....Your name is on top of each prayer list all over the world ...
I am going after I sign off, to make a special visit at the North Star and with my fleet of Angels ... YOU WILL SEE great things will come your way... GOD Bless and GOD'S SPEED WITH EACH OF YOU"

Teri and Phyllis thank you for your compassionate hearts, thank you to Taylor's Angels for bringing this to our attention.
I hope we have touched your heart and you will add your support as well as your prayers for this family.
We CAN make a difference ... we are The Soul Patrol!!

Bloom

For more information on Taylor’s Hagerstown, Maryland show and how Mr. Torres impacted this community, please check out the links below:
http://taylorsangels.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html

Scrapbook page:
http://community-2.webtv.net/bloomtaliercio/soulfullofheart/

I Heard It Thru The Grapevine

What is 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!

Is Country The Answer?

The A.I Taylor Hicks hooked us, but it was the acoustical Taylor who reeled most of us in permanently.

As we sit and listen we are spellbound, this is when the magic of Taylor Hicks' artistry really shines.

We long for the moments of just Taylor and his stool, and when it happens the excitement level just skyrockets.

The same phenomenon happens when he begins to play his harp, we are on the edge of our seats straining not to miss a moment of the magic taking place.

Taylor made us sit up and take notice from the moment he appeared on our television screens.

Here was a young man who had the ability to not only sing his heart out, but to entertain us at the same time.

He made the music come alive!

He asked for his voice to be heard and to give him a chance.

We voted to give him that chance, but the PTB and the radio industry have discounted our votes and have not embraced Taylor.

Which brings me back to the title of this topic ... is Country the answer for Taylor Hicks?

The following is an excerpt from an article that appeared in 2001.

The only part I am not in agreement with is the reference to "payola".

I am totally convinced that though it is illegal, it is still taking place.

You just have to look at who has dominated the AC charts since the beginning of this year, to have no doubts about what is happening.

.....

"Most new songs cannot become popular without the medium we know as radio. After all, people won't usually buy CDs without hearing at least one song first, and the place they hear it is usually on the air.
So who is it that decides what is played on the radio and how?
The Radio Industry
During most of the last century, many independent radio stations had DJs who chose the music they played on the air. Many developed legions of hard-core fans who tuned into their shows regularly. Listeners depended on their favorite DJs to introduce them to new songs. Good DJs knew their audiences and could predict which songs would become hits.
These days, large corporations own most of the radio stations. They are in business to make money and play the music they think will lure audiences and sell advertising. (The exception is non-commercial, or public, stations that don't play ads and depend on listeners and corporations to send in donations.)
Some people say that large corporations are less willing than individual DJs to take a risk on new or innovative music, and therefore don't offer listeners as much variety.
One thing commercial stations can't do is accept money from record companies or musicians in return for playing their music. That's illegal, and known in the business as "payola."
"Since the early days of Rock and Roll on the radio there have been numerous rumors of payola in the radio industry, but very few have ever gone to court, and only a few of those have ever led to convictions," said Reed Bunzel, editor-in-chief of the radio industry Web site Gavin.com.
At commercial stations, DJs play songs from a pre-selected playlist put together by the station management based on what they think listeners want to hear. The DJ's job is mostly to entertain listeners with talk between songs and introduce the music. He or she has little choice or input for song selection at most stations.
There are about 10,000 commercial stations in the U.S. and about 2,500 non-commercial stations. The most popular format in the U.S. is Country Music. That means Country Music dominates the airwaves, but not the record stores. "

Acoustical Taylor fits quite nicely into the Country Music genre.

A perfect example, 'The Fall' written by Taylor Hicks

from his 1999 CD 'In Your Time'

This video is from his concert appearance in Waukegon, IL

July 12, 2007

video by samz

Would the Country Music Industry embrace Taylor now, and give him the recognition he deserves?

Obviously it will be up to Taylor whether he chooses that direction, and with the promise of more acoustical music from him ... is it a possibility?

Your comments are welcome.

Naked In The Jungle

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK OUT! SPEAK OUT!

This song has been on my mind a lot recently. At first I started to create another canvas for the Dream Series, after playing with it for 2 days I decided ... that boat won't float!

So we won't be travelling by boat this time around!
(Couldn't bring myself to use the image that most relates to this song!)

It's a jungle out there and not a bit like the whimsical image above!

The lions and tigers and sharks have even invaded Taylor's Soul Patrol. What started out as friendly, supportive fan bases has evolved into places where people not only feel it is okay to criticize every move Taylor does or doesn't make, they also think it is perfectly fine to bash other posters. All in the name of a right to a difference of opinion!

RUBBISH!

Well I'm speaking out and I say it's wrong and not because I am a Kool Aid drinker ... personally I can't stand the stuff! Pop Tarts either for that matter!

What I do love is the music of Taylor Hicks and the way that music weaves it's way into my heart and makes my soul sing!

For me that is what it's all about!

Bloom

"NAKED IN THE JUNGLE"

Taylor's Biloxi Concert - video by Chewysmom2

SPEAK OUT! SPEAK OUT! SPEAK OUT!

It's your turn!