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
I have been wondering why Taylor didn't perform "Dream Myself Awake" very often during his spring and summer tours. It seems to me that we heard it mainly during his spring tour?
I did find it interesting to learn that out of 107 concert appearances, "Dream Myself Awake" was only on his setlist 35 times. (My thanks to mouser from the Whomp Swamp for providing the numbers!)
I'm curious as to what y'all think is the reason why it was the least performed track from his self-titled CD 'Taylor Hicks', with the exception of course of "Places I've Been" which we never got to see or hear him perform anywhere!
Taylor we're waiting and anticipating !!!
Another thing is ... that there are very few video captures from his concerts of "Dream Myself Awake" ... I thought that kind of strange too!
We may never know the reason unless of course Taylor chooses to share that information with us, but in the meantime I have something to share with you!
Enjoy!
I bet you have a big old smile on your face right now,
this was just an absolutely spectacular performance!!
If I had a box for wishes And dreams that had never come true The box would be empty Except for the memory Of how they were all answered by you
It's unbelievable that it is already the 2nd of December, where has this year gone? I'm wondering how much time must pass before something can be considered nostalgia? My memories of this past year with Taylor aren't bittersweet, they are sweet ... so would they still be considered nostalgia??
It has been a wonderful year for Taylor and for those of us in his travelling circus.
Oh, The Places We Have Been!
You just have to take a look at Taylor's Timeline over at the Whomp Swamp ...
or watch his 'Trip Around The Sun' video up in my sidebar ...
and all those sweet memories come flooding in!
For today's blog though, I'd like to take you just a bit further back. Do you remember our first audio blog from Taylor at graycharles?
How about this excerpt from Taylor's interview with MTV News
"There is a sound that I've kinda thought about and it's called 'modern wamp'. It's like swamp meets boogie meets jazz meets hip-hop.
It's cool. I've been excited about recording it, but I think touring is going to be the funnest thing for me. I'm such a live dude, I've been doing it for so long. I'm going to put some horns on the road with me and have this killer soul band."
Remember this answer from Taylor's interview with Mary Colurso when she asked him to name his top five moments in his
"you know you're famous if" category?
Answer #5 "Really feeling the energy of all the people who are fans. I've always wanted to perform for crowds of people. The more people I perform to, the more energy they give me to give back to them. It's easier to reciprocate that energy. I walk into some of these theaters, and it's standing room only. I've created an audience for myself as an entertainer. When it happens, it's the greatest gift God can give you. I did an outdoor event for 22,000 people at Universal Studios. It was a tour stop. There's a Mardi Gras parade that goes through the park and everybody plays. They closed Universal Studios down to see me perform. That was great."
Yes Indeed!!
And today's journey continues with a Taylorized poem by Mandy set to 'Twas The Night Before Christmas'. She thought it would be fun to take that famous poem and rewrite it as if she were attending a great Taylor Hicks' concert! So as you read the lines, do so with the original poem in mind.
A Concert With Taylor by Mandy ‘Twas the night of the big concert, and music filled the house, Everyone was listening, including the concert hall mouse! The chairs were all filled with fans and newbies alike, As Taylor came on stage and grabbed for his mike! The Soul Patrol was ready to give lots of shouts, As the band started playing so that there were no pouts! We were dancing and waving and singing along ‘Cause we knew all the words to each and every song! “Gonna Move” started the set and was followed by more While Taylor’s sweat was coming out of every possible pore! “The Right Place” and “The Deal” and “Hell of a Day” Were terrific and energetic and perfect in every way. We listened and danced as the concert went on While the cell cert host kept watch on her phone! “Heaven Knows” and “The Maze” and “Soul Thing” too Kept us dancing and screaming for more “Medicated Goo”! Now cameras were taping and pictures were taken For us to post on the boards for everyone’s takin’! Then all of a sudden security did appear Which put us with cameras in panic and fear Then they turned away quickly and looked no more So we kept on filming and snapping pictures galore! Now Brian was on keyboards and Mitch was on bass And Zippy on the drums was making his case! Sam on the guitar and Jeff with the sax and flute Taylor had to play harmonica just to follow suit! Time for “The Runaround” and “Hey Pokey Way” ‘Cause we wanted Taylor and LMBO together to stay! “Wherever I Lay My Hat” and “Give Me Tonight” With Taylor dancing, oh my, what a sight! Taylor was wearing a white shirt with his jeans New Balance sneakers that give him the means To dance and jump and shake his great buns In a way that would make us all glad we’re not nuns! “Just to Feel That Way” and the spunky “My Friend” Is enough to make our backs and knees bend! With a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face We couldn’t help but wonder how he kept up his pace! Now he tags lots of songs with out missing a beat Which keeps us all standing rather than having a seat! Then “Badge” was followed by Rod Stewart's “Young Turks” To complete a Taylor concert full of great song perks! The band was real tight as Taylor gave each the spotlight To showcase their talent while they played with all their might! Brian’s fingers across the keyboards, how fast they could fly While Jeff played the sax and the flute together, oh my! my! Zippy on drums kept pace with Sam and Mitch As Taylor sang his songs in perfect note pitch! The main set had ended and the encore started when We finally got to hear all “The Places I’ve Been”! When the concert was ended Taylor yelled “see you real soon” Then he dashed off the stage to miss our collective swoon! Out by the buses he signed autographs and chatted As we waited to see if we’d get our hearts patted! Then he got on the bus but before they drove out of sight, He yelled “SOUL PATROL” and “Thanks for a great night!” Happy Holidays Everyone! (Thank you Mandy for sharing, please visit Mandy's blog in my sidebar for more of her wonderful concert recaps)
Our journey back in time today closes with this beautifully put together video by paythedevil from last December. Thank you, this is truly a treasured gift!
I must warn you though, it leaves me in tears.
If I had a box for wishes And dreams that had never come true The box would be empty Except for the memory Of how they were all answered by you
I think I hear that whistle blowing
Thanks for taking another trip down memory lane with me today. I hope you have enjoyed your visit here and enjoyed revisting some of The Places We've Been. Your comments are welcome, Bloom
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.
