To leave the old with a burst of song, To recall the right and forgive the wrong; To forget the thing that binds you fast To the vain regrets of the year that's past; To have the strength to let go your hold Of the not worthwhile of the days grown old, To dare to go forth with a purpose true, To the unknown task of the year that's new; To help your brother along the road To lend your shoulder to ease his load; To add your gift to the world's good cheer, Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.
To start the New Year off on the right foot, I'm attempting to get back to blogging and to updating this site with all of the wonderful things going on in the artistic career of MY Idol Taylor Hicks.
Perhaps the best way to do that would be to let you hear from Taylor Hicks himself what he has been up to and what we can look forward to in the coming months.
Video: by willgilbert1969 Taylor Hicks drops by the 92 PRO-FM studios in Providence, RI
Video: by WBNS Taylor Hicks on the Mix Morning Show ~ WBNS Part 1 ~ Interview
Video: by WBNS Taylor Hicks on the Mix Morning Show ~ WBNS Part 2 ~ Interview
Taylor Hicks is the main ingredigent for MY Happy New Year recipe. My 2009 calendar is already filling and I expect it to be a VERY GOOD YEAR!
I hope that you have taken the time to browse around here at 'The Pond' and enjoy all of the sites and sounds of 2008!
For anything that I might have missed, I urge you to visit any of the listings below!
In no particular order, I prepared some time ago, a mind boggling array of online sites devoted to supporting the musical and artistic career of Taylor Hicks. I'm sure I've even missed some as new ones pop up constantly. My apologies to those I may have missed and to any sites whose addy might now be incorrect.
MySpace TaylorMadeOnline Taylor Hicks Fansite Taylor's Angels New England Soul Patrol Taylor Is The Boogie Taylor Hicks Times The Official Soul Patrol Little Buddy Radio
Yahoo Groups Praying For Taylor Hicks Taylor Hicks Family Taylor Hicks AI5 TaylorsWay NE Soul Patrol The Sounds Of Taylor Hicks Soul Patrol
Miss Olive, otherwise known as Princess Olive Cupcake, all decked out and ready to wish you a Boo-tiful Halloween!
You've heard the expresssion, cute as a bug in a rug? How about cute as a bug on a rug?
LOL, just couldn't resist sharing this adorable pic!
Since Taylor Hicks is currently in France for preproduction of his upcoming CD, I thought we could take a look at how Halloween is celebrated in France. Bonnes vacances Taylor!!
But first, in case you missed it, here is Taylor's audio blog from France!
Enjoy!!
Update: Friday, October 31, 2008 New Taylor Blog! Hello Soul Patrol,
I just returned from France having complete pre production on the new record. I cannot wait for y'all to hear it...it is truly my best work. Have a great Halloween and be on the lookout for some more studio updates. ~Taylor~
From ASK.COM Halloween in France is usually celebrated by costumed people of all ages going to parties at friends' homes, restaurants, bars, or clubs. The costumes themselves tend to be traditionally "scary" - mummies, ghosts, goblins, witches, and vampires - rather than the cute costumes like princesses, superheroes, and the cartoon character of the day which are popular in the US. Some recreation centers encourage kids to make their own costumes.
Trick-or-treating is getting to be more common. It started out store-to-store, rather than house-to-house, but the latter is picking up. However, Halloween occurs during the mid-season school break, which slows it down a bit.
Stores, malls, restaurants, offices, and homes decorate their windows; pastry and candy shops make up special desserts and candies; and many different kinds of companies use Halloween in their ads. Supermarkets sell pumpkins for jack-o'-lanterns and candy companies are now marketing candy in the traditional Halloween format: one big bag filled with lots of little packages, which may encourage trick-or-treating.
The growing demand for jack-o'-lanterns during Halloween has been a boon for pumpkin growers. There is even a pumpkin patch at a farm outside of Paris where people can pick their own.
Halloween in France is rather controversial, due to the perception of corporate and cultural influence, as well as the fact that it is not a typical French holiday and some people still don't understand what is being celebrated. Because Halloween is seen as an American celebration, some French people refuse to enjoy it, having decided to include it in their anti-American boycott. It's too early to tell whether Halloween will develop into a long-term tradition; once the novelty wears off, it may turn out to be just a fad. And yet, interestingly, the French have been celebrating the ideas at the very heart of Halloween (respect for the dead) for centuries. 31 October to 2 November have traditionally been spent, especially by older generations, visiting cemeteries, honoring saints, and attending religious services.
Limoges — The city in France that has most embraced Halloween is Limoges, where every year since 1996, the town has put on a Halloween parade on October 31. About 30,000 people show up for a parade of ghosts, goblins and ghouls carrying candlelit pumpkins. There are also lots of people who dress up in costume and tour the local bars, cafes and restaurants, many of which hold special Halloween parties. If you are looking for a real Halloween celebration in France, heading to Limoges is definitely the way to go.
Today's cup:
The witches fly Across the sky, The owls go, "Who? Who? Who?" The black cats yowl And green ghosts howl, "Scary Halloween to you!"
Well the frost was on the pumpkins this morning, burr!
The fall colors have been spectacular and the weather up to now has been simply beautiful. Autumn is my favorite time of year, even though it is the harbinger of Winter.
Thankfully the sun is now shining brightly, and the frost has disappeared, so to celebrate I have a few more sweet treats to fill your Halloween goodie bag!
Of course there is a special Taylor treat! A treat that Karin created for us back when we were all awaiting Taylor Hicks' 2006 self-titled CD to drop. (Coincidentally we are all now eagerly awaiting his new Cd that will be released in February of 2009!)
Karin's treat should have been shared in September, but Karin and I didn't get much blogging done that month, so I'm taking the opportunity to share it today, unbeknownst to Karin :-)
But first here is a little something for your goodie bag, a cute poem about Halloween trick or treaters for you to share:
Frost is on the pumpkin Chill is in the air Leaves are gently falling Swirling here and there.
Many different faces Costumes in the night Gremlins, ghouls and goblins Causing quite a fright.
Vampires in the darkness Hobos in the street Ghosts are ringing doorbells Time for trick-or-treat.
Candles in the window Faces all aglow Painted little munchkins Put on quite a show.
Full of tricks and sorcery Warlocks in the night Lamps are shining brightly Makes for quite a site.
Lots of spells and magic Witches do appear Riding on their broomsticks Halloween is here.
Now we'll go to the moon and back, back to September that is, for your Taylor Treat! Come a little bit closer now, you're in for a real treat!
video: "Harvest Moon" a Taylor Hicks Montage by KarinP
In China and throughout many Asian countries people celebrate the Harvest Moon on the 15th day of the eighth month of their lunar calendar. The date in the Western calendar changes yearly. This year, it fell on September 14, 2008.
The Harvest Moon or Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie) is a day of family reunions much like a Western Thanksgiving. Chinese people believe that on that day, the moon is the roundest and brightest signaling a time of completeness and abundance. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, children are delighted to stay up past midnight, parading multi-colored lanterns into the wee hours as families take to the streets to moon-gaze.
It is also a romantic night for lovers, who sit holding hands on hilltops, riverbanks and park benches, captivated by the brightest moon of the year!
September's full moon, known in folklore as the Harvest Moon, rises over the DC skyline. photo credit: philliefan99
Today's cup:
"Everyone is a moon and has a dark side, which he never shows to anybody." ~ Mark Twain ~
I thought I'd do a special blog for Halloween centered around my favorite part - treats! I'm giving out virtual candy treats this year!
The first treat is the delicious canvas of Taylor Hicks, portrayed as the candy man, that I created for the beginning of the blog - click on it for the full effect!
The second treat is this fabulous video that was created almost a year ago and I just found the other day. Don't know how I missed it, but it is titled simply Taylor Hicks. I had no idea when I clicked on it what a wonderful treat I had in store.
video: by ELVISEXPERT2006 (Thank you Kaicee!)
I just simply sat at my computer with a big smile on my face, and I'd like to give a big thank you to the young lady who created this video, because she made my day!
Is there is a big smile on your face too, are you singing "I want candy"?
Now that we are all on a sugar high, we won't need any Karma coffee to get our motor's running, Taylor took care of that! So today I'll finish with a few fun-filled facts about some of the most popular Halloween goodies!
Yum, it's that great of time of year where bags, sacks, buckets and bowls of yummy candy are seemingly everywhere. I am a chocoholic and my favorite treat is M&M Peanuts. My statistics prove they are totally nutritious and there's no tell-tale messy evidence, well except for all of the empty bags :-)
Halloween Candy Fun Facts By Jeanne Benedict
Are you a Snickers bar fan or do you crave M&M’s? One quarter of all the candy sold annually is for Halloween night. Here are some fun facts to make the holiday even sweeter!
Candy Corn Candy corn was invented in the 1880s by George Renninger of the Wunderlee Candy and is produced today by the Jelly Belly Candy Company. October 30th is National Candy Corn Day. An estimated 35 million pounds of candy corn, that’s 9 billion pieces, will be produced this year.
M&M’s M&M’s were introduced to American GIs during WWII in 1941. M&M’s were originally sold in a tube and then packaged in their famed little brown bag in 1948. In 1950, the first “M” was imprinted in black on the candy giving the morsels their signature style.
Snickers and Favorite Candy Bars Snickers bars have topped the charts for years as the #1 Halloween candy bar. Parents favorite treats to sneak from their kids’ trick-or-treat bags are snack-size chocolate bars (70% sneak these)! Other favorite candy bars to look for in trick-or-treat bags are Nestlé Crunch, Milky Way, Three Musketeers, and Almond Joy.
HERSHEY’S KISSES HERSHEY'S KISSES hit the scene in 1907 and have been on candy shelves ever since with a brief interruption from 1942 to 1949 due to the rationing of silver foil during WWII. A popular belief is that the “KISS” got its name from the sound or motion that the machine makes while producing them. 76% percent of households will include bite-size chocolate candies in their Halloween activities and 26% percent will go for full-size candy (chocolate and non-chocolate).
We have to give a shout out to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Tootsie Rolls & Pops, Smarties, and Charms Blow Pops, which will also fill the bags of the 93% of children who will go trick-or-treating this year.
A special thanks to the National Confectioners Association for some of the facts in the article! Check them out at CandyUSA
You know that 'feeling' I'm talking about! The euphoria you experience when listening to Taylor Hicks' music.
Then there's the high intensity excitement that enfolds you when seeing Taylor Hicks in concert. Anticipation, wonderment, tears and smiles. You feel so good you are down right giddy.
video: Taylor Hicks @ Millersville University, Millersville, PA
Well I searched for most of this past summer for something to give me a taste of that special 'feeling'. I knew a trip to see Taylor in 'Grease' on Broadway wasn't in the cards, so I wasn't going to get a Taylor fix any time soon.
To the rescue came my friend Froggie with news that Ray LaMontagne and Marc Broussard were both performing concerts in our area. My soul was about to receive some much needed soothing and I eagerly agreed to her purchasing tickets for both performances.
It seems our souls were not the only ones in need of soothing. Both concerts were highly attended, in fact they were packed with varying ages, but the predominant age was college students. And believe me they were as into and appreciative of the music as we both were.
Can you imagine our excitement upon hearing Ray sing "Trouble" and Marc singing "You Send Me" and "Let's Get It On". It was as if the spirit of Taylor Hicks was right there with us!
Both Marc and Ray gave fabulous performances, but for me there is only one person whose performances fullfill that special 'feeling'. Taylor is the man ... hook, line and sinker.
video: Taylor Hicks @ House of Blues, Cleveland
We caught Ray's concert at the Royal Oak Theater, but this video from his Chicago concert is a better capture of his new song.
video: "Winter Birds" by Ray LaMontagne @ The Chicago Theater
And here is a small sampling from Marc's almost 2 1/2 hour concert.
video: Marc Broussard @ The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor, MI
Thanks Froggie for looking out for me! Without you as my travel buddy I would have missed so many wonderful concerts.
Next adventure booked is East Lansing in December to see Taylor in 'Grease'. What a fab birthday present for me!
photo caption: From OK Magazine Taylor Hicks article (click to enlarge)
In a nut shell here's what's going on: I took a little hiatus from blogging, after cutting the umbilical cord attaching me to my computer first :-) Ouch! My apologies for not being up to date with what's going on in Taylor Hicks' career, especially with so many fabulous things happening.
It's been a busy month for me, but it's been an even busier month for news from Taylor. The following article from Alec Harvey and the two videos below are a quick recap of what's been going on and what's coming!
Hicks Is The Word By Alec Harvey Birmingham News AL.com
With a new record deal and an upcoming tour of 'Grease', the Alabama Idol's career is in high gear
Taylor Hicks says he's living out of suitcases for the time being. Taylor Hicks is rarely at a loss for words. But he's had to contain himself this year, hearing and reading that his 800,000-unit-selling self-titled CD was a one-shot deal. That he wouldn't sign another record deal. That the 2006 "American Idol" was through.
"It's about driven me crazy to hold my tongue," Hicks says. "I've wanted to talk about this for three months, but I've been patient and trying to be smart about choosing my battles."
The battle, it seems, is over.
Hicks, who turned 32 on Tuesday, announced on his birthday that he had signed a deal to release his new CD in February 2009. It'll be on his own Modern Whomp Records label through Artist to Market (A2M), which gives the Birmingham native control over his recording destiny.
"I was offered a plethora of record deals, some traditional record deals and some non-traditional record deals," Hicks says. "It's been very hard not to just hop on the first one that was offered, but during that time when there was a lot more speculation that I might never sign one again, it couldn't have been further from the truth."
He calls the A2M deal "very cutting edge."
"In today's marketplace, having the control as the artist is key," Hicks says. "I'm in control of where I spend my marketing dollars, who I want to record with, and in control of the companies I hire out. It allows me a really focused release. Basically, I am my own record label."
What that means for the upcoming CD is that the bulk of it will be written or co-written by Hicks, who cut his musical teeth in bars in and around Birmingham.
"I've always been a singer-songwriter, and that's going to be able to surface a lot more than it did on the last record," he says. "On the last one, things had to move at such a quick pace that the actual art of songwriting couldn't really be seen on the last record."
Hicks is in pre-production of the CD now, working with producer Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill) in the studio.
"I don't have a title for it, yet," Hicks says. "I'm kind of waiting for it to hit me."
Announcement of the new record deal comes just after Hicks' stint in the Broadway production of "Grease" comes to an end, and just before he hits the road as that show's Teen Angel for the national tour beginning Dec. 1.
Taylor Hicks earned positive notices when he played Teen Angel in "Grease" on Broadway. "It was such a success and such a great way for me to learn a new craft," Hicks says of his Broadway debut. "I feel like if I'm going to have longevity in the entertainment industry, I've got to cover all aspects. I have to reinvent myself." The national tour of "Grease" will offer a unique hybrid for Hicks, he says.
"We're going to cross-promote this record with the 'Grease' tour," he says. "I'll be allowed to perform my single in the show on tour."
Most importantly, it offers fans a chance to experience Hicks live, which he says is crucial to his success.
"There's such a live aspect to me," he says. "You put me on the radio, and you can't see me, you can't feel me, you can't touch me, so it's easy to count me out in that regard. On the road, that's where you really make your mark and have your longevity."
So don't count Hicks out just yet. He's only getting started, he says, and he doesn't pay attention to the naysayers.
photo caption: "I hear those things, but I'm not into the talk, I'm into the walk," Taylor Hicks says.
video: Taylor Hicks interview, MY FOX, Birmingam October 9,2008
To recap Taylor's last year, Karin has done another "Trip Around the Sun" video in celebration of Taylor Hicks' most recent trip around the sun which he completed on October 7th.
video: Taylor Hicks' Trip Around The Sun 2007-2008
And finally a slew of karma coffee with a slight twist, lots of caffeine and sarcasm here, just too cute not to share:
The Zen of Sarcasm
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.
2 . It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
3. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
4. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
5. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
6. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
7. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes
8. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.
9. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
10. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.
11. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
12. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.
13. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
14. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
15. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
16. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
17. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
18. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
19. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
20. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
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."
To prepare for the role, he claims he "started doing séances to channel Elvis, and he told me that I needed to wear a midnight-blue, rhinestone-studded suit, and that's what happened. Now we're packing the place out. It's sold-out every night, and I get to play a little harmonica, which is cool. I couldn't do that on 'Idol.' That wasn't the year where you could play instruments."
According to Hicks, the "Grease" part wasn't his first offer. Earlier this year, he'd been asked to join the Broadway cast of "Hairspray," a gig he couldn't fit into his schedule. But being part of "Grease" has given him the itch to act again.
"Right now, I'm releasing a new record in the fall - hopefully - so [doing] this allows me to stay in the city, be in front of thousands and thousands of people for the next three months, and it allows me to reinvent myself, as a musician, an entertainer and possibly a Broadway actor," he said. "This is a nice way to get my feet wet in the acting field. Before, I was so entrenched in music - playing clubs and roadhouses when I was a kid - so Broadway was kind of an abstract thought for me. It's not now. It's real, and I enjoyed being directed from a theatrical aspect as opposed to a musical aspect. It's going to be an interesting road for me."
Hicks said that his fans, known as the "Soul Patrol," have been at each performance - so much so that during one of the shows, he looked down and spotted his face tattooed on a woman's body ("It wasn't anywhere revealing," he said).
Hicks' year has been full of ups and downs. It started off on a bad note, as Arista Records revealed they'd dropped Hicks from their roster after just one release. His 2006 self-titled effort has sold 702,000 copies to date, making it the worst-performing of all the "American Idol" champs' albums. But then, Hicks landed the "Grease" gig, and, with a new album to record, he's close to signing with a new label.
"I don't have a name for the album yet, but I do know that it's some of the best music that I've ever written, and from an artistic standpoint, this album, being in my control, has allowed me to really breathe as a songwriter," he said. "As an artist, you kind of understand the times and what your surroundings are and write from them. So there's some political undertones on the album. It's a serious time for us."
Hicks said he's not worried about the future, because he knows he has what it takes to sustain a career in music. "It would be scary if I didn't really believe that I was supposed to do this," he said. "For me, as a kid, I knew I was supposed to entertain and perform for folks. When you have that self-belief and inner-determination, you understand there are peaks and valleys in this business, and you just keep working at it. You show up to work, whether it's 25 people at a Steak & Ale, or Wembley Stadium and there's 500,000 people. If you keep working, and you're good to people, you'll be blessed."
Despite the poor sales, Hicks said he's still proud of his debut album. "As many songs as were thrown at me in the 10 minutes I had to choose them, I kept a good guard up, because I knew my artistic guard would allow people to say that I really took the integrity to keep my art," he said. "I've been working 15 years to make it in this business. I didn't want to not make it anymore. I'm proud of that record. I just wish we would have had more time to record it, but I'm proud of it. That's key." MTV News (click MTV for video) By Chris Harris, with reporting by Jim Cantiello
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.
