Taylor Hicks Tells It Like It Is

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article continued @ Song Writers Universe click here


YAHOO!!!!

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



Video still by music video and film director Jake Davis



Today's cup:

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

Taylor Hicks Plays The Dating Game

Dating With The Stars
From: Live With Regis and Kelly


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

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

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

Good luck girls and have fun!


Julie Courtney, 31
San Francisco, CA
Real Estate Consultant


Stephanie Hlad, 27
Brandon, FL
Office Manager


Emily Stivers, 27
Washington, DC
Online Campaign Coordinator

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


Video credits: Live With Regis and Kelly

Meet the Bachelors - Taylor Hicks and Danny Boome


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


Today's cup:


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

Disney's American Idol Experience Gala

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


Disney's American Idol Blue Carpet


Taylor Hicks smiles for the cameras on the blue carpet.


Minnie Mouse and Taylor Hicks on the blue carpet.



Taylor Hicks riding in the Disney American Idol Experience motorcade



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



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


Taylor talks with Orlando Metromix


Taylor talks with with 96.3 WDVD



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



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


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

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

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


Inside Disney's American Idol Experience


Today's cup:


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

Be My Valentine

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


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

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

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


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

Women purchase 85% of all valentines.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Today's cup:

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

Pillow Talk - What's Right Is Right - Is So Right

"What's Right Is Right"

From his upcoming album,'The Distance', Taylor Hicks' first single to be released, "What's Right Is Right", is available (MP3 download) as of today, January 27, 2009, at AMAZON.COM and iTunes.

I've long been a listener of Alan Almond's Pillowtalk radio program. I'm a romantic at heart and Pillowtalk is all about romance. Taylor Hicks' "What's Right Is Right" is a perfect tune for lovers - it is full of passion and romance and emotion. It's a baby making song, and I honestly am unable to listen without tears in my eyes.

When I first shared this song with my daughter, I told her, listen to the words and emotion in this song, this is the kind of love I have always wished for you and I do believe that you have found it. She was as profoundly affected as I am and agreed - it's a great song! She was moved by how beautifully Taylor delivered the song, she knows good music when she hears it!
Like Mother - Like Daughter :-)



'The Distance' due to arrive on March 10th is available for pre-order at AMAZON.COM

"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"
"Indiscriminate Act of Kindness."

PLEASE visit TAYLORHICKS.COM to view additional stills of his upcoming video release of "What's Right Is Right", and for a current listing of his scheduled performances!

Taylor Hicks LIVE - My 3 favorite words
:-)
Bloom

Looking in the Rear-View Mirror

They say that "hindsight is 20/20" ...
I agree with that particular statement. So often, when we glance in our personal "rear-view mirror", we see so much more than we did when we initially experienced all of those life lessons along the "Road of Life". When we look back, we often see how a situation could have been handled in a much different way than it was at the time. Due to our inexperience or immaturity, we handled it the best way that we could at the time. In some cases, people simply do what they have to do in order to survive in this very complex world of ours.

I happen to believe that everything we have seen and heard in our lives, whether it be positive or negative, leaves a lasting imprint on our psyche. It is very fascinating to me that no two people have travelled the same "road". Each of us perceives words, actions and reactions differently when they directly affect us.

It is with great hope that through our travels, we will emerge with personalities, hearts and souls that are influenced by the good things in our lives. Every action/reaction makes us what and who we are today. As we mature, we hopefully will gain a greater understanding of the whys of our "calendar of life events" and we will continue strive to be the very best that we can be. I like to think that the majority of us try to overcome our shortcomings. I guess this could be a good description of "Karma" if you subscribe to that theory which I personally do.

I have always been amazed with the people in this world who, as young children, just "know" what they are going to do with their lives. They seem to arrive here with a very clear destination in their minds and they possess the determination to get where they are supposed to go.

Sometimes, they are blessed with a support network that helps them to achieve their goals and sometimes, they just "do it" through their trials and tribulations. Often, doors will unexpectedly open and they find themselves connected to the right people and friends at the right time who help to guide them to the end zone.

I am often in awe when I think about those individuals who are outstanding political and very influential world figures in various arenas. The "shining stars" in this world often have faced many struggles to fulfill their hopes and dreams.

Since I seem be very analytical in my way of thinking, I always want to understand the "how, what, when, where, and why" of many situations and people in general. What makes them tick? While I will never know the answers to many of those questions because I do not "know" these people, it is always fun to wonder about these things.

This never-ending curiosity of mine, along with the enjoyment of the music from Taylor Hicks, has encouraged me to try to learn more about where Taylor has been. We all know that he became a household word when he appeared on American Idol. His unique combination of charisma and talent was intriguing.

When Taylor Hicks released his 'Early Works' CD in late 2008, his self-penned lyrics demonstrated the raw emotion of youth and his interpretation of the impact of real life experiences.

There have been various thoughts as to the meaning of his songs. His lyrics, to me, are somewhat cryptic at times but then again, I think that feelings expressed in words will only ever be completely understood by the writer of the words especially if they are based on a personal experience. Everyone is entitled to their privacy and songwriters should be given the same consideration with respect to privacy.

I believe that if a song leaves you wondering "why" then it is cleverly written because you have taken the time to actually listen to the lyrics and the impact of the "raw emotion" has really touched you in some way.

One of my favourite songs, and there are many that are, on 'Early Works' is "West Texas Sky". You may agree or disagree with my interpretation but I hope that you will enjoy the video montage which tells a story based on my understanding of this song. Without the amazing graphics by Allyn, I am not sure that this story would have been told.


video: Taylor Hicks - "West Texas Sky"
Through the songs on 'Early Works', we have been given the privilege to look in Taylor's "rear-view mirror". When we read Taylor's autobiography, "Heart Full of Soul", we learned a great deal about his early years. If you know or have a general idea of where someone has been, then, you will understand more clearly where they are going.

Taylor has consistently displayed determination in reaching his goals. His horizons have broadened since American Idol and he has the sequins to prove it!

From all of the media reports as well as the various fan reports, Taylor's performances of portraying Teen Angel in 'Grease' have not gone unnoticed. He has received much well deserved praise and applause. Taylor has grown as an artist, songwriter and a performer since he first graced our television screens and, in my opinion, the sky is the limit for Taylor!

Taylor Hicks' much anticipated new single, "What's Right Is Right", which is scheduled to be released on January 20th will, once again, give us more insight into the "Man behind the Harmonica". I am confident that when his new CD, 'The Distance', is released in March, we will gain much more insight to this very talented artist!

Blog post by KarinP


Today's cup:


"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.”
~George Sheehan~