Soul Patrol Sisters and Brothers

MARY COLURSO News pop music writer Taylor Hicks offers a track-by-track commentary on his self-titled disc, set for release Tuesday on the Arista label:1. "The Runaround" by Loren Gold and James Renald: "That song, for me, is throwing a lot of stuff together. It's got about 10 different genres of music. There's a Cajun beat, a doo-wop background, call and response, a soul sound and a pop bridge. The lyrics are simple, but they connect with the listener. It's like what Sam Cooke and Otis Redding used to do. It's old school and modern."2. "Dream Myself Awake" by Rob Thomas: "Rob Thomas is a great songwriter. He sent me that song, and I just connected with it. It's a modern soulful ballad. How could I turn that down?"3. "Heaven Knows" by Cory Rooney, Makeba Riddick, Kara DioGuardi, Matt Serletic, Ray Charles, Warren Moore, Smokey Robinson, Robert Rogers and Marvin Tarplin: "It's soul-rap. It's funky. I think it's close to the funkiest tune on the album. It's really cool."4. "Gonna Move" by Paul Pena: "The funkiest song on the album. If you can't dance to it, something's wrong with you."5. "Wherever I Lay my Hat" by Marvin Gaye, Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield: "As soon as I heard it, I just knew it was right for me. I liked it. It struck a chord. It really meant something to me."6. "Give Me Tonight" by Kevin Kadish, Brandon Jane, Leah Crutchfield, Taylor Hicks, Kara DioGuardi and Matt Serletic: "That's a collaboration. That's a funk, modern-soul, feel-good song. We weren't all in the same room when we wrote it. They'd send me the song and I'd add a verse. But it worked."7. "Just to Feel That Way" by Lindy Robbins, Jess Cates and Emanuel Kiriakou: "It's a pop-rock ballad. It's really cool. I can really feel the emotions in that song. I also like the way it's written."8. "The Maze" by Scott Cutler and Anne Preven: "It's a groovy, soulful song. And I guess you can say it's romantic. All of these songs can be baby-making songs, depending on how and where you make love."9. "Places I've Been" by Diane Warren: "It's recorded very simply, with a vocal and piano. That's the way I first heard it when it was sent to me. I'd never listened to Diane Warren, but it's a song that really connected with me."10. "Soul Thing" by Taylor Hicks: "It's probably the song that's most come to life for me. I've recorded it before, but now I had more utensils and more time to spend. My utensils are crazy now; they allow me to paint a better picture, and paint more of the picture."11. "The Deal" by Taylor Hicks: "That's a funky soul tune from the vault, from `Under the Radar.' It's one of my stronger songs on that album, with a groove thread. I wanted to give it more attention."12. "The Right Place" by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance: "I knew right off the bat, this was a good song for me. I couldn't turn that down. Bryan sang it on the demo and I'm gonna thank him for it one day."13. "Hell of a Day" by Taylor Hicks (bonus track, Wal-Mart edition): "That's an extra. I've performed it live in Birmingham many times, but this is a new version. I'm glad to get another original on the album."14. "Do I Make You Proud" by Tracy Ackerman, Andy Watkins and Paul Wilson (bonus track, digital download): "Well, that's a label thing. It's not on the album."Mary Colurso covers pop music for The Birmingham News. E-mail her at [email protected].
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| View | Add FavoriteThis is a Fan Page/tribute for Taylor Hicks and his fans. This is your place to come and meet fans and find out whats happening with Taylor and his Idol friends. I hope to provide all of you with all the pictures and love for Taylor that can be found. Also plan to try and see to it that Taylor gets some of your comments. So All Aboard the Soul Patrol. Sisters and Brothers too!From GMA
The Latest on Taylors AlbumTaylor Hicks Gets Funky in the Studio Posted Oct 11th 2006 10:48AM by Jolie Lash
Soul Patrol members will rejoice with news that 'American Idol' season 5 winner Taylor Hicks has just hit the studio to record his major label debut. The Alabama-bred 'Gray Charles,' as he's affectionately known, told AOL Music he's already spent a week in Southern California laying down tracks for the record, which he hopes to release by Christmas."[I'm] officially recording music," Hicks enthuses. "The studio [I'm in] was the same studio 'Born to Be Wild' was cut in. It's an old '70s studio that's got some great vibes. It's like 1976, man."Hicks' major-label recording experience extends beyond a fancy facility, though. Thanks to label boss Clive Davis, the 'A.I.' winner is being produced by Matt Serletic, who has some experience in crafting fluid tunes."We wanted to go for the modern soul sound, and he has such a great track record producing Matchbox Twenty records and Santana's 'Smooth,'" the singer says. "It was just a perfect fit."Sticking with the funk, Hicks says that horns will be a big part of the album's sound. "Some of the Tower of Power arrangers are arranging some horns for me," he says. "I'm very excited to be able to get in the studio and cut live tracks with a band, as opposed to people cutting in at different times." It's not just the gray hair -- he's old-school all the way. Earlier this year Taylor had what he refers to as an “unbelievably magical experience” on a visit to the Ray Charles estate and studio. The result of that visit was an offer by Ray’s managers to record a song in the room where so many of Ray’s masterpieces were created when they said to Taylor, “If Ray was still around, he would have loved the hell out of you.”Here it is, the Legacy StudioTaylor gets quite emotional when talking about all things Ray Charles – there’s a different timbre to his voice and you realize that any previous efforts to manage his own image have faded away.“I got to sit down and play a few of his pianos – I cried a little bit – then ran my hands over the mixing board that still had handwritten labels for Ray and Johnny Mathis over a few of the channels.” Ray’s estate management offered Taylor the chance to record on the equipment that was last used by Ray himself.As Taylor describes it, the studio was where Ray was able to have his own “vision”. “His desk, his bed and his studio are all within about twenty feet of each other. When he was there he didn’t have to think about anything else other than creating. It’s just an amazing atmosphere.”Taylor has vast knowledge of Ray’s music and back catalog and is especially fond of Ray’s live performances in Japan. “I always wonder”, says Taylor, “why so many live shows recorded in Japan are so amazing. I can only conclude that the Japanese public holds the arts in high esteem and they bring that regard with them to the venues.”Two of my favorite live recordings of Ray’s are the Tokyo sessions and the ‘O Genio’ stuff recorded in Brazil. I asked if I could see the tapes of the Tokyo recordings and they said ‘Sure, we have it downstairs.’ We went down the stairs to the music storage room and all the tapes were there, everything was labeled in Braille on the ends. I just ran my hands over all the bumps and randomly pulled something out – guess what? It was “Live In Tokyo” – totally eerie.“We continued the tour and we got to Ray’s wardrobe room. One of the folks said ‘Pick out a jacket and some sunglasses’ – I was a bit intimidated by the whole thing but I did it – The jacket fit like a glove. I kind of freaked out.”Taylor sums it up – “The chance to record in Ray’s studio will be one of the biggest thrills of my life. Something I never thought I would do in my wildest dreams. I’m still shaking my head at the thought of it all.”It’s All About The Music (Recording) October 6th, 2006 “I started on the record yesterday and I’m pretty excited about the first tune, it’s funky man – definitely on the funk side of things. Funky in a modern way. The music is down and the vocals are coming. I’m working with some fine, fine studio musicians that fit the style I’m trying to create – modern soul. People can call it neo-soul, modern soul or whatever. For me it’s a feeling that infuses all kinds of things – the beats the rhythms – everything. I don’t want this to be a “soul music review” or some kind of throwback as I much as I love that stuff. If I was putting our a “review” of music that has already been recorded – well I should be going to play at the Holiday Inn or something.”He continues, “The album has a very modern twist to it. It’s pretty exciting to be able to do all of this and have the appropriate utensils around you. It’s got an uptempo feel but there will be a few nice slower songs.” I press him on that – “would you call them ballads?”. Taylor, “well, sure – slower, arranged, nice stuff.”“What about original material, are you planning on including any of your older stuff, rerecorded for this?”Taylor says, “Two or three of them are under consideration definitely. I’m anxious for folks to hear what I can do as an original artist. Outside the Soul Patrol I’m just the guy from American Idol. The Dancing Monkey who spins around and does the crazy dance moves. I certainly want to show people what I can do. It’s gonna be a struggle but it’s a mountain I’ve gotta climb.”“So”, I say, “you see yourself living in the studio for the next two months?”. “Not all the time”, says Taylor, “I may get out a bit and do some acoustic sets. That’s a side of me that people haven’t been exposed to. Just me a guitar and harmonica playing an acoustic set – I want to show that side of myself too, let’s not forget that I used to be that guy.”I ask Taylor to talk a bit about the recording process.“It’s a live setting; we’re all in there together jamming so the energy is great. That said, we’re working to produce a tight, compact song that can be radio friendly. It’s gotta be a bit shorter so that you can listen to it in your car. We’re not in there jamming to see what comes out – we’re working to produce something that sticks. I save the looseness and jamming for the live shows.”He continues, “Of course, we’re not doing it all live. We’ll add horns and other things later on.”“What about post production”, I ask (because someone wanted me to), “After the tracks are laid down, where do you spend your time?”Taylor answers, “I can’t tinker with things forever, I put faith in my producer but I will be involved. I have been the complete overseer of my own music forever so it’s nice to be able to have the money to pay for a producer and studio time and the expertise they bring to it. My main concern is what’s laid down – mixing is something that works based on the music and the song. The lyrics have to match the music has to match. Everything else is icing on the if the foundation is there. That’s what I’m concerned with - laying down the foundation with a great music, lyrics and performance.” Much of our conversation focused on the music business in general and the reality faced by an artist who needs to get a CD on store shelves.Taylor says, “My main goal now it to create a good record. Let’s not beat around the bush – I gotta sell a bunch of them. There are two sides to this, there’s music and then there’s the music business and I’ve got to play both parts. I’m in that game now. I have to make a good album and I have to make it fast.I ask Taylor, “were you expecting this”? He replies, “Look, I’ve got a 3 album deal – this is a process that every artist has to go through. There is give and take, and I know that I can’t please everyone all the time. My overriding goal is to make the music as good as possible in a timely fashion. There is a budget involved, schedules, promotions – many things that don’t come into play when you’re making your own stuff.”“So”, I ask, “how much give are we talking about and how much take”?Taylor lets me know that - “There may be more give than take on the first go round. My sophomore release will have more “original” music. In the past year I simply haven’t had the time to sit down and write music. There is so much more that goes on with American Idol than just showing up and performing. If you asked me to write a quality song in the last year I would have had to do it in my sleep or walking between appointments. Look, Under The Radar is written and released, it’s done. I do have other songs in the pipeline but they just aren’t ready yet.”He continues, “Some people take two months just to put down the vocals on a album. I’ve got that much time to do the whole thing. There is a sense of urgency coming at me from many directions. A window of opportunity exists for me as an artist and working musician to maximize my potential in selling a lot of CD’s when people are ready to buy them as opposed to when peoples Christmas money is spent. It’s pretty simple math – it’s the music business. The CD’s gotta move for the artist to be paid and there are times when you’ve gotta move them. Personally, I’m not worried about whose album is coming out when or whose gets released first. It doesn’t take too much thinking to know that people want to buy things in December rather than January.”The Thud Files
Fire My Words Groovin’ On Groovy Grooves October 16th, 2006 “Everything is happening – we’re really moving forward with the album. I think that after today we’ll have nine songs that the band has laid down. We’re recording drums, keyboards, guitar and bass live – the foundation for the song. I’ll do the vocal overdubs later but I’m in there singing my ass off – old school style with energy.”“So Taylor,” I ask, “Give me an overall feeling about this record now that you’ve been at it for awhile.”Taylor hones in on the theme – “This record definitely grooves, it’s a groovy ass record. The thread running through the whole thing is that it grooves. It’s pretty cool man, the more I hear the songs the more I think ‘It’s a Groove Thing’, but I’m conscious that I want to make it radio friendly at the same time. I’ve taken the whole idea of my sound, what made me “me” and pushed it towards the groove end of things while always thinking about being radio friendly. I’m spending eight or nine hours a day in the studio.”“This stuff is gonna be great fun to play live and I’ve got my hands in all of it. I’m listening to the mix, putting my opinions in – it’s a great give and take. The whole thing is gonna sound like what a Booker T and the MG’s record would sound like it it were made in 2007. For example, I’ve taken a couple of my songs and completely grooved them out. The spin that I had before doesn’t compare to what the sound is today. I should have grooved them out in the beginning, the songs were always leaning that way so really I’m just pushing them in the direction they want to go.”“What are you doing on your time off?” I ask.“Normal stuff, going to the cleaners, trying to get outside a bit. Honestly, I don’t think I’m completely rested from the tour yet. As soon as I got back from my little vacation I was in the rehearsal studio the next morning then I did a private function the next day. Usually, you’d get more than five days off after a three month tour. Hey, I’m not complaining I’m just trying to get my feet back under me as much as I can and get acclimated to West Coast time after spending the last part of the tour on the east coast.”“Everything’s cool man, it’s all cool.”
Fire My Words From Billboard Magazine October 28, 2006 HAPPILY EVER 'IDOL' Hicks, Serletic Racing To Meet Deadline For Arista DebutBY MICHAEL PAOLETTA Taylor Hicks is more than ready for his major label close-up. In fact, the winner of the fifth season of "American Idol" has been preparing himself for just such a moment. On this early-October day, Hicks is ensconced in a Los Angeles recording studio with producer Matt Serletic. It is the pair's second recording session together. Hicks and Serletic have a major mission ahead—to create and complete an album in time for a Dec. 5 release. The as-yet-untitled disc, at this point without a confirmed lead single, is surely a priority for the powers that be at Arista. However, the label declined to comment on specifics of the marketing and promotional campaign for it.Hicks isn't exactly starting from scratch; he already has a No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit to his credit with the double-A-sided single "Do I Make You Proud"/"Takin' It to the Streets." But having held off recording until the completion an extensive run with the American Idols Live! Tour 2006, Hicks knows time is now of the essence. "I want this record to be a stocking stuffer, which is why we're putting in 13-hour days," he says. Serletic admits the work schedule is intense, but he adds that the project is moving quickly forward. He credits this to Hicks' natural talent, as well as that of the crack musicians onboard, which include drummer Curt Bisquera, bassist Lee Sklar and guitarist James Harrah.With Serletic overseeing the project, Hicks acknowledges that he is learning to let go. Of course, this in itself is a learning process for Hicks, who released two independent albums (1997's "In Your Time" and 2005's "Under the Radar") prior to his "American Idol" engagement."Matt has stepped in so I can stop worrying about every little detail, which is very helpful," Hicks says. "Fortunately, we are on the same page creatively and musically."According to Hicks—who can currently be seen and heard in Ford's "Drive on Us" ad campaign—the album's sound will be his take on modern soul music. "I wanted brass with ass, and that's what will be on the album," he says. Although Ray Charles is the base root of Hicks' influences, artists like Al Stewart, Steve Winwood, Eddie Hinton, Gerry Rafferty, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye have also played roles in the 30-year-old's life. Hicks says one song on the album—which will focus on original material penned by himself and others—will be a cover of an obscure Charles song, recorded in Charles' studio. "It's my way of saying 'thanks,' " he says.Serletic calls Hicks a connection to past masters. "I don't hear him phoning [the vocals] in. Take after take, he's bringing it," he says.A major challenge for Hicks is trying to make a good record within months of winning the "American Idol" title. "I'm not trying to capture a moment, but I am using time to my fullest advantage," he says. "Dealing with fame in such a short period of time is a challenge. It's amazing the amount of exposure 'American Idol' can give an artist—especially for someone like me who's been working in bars and clubs for 10 years."While Hicks is glad to be out of the "Idol" spotlight, he fully recognizes its power as a launching pad for an entertainer today. In fact, he is aware he would likely not be in the situation he's currently in without the help of the hit TV show. One of the goals now, says Hicks' manager John Leshay of the Firm, is to have his client come out of his "American Idol" shell to become "Taylor Hicks the performer.""He won a singing contest. In the process, he almost turned into a puppet, which is the antithesis to his past 10 years," Leshay says. "He is psyched to get this opportunity, but he's not starting from ground zero. He's the anti-Idol in many ways." Leshay says he keeps reminding Hicks that he's now on the road he's always wanted to be on and that there is no need to rush. "He has time to make left and right turns, and to speed up and slow down," he says.Leshay points to Kelly Clarkson as a perfect example. "It took time for her to come into her own," he says. "She knew she wanted to rock, but she also knew she couldn't make that record first . . . With Taylor, we get him off the 'American Idol' platform and onto his own platform."Hicks, meanwhile, is keeping his eyes squarely on the target. "I'm just glad to now be moving forward with another phase of my career."
Fire My WordsFrom Today's Birmingham NewsBeen there, done that: Hicks recalls his 'Idol' auditions Friday, August 18, 2006 If you end up with 74094 pasted on your chest during the "American Idol" auditions in Birmingham, consider yourself lucky.That's the number Taylor Hicks received in Las Vegas last year when he tried out for the Fox TV reality series. Hicks, as we all know, breezed through the preliminaries and grabbed the coveted singing title during Season Five.Hard work, natural talent and good fortune will be required of anyone hoping to repeat such a performance in Season Six. The first hurdle - an important one - must be leaped on Monday during auditions for "Idol" at the BJCC Arena. Advance registration will take place Saturday and Sunday, also at the BJCC. The process may have changed a bit from when Hicks went through it, but while you're waiting to be tagged and ticketed, you might want to ponder the experiences of a winner.Contestant 74094 had no problem recalling the circumstances of his first three auditions, from the cattle-call quickie to his encounter with the judging troika. Here's what Hicks said: Getting ready: "I stayed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. I think the number of auditioners there might have been the smallest of all the cities that year. That was odd; it's the showplace capital of the world. I had to go a day before to sign up and get a wristband. The convention center was huge."Waiting in line: "I came back the next morning. You had to be there at 5 a.m. There were about 5,000 to 6,000 people. I was kind of in the middle of the pack. I had some second thoughts about going, but I went. It was a very cold, clear, beautiful morning."What he saw: "Lots of characters. One guy was dressed up with light bulbs all over him, and they were on. He could have been a spokesperson for Sylvania. I could see that a lot of people were there for the experience. I was probably the oldest contestant there."How he behaved: "I didn't fall in with all the singing and screaming and banner waving. I was somewhat excited, but I kept quiet and kept to myself. I was kind of like the weird, gray-headed guy in the corner. People couldn't figure me out." Passing the time: "You didn't need a book in that line. You could write one." How long he waited: "About four hours. I just soaked it all in. I did have my own little `American Idol' experience, because God was on my team that day."The first step: "There are five or six of you in line. You step forward and sing. I did `Swanee River Rock' by Ray Charles. Yes, I was nervous. But I sang to the producers and to Las Vegas cops who were there. I kind of entertained the scene in this little, curtained area. There were 12 of those curtained-off areas. Nobody else in my line went through."Moving on: "I went to sit in a room with about 100 people. You get a number and go and sit some more. Then you go in front of the executive producers. That took about five more hours. It was long. I kind of had a good feeling I would make that first cut, but I wasn't as sure about this one." The second cut: "They bring five people up and sit them against a wall. You go in and two British guys are sitting there in chairs. That was Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick. There are huge lights and big TVs. They asked me, `What's your story?' I said, `I'm broke.' I sang `Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing' by Marvin Gaye. I wanted to sell them the lyrics to a good song. Then I did `A Change is Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke."The reaction to his singing style: "They said, `We don't want to hear Joe Cocker, Taylor. We want to see Taylor Hicks.' They said, `The judges are going to chew you up and spit you out.' But they put me through." What happened next: "I walked out and listened to a guy doing an interview. Then I did an interview. I went back to the hotel and called people who said, `I'm not surprised.' I had a day to chill and lost some money gambling. I started to realize this was an opportunity. This might be my break! I decided to eat something good. I went through some songs and practiced them by myself."On the third day: "The next day, I went to the Renaissance Hotel at 5 a.m. Some very interesting people were still in line. Extra and E! were going up and down the line. The time came for me to do an interview with Ryan Seacrest. He made a couple of comments about my hair. I told him it wasn't spray painted."Facing the judges: "I walked in with my hands in my pockets. I sang, `A Change is Gonna Come.' Ken (Warwick) came around the corner and said, `Take your hands out of your pockets and do what you do.' It took about 20 seconds. It was the same set-up as the day before, with lights and cameras and TVs. Paula and Randy were taken aback. They said I was a throwback. Paula and Randy said, `Yes.' Simon said, `No way.'"Fame is gonna come: "I walked out and it dawned on me that I was going to Hollywood.A Fox news channel, E! and Extra came over and did interviews. They asked a lot of stuff about my age and how odd it was that I had gray hair. It all came together there. I went back to my hotel room. I told some friends and my family the news. It felt cool, and I was excited, but by that time, I don't think it had really sunk in. And I still had to go through the Hollywood round. My brother, who's an avid watcher of the show, said that's the hardest thing to do."
Fire My WordsTaylor MadeWe talked to the American Idol. Are you jealous or what?By Loni Reeder------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------- Since winning Americas most watched reality show competition, Taylor Hicks has gone on to become a Billboard No. 1 artist, a Ford Motor Company spokesman, People Magazines hottest bachelor, and a soon-to-be best-selling author, having just signed a deal with Random Houses Crown imprint for the Spring 2007 release of his memoir, Heart Full of Soul. With all the hoopla surrounding this overnight sensation (10 years in the making), it wasnt easy to get him on the phone. But after a barrage of emails, dozens of calls to different management and publicity teams, and countless reschedulings, we finally got a few minutes with the American Idol.The Wave: You didnt really get serious about music until your college years what was the catalyst for you in choosing that road? Taylor Hicks: You know, I guess what happened was I started playing harmonica to air conditioners and planes you know, and once that started happening, when I was a kid, I started repeating the harmonica sounds on the Supertramp album Breakfast in America. And then when I got older, I started to play in clubs, but it didnt really click and I didnt really want it to click until I wrote my first song on the guitar that I taught myself how to play. Once I started getting a positive reaction from some of the music that I was writing when I was around 17 and 18 years old, then I realized that nobody taught me how to do this, and I knew then that it was a gift. So I knew kind of deep down inside that this was what I was supposed to be doing. And I havent looked back ever since.TW: Which comes first, the words or the music? Explain your songwriting process. TH: You know, its different each time. The music will come to you at one point in time, or the words will come to you in the next point in time. So, it all depends on what hits you first: a lyric that you really like, or something that youve done on the guitar that you think is really cool. Its different each time. .."http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i309/tambry58/index.jpg " alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"
TW: Do you have any songs in the vault waiting to be recorded? TH: Well, Im starting to break out songs from way back when, and Im starting to collaborate with some people. And Im very excited about moving forward in the writing process. Just being able to have these opportunities this opportunity to be able to experience everything that I need to put a great album together. Its such a blessing. I really get to expand on some ideas that Ive always had, but not necessarily had the means to do them.TW: Its nice having those means now, huh? TH: It is very! You know, heres my deal: I just want to be able to play good, live music. Thats all Ive ever wanted to do, and in some form or fashion, Ill always be doing it.TW: Its all about the music, right? TH: Yeah, and you know, this album that Im doing I had a snobbish approach about [not wanting] somebody sending me music and you know, that barrier has been completely broken by some of the great songwriters who have sent me music in the last couple of weeks.TW: With all of the Idol hoopla that is going on right now, is it hard to find quiet moments? TH: Yeah, you know, right now, quiet moments are like Powerball numbers in this gig. Its pretty tough to have those, but I find time on my days off to just relax and pick up the old guitar Ive got some ideas workin.TW: Weve heard youre traveling with a really interesting, smaller six-string guitar on the bus a backpack version, if you will. TH: Yeah, we have one on the bus, but [it belongs to fellow Idol contestant] Bucky [Convington], so we all kind of take turns playing it.TW: The word is you wont be releasing your album in November, as was first announced. TH: No. If you look at it, its just going to be really tough. Im hoping and pushing for Christmas Im pushing as hard as I can to get it out as quickly as possible, but also to uphold the quality and integrity of my artistry, because thats the most important thing. Im into quality over quantity. That might not be what the record label wants to hear, but thats what theyre going to have to hear.TW: You have a book coming out next spring called Heart Full of Soul. Will the Idol tour be followed by a book signing tour? TH: Im sure theyll want me to do a book signing tour, and Im really excited about that aspect, too, because any way that will allow me to talk about the music, you know, Im up for. Any way that I can be able to let people know that Hey, this has been a 10-year overnight success story, and some of the ideas Ive had in trying to get here can be applied to not just to the music business, but to any business, or any life experience.TW: Finish the following sentence: Taylor Hicks is TH: Taylor Hicks is a genuine working musician! What you see is what you get. Luckily, this whole experience of supposedly being plucked from society to musical fame and musical fortune hasnt changed me as a person one bit. Im just very ecstatic, from a working musicians aspect, that I get to sell more tickets. Ive just got to keep working on my craft each day, you know?
Fire My WordsPosted on Thu, Aug. 17 BY ROSS RAIHALA Pop Music Critic With his shock of prematurely gray hair and decidedly unhip influences — Michael McDonald, anybody? — Taylor Hicks is the most unlikely "American Idol" winner yet. Not only that, he's one of the most popular, too.The Birmingham, Ala., native was the third champion — after Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood — never to hit the bottom three on the show, which earned record-high ratings with Hicks.After spending years toiling on the wedding/coffeehouse/bar circuit, Hicks has graduated to headlining status on the American Idols Live tour.We spoke to Hicks, who turns 30 in October, from a tour stop in Milwaukee.Q. You're in the middle of a three-month tour with almost 60 shows. That's a pretty grueling schedule.A. (Laughs.) To say the least.Q. How are you managing it?A. You just have to. You really don't have any other choice. Luckily, we're all spread out — this obviously couldn't happen if it was a (single performer). There's 10 of us. It's OK. We're having fun with it. But for me, I had been (touring) in a minivan for about 10 years. I don't mind moving from the minivan to a bus. It's definitely nicer.Q. Is your performance style evolving when you're out in front of thousands of people each night?A. The idea is that you have people who are 100 rows back and 100 rows up. You have to cater just as much to them as someone sitting in the front row. A lot of that, in my opinion, is movement. I think you really have to move across the stage more to capture that visual aspect of the performance.Q. What has been your most surreal moment since the show ended?A. Somebody told me there was a Taylor Hicks costume at the local costume shop in Birmingham. I can just see some middle-aged guy wearing the purple jacket and gray wig to a Halloween party. That's one of the many, many surreal moments.Q. Is that the kind of thing you expected after winning the show?A. No, not at all. I just want to perform good, live music. I've put a lot of time and effort into learning my craft. I'm always working on it. I got into "American Idol" to get more exposure and to keep playing live music.Q. I understand you're playing guitar and harmonica on this tour.A. Yeah, and that's nice, because for eight months (on the show), I was completely bound to performing vocally. And I had put just about as much time into rehearsing instrumentally as vocally.Q. I've also read that you don't think you'll have your debut album ready for its announced Nov. 14 release date.A. I'm trying as hard as I can, but I think it's fair to say a November release date is unlikely, due to the practical terms of touring for three months. I'm trying to write on the road. and I'm doing as much as I can under these circumstances to really start the process.Q. What should people expect from the album?A. It's going to have a soulful direction. I come from a purist idea of music — guitar, bass and drums. I have a bigger budget than I did before on my two self-released albums, so I think it'll have a more creative and hipper sound. I'm excited about that.Q. You also just signed a book deal.A. The book is a musical journey that's taken me to this point. It's a little on the inspirational side, not as much a memoir. I'm using some of the things that have got me to this point. It's going to be great. Any time I can share the experiences of my music, I'm willing to do that. .."http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i309/tambry58/sp3.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"
Q. Paris Bennett is our hometown girl. Do you have any Paris stories to share?A. I love Paris' mom — they are the sweetest people in the world. When I was sick on the show, she gave me some garlic pills, and within 24 hours, I wasn't sick anymore. I paid them all back by taking them out for some really good soul food.Q. You're the second "American Idol" winner from Birmingham, following Ruben Studdard, and Bo Bice and Diana DeGarmo have ties to the city as well. What is it about that place, anyway?A. It's in a centralized location in the South, so people can get to it easily. There's a good music scene there, too. It's just one of those things — I was glad Ruben and Bo paved the way and let other people know they had a shot at it, too.Q. "American Idol" auditions are coming up here in Minneapolis on Sept. 8. Any advice for would-be Idols?A. Talking on your cell phone too much will lead to your voice going out. Seriously — be careful about how much you talk on the cell phone, because you want your voice for the audition.Q. And maybe go audition in Birmingham?A. (Laughs.) I would take every opportunity possible. Audition everywhere you can.
Fire My WordsThe best birthday ever! july 14th 2006... the coolest surprise ever! my best friend surprised me with front row tickets to see american idol in NJ! i was so happy because i couldnt get them ,they were sold out! . and then, like it couldnt get any better....(LOL) my friend also then surprised me with backstage passes!!! o my god! i thought i died! (LOL) i was in the winners club in the continental airlines arena, and i saw the man of the hour walk through the doors! the most exciting thing ever... My friends grabbed tay and had him come up from behind me....i turned around and nearly had a heart attack!! (LOL) he was so nice to me, gave me a kiss and a hug and said happy birthday! signed my poster and took some pics, and even got me a drink! (i still have the glass!)(LOL) i thought i was goin to faint! (LOL) it really had to be the most memorable time of my life! i wanted to share it with all of you, and hope that you can all meet him and experience the warmth of tay like i did! hes a sweetie pie!! :O) soul patrol~!! love, Gina xoxox
Yes, I MET TAYLOR!!!!! After the awesome concert they held a "meet & greet" and I got his autograph and he would have taken a pic with me if I had any film left! I could have cried! My husband got some close pics of Taylor, so hopefully he got some good ones. I just really would have liked to have one of me with him. Listen to this! He was going down the line of people signing autographs and I was kinda close to the front and got mine pretty quick, so I went to the back of the line and waited for a second autograph!!! I know that is greedy of me, but I just wanted to see him again! And the second time the crowd had thinned because some of the others had come out and I actually got to talk to him!!! I was totally speechless! I opened my mouth, but nothing would come out!!!! Finally, I looked at him and said, "Taylor, you have beautiful eyes." And really--he does! Pictures do not do this man justice!! He is gorgeous, and he actually looks younger in person......and thinner. Anyways, he looked at me and said, "Well, thank you!" Ahhhhhh, I melted right then and there and they had to mop me up off the floor!!! He stayed there and talked to the last few of us for about 10 minutes and took pictures with everybody (again I was STEAMING because I had no film left!!!!). I am still floored about the whole thing. I never dreamed in a million years that I would even get close to him.I met Taylor in Charlotte at Coyote Joes after he played. He was so tired, still sick & still met us & was very generous. You could tell he was still sick though.Donna
To make a long story short, throughout the time waiting for him and Kat to perform, they walked around, talked to people, and got their pictures taken. I wasn't close enough to talk yet, but to get some good pictures. (and I really thought I noticed him keep looking at my shirt or sign). People moved enough so we got a spot right up against the railing. We were definitely on TV because these people in front of us, got a phone call saying, "Are you on the today show?!" So I gotta check my tape now.Taylor performed "Do I make you proud" and "Takin it to the streets". He was amazing live. Not only was he so much more gorgeous, but he sounded great, so entertaining. And then he played his harmonica and everybody started screaming. It's obvious how much he loves his fans because he kept taking the time to smile at them and walk around.When it was over, I was a little sad because I was really hoping to meet him. I even had a feeling I would have (this was before I did meet him). Then I heard someone say he was going to sign autographs somewhere. We ran all around but couldn't find where. As we almost gave up, this man pulled me over (he had a camera in his hand), and asked me, "Excuse me, but would you mind taking pictures with Taylor? Your shirt is amazing." I thought at first he was joking or something, "You mean with Taylor himself?" "Yeah, just don't touch him until it's over," the guy said lol. He took me and I followed him through the security and behind the gate. There were all these other women already there but he pushed me to the front and goes, "Sorry ladies, but this one beats you all" or something like that. I felt a little bad lol.I really didn't know what was happening I was so overwhelmed and all of a sudden, there is Taylor, literally feet away from me. My mouth dropped open and could feel myself starting to cry, but I held it in until later. The photographer takes Taylor and stands him directly in front of me (so close my face was like an inch from his head). My heart literally stopped when I saw him. He is so tall, gorgeous, has the best hair and eyes in the world. And he smelled REALLY good! The photographer then told Taylor to put his arm like on the rail so he's facing half towards me, half towards the camera and with his arm around my sign. His arm was touching mine for like 2 whole minutes! It was almost on top of mine. I still didn't say anything to him I was so in shock and he never even looked at me yet. So I just kept smiling while the guy was taking pictures. Then it was over, and Taylor started to walk away but then walked back a little, looked me right in the eye and said, "Good bye" and he smiled and had this look in his eyes I have never seen before. I just smiled and said, "Bye" basically in awe of him. I watched him walk away, turned to my friend and started balling. My dream came true. The tears just poured out and I could not stop. I went and asked the photo guy if I could buy the pictures and then he told me, "I'm sorry it's not for sale, but they're going to be in LIFE magazine on June 30th and on the website!!!" I flipped out, and they thanked ME, I was thanking them for allowing me to meet the man I love so much.Allison
Hi here is my story!!At first I wasnt quite sure if I was going to be able to go to the concert because I didnt have a job and had no money to go. My parents told me if I wanted to go I would have to pay for it myself, this left me in a panic to find a job and that was almost impossible seeing as I had never had a job before and I wasnt 18 yet. I got this bright idea to ask my parents for the tickets as my 18th bday gift and they said yes so I ordered them and was impatiently waiting for them to come in. When they finally came in I was so excited!! The man from FedEx hadn't made it to my door and I opened it and walked out and he gave me a weird look and said "Wow you must have been waiting on this" and my response was "You have no idea" lol. I have to say that tickets to see the show turned out to be the best bday gift ever!I asked my sister-in-law if she wanted to go with me because I knew she was the only person out of all of my friends and family that would want to go and she is like the sweetest person too lol. So we left my house at around 12:20pm and dropped her daughter off at her parents house then headed to The St. Pete Times Forum (The Forum, in Tampa, FL). We drove around for about 20 minutes circling The Forum 3 times. Then I decided to take the road behind The Forum longer to find a parking garage and we passed by The Marriot. Well sitting outside were the 3 buses for the Idols! I was soo excited!! I told Becky (my sister-in-law) to take pictures. After we finally parked I basically ran to the place where all of the buses park. Not even 10 minutes after we had been there the buses came around the corner!! As the first bus turned in you could see Elliot waving. I turned to Becky and said "Elliot waved!" About 10 or 15 minutes later Ace came out. He was so sweet. He made sure that everyone had a pic or and autograph. He left and 5 or 10 minues later Taylor came walking up with Elliot!! He was walking almost straight to where I was standing! My heart started pounding so hard and fast!! I screamed!! I stuck my cd through the crowd to get signed and he signed it and handed it back to me and said "Here ya go hun" I thought I was going to die! He called me HUN!!! Then someone asked for a picture and he said "I am gonna sign everything first then we can take some pictures. I promise Im not going anywhere." He was incredibly sweet and nice. You could tell that he was overwhelmed and seemed to be very shy. He came back around to take pictures and all I could manage to say was "Taylor. Picture. Can I have one? Please?" I thought my sister-in-law was going to die laughing at me. We took a pic and my eyes were closed so he let us take another. He also took a pic with both me and my sister-in-law. He is tall and is sooo gorgeous!! Oh wow!! I just starred at him and took as many pictures as I could. Elliot came over and I took a picture with him as well. He was also very nice. After Taylor left we went to find some AC and water. We were burning up!! I have a really bad sunburn but that is okay because I met Taylor! On our way to find water I called my mom and said "MOM!! I MET TAYLOR!!!" Then I break down in tears trying to tell her what happend and all I could say was "I got 3 pictures with him, a hug and he signed my cd!!" Then I had to hand the phone to my sister-in-law because I couldnt talk anymore..lol...He smelled sooo good! I could still smell his scent on me when we were standing in line to get into The Forum.Finally at 5:40pm they finally opened the doors and we were the first to get in. While we were waiting for the concert I decided to break out of my little shell and actually talk to the people who were sitting around us about Taylor and TOSP! When we were walking in I saw some people with shirts that said something about TOSP on them but at that point I hadnt decided to break bad and actually talk to people...lol...I was still in my little quiet and shy shell...The concert was incredible!!! I had so much fun!! Taylor was amazing tonight!! He was so full of energy and was so in to the music. I am glad I was able to see him li