Three years ago today…
In the bright summer sun of Salt Lake City, Taylor Hicks stood waiting to go on stage and step into the glare of fame. His sunglasses reflected the cheering crowd waving small American flags and celebrating the birthday of our country. The huge Stadium of Fire celebration on July 1, 2006, was the first major appearance for the newly crowned Season Five American Idol.
It began this Idol’s “American” journey.
In his first post-Idol stage appearance, Taylor Hicks remembered our troops. When he sang “Do I Make You Proud” that day, he began the tradition of dedicating it to our troops. And he continued the dedications throughout the American Idol Tour in 2006. His followers, inspired by his recognition and thanks to the brave men and women in our Armed Forces, sent copies of the recording and subsequent albums to our troops.
When Taylor’s latest album, The Distance, was released in March 2009, the tracks included “Nineteen” –what Taylor calls the story of an American hero. “This one’s for the troops.” There is a hushed reaction to it when he sings it simply and emotionally on the concert stage. It reminds us of the high cost of freedom. “Nineteen” is played on the Armed Forces Network.
In American Idol tradition, Taylor has sung the National Anthem several times. It is a proud presentation of our country’s song with the strong and remarkable vocals of the Alabama native. He has sung The Star Spangled Banner at Nascar events, baseball games, and the NBA finals. Perhaps the most memorable and flawless rendition was for the Los Angeles County Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Pasadena in March, 2009. It not only represented his affinity for the Anthem, it spoke for his compassion and support for causes that matter. His performance at this event supported another one of our finest American traditions—reaching out to others.
In 2008, Taylor joined the country’s largest birthday celebration for A Capitol Fourth in Washington, D. C. He sang for millions on the Capitol Mall and around the world on television. This year Taylor performs for the fun and family friendly celebration in Fontana, California, “Red, White, and Cruise” showcasing another American “idol,” the automobile!
This Fourth of July holiday is a time to remember and appreciate our American values and traditions. Taylor lends a face and a voice to our celebration!
Remember our troops.
Fly the flag this Fourth of July!
Photo: Taylor Hicks sings the National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants, April, 2009
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2 comments:
Perhaps it was fortuitous or happenstance that Taylor began his emergence, post Idol, celebrating the birth of his country. Perhaps it has become his metaphorical plan ,to praise the country that provided opportunity to break out of his shell of obscurity. Perhaps Taylor has regarded the National Anthem as a mantra of sorts; a salute to the America that has given him recognition.
Whatever significance the Anthem or the 4th of July has for Mr. Hicks, he has taken great care to express his pride of country whenever he gives his rendition of this difficult but meaningful song.
With another 4th of July just around the corner, we all raise our flag to continued freedom and blessings for all the men and women who enable freedom to ring.
On this Independence Day, what a wonderful reminder of Taylor's pride for our great country! He has expressed his pride in so many way and so many times over the past years we have known him - from singing the National Anthem in so many events, dedicating his songs and performances to the troops, and participating in national events, like a Capitol Fourth!
Taylor also has expressed his support for so many causes in which he strongly believes, another part of our American culture and one in which we can see his concern for others.
I join with all in celebrating our freedom on this 4th of July -
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