2010 was a good year for Taylor Hicks from his kick ass Summer Tour to raising money for cancer research to singing for Clint Eastwood.
I said I wouldn’t do it. It’s that tradition—looking back before we look forward.
I did reflect on the past year, however, and decided on a Top Ten List.
My pick of the Top Ten Taylor Hicks Experiences of 2010:
10~ Closing of successful National Tour of “Grease”
I said I wouldn’t do it. It’s that tradition—looking back before we look forward.
I did reflect on the past year, however, and decided on a Top Ten List.
My pick of the Top Ten Taylor Hicks Experiences of 2010:
10~ Closing of successful National Tour of “Grease”
Teen Angel’s portrait hangs in the lobby of the Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, CA
(Photo by san)
After almost two years in the ice cream cone as Teen Angel, Taylor’s last performance in Cleveland, Ohio, as the mentor for beauty school dropout, Frenchy, marked a closing and a new beginning. He got back on the road that started this journey…his own brand of unique music and stage performances.
9~~New connections with fans
(Photo by san)
After almost two years in the ice cream cone as Teen Angel, Taylor’s last performance in Cleveland, Ohio, as the mentor for beauty school dropout, Frenchy, marked a closing and a new beginning. He got back on the road that started this journey…his own brand of unique music and stage performances.
9~~New connections with fans
A laid-back Taylor answers “fly-by” questions from fans on UStream.(Screencap by Cath from UStream)
With an increased social networking presence and behind the scenes video productions, Taylor upped his connection with fans. He became a consistent twitter presence, staged several UStream online live chats, and produced “Riding Shotgun with Taylor Hicks” taking fans behind the scenes of his travels and appearances. His most frequent tweet: “In the twair!!!”
8~~Hometown Holiday Show at WorkPlay for fans and Toys for Tots program
Taylor shares a “dream of a lifetime” with young Carson James, opening for him at WorkPlay. (photo by ABC TV Birmingham)Billed as Taylor’s Hometown Holiday Show, a sold out WorkPlay was also an effort on behalf of the Marine’s Toys for Tots program as fans brought a mountain of toys to the show. The concert opened with an outstanding performance by teen-aged Carson James, and fellow Birmingham Idol, Ruben Studdard joined Taylor for a funky duet of “Woman’s Got to Have It.”
7~~Six shows in two days at Epcot Center to diverse audience
Taylor and the band make Epcot a magic kingdom for six shows.(photo by san)
In a kind of last hurrah for the 2010 concerts, Taylor didn’t disappoint fans who traveled from as far away and the United Kingdom to see six shows in two days at the Disney venue in Orlando, Florida. Every show was a little different. Most fans happily returned for all six shows and Park visitors were treated to the unique talents of Taylor Hicks.
6 ~~New music on the set list
Taylor and band kill it with “Bulletproof” that debuted at The Highline Ballroom in New York City. (Photo by Joe Marzullo)What seemed like a most unlikely choice at first listen, “Bulletproof” blasted onto the stage at the opening of the 2010 Summer Tour in New York City and never backed off its instant popularity. “Scarlet Begonias” made its debut at Epcot Center. “Back to Louisiana,” “Stay With Me,” “Love the One You’re With,” “Not Fade Away,” and “Running on Empty,” were only some of the additions or tags in 2010.
5 ~~“Kick ass” tour band
With rock star glam and sound, Taylor and kick ass band rock FOX and Friends plaza in NYC. (photo from FOX and Friends)
Old friends and new joined the Taylor touring band of 2010. Brian Less, long time friend and band member, became his music manager. Brian, Jeff Lopez and Sam Gunderson were part of the pre-Idol Taylor Hicks Band. Brandon Peeples, Leif Bondarenko, and the late Matt Kimbrell rounded out what Taylor himself described as a “kick ass” band. They lived up to the name.
4~~ A voice for the Gulf Coast aid in concert and promos
A photo shoot on the Alabama beach produces stunning pictures of Taylor in the sand. (Photo from taylorhicks.ning)
Taylor Hicks became the voice of Alabama tourism and gained national attention with interviews and a blog on Larry King Live blog. He made a promo from the beach in Alabama for the return of tourism and appeared in a huge star-studded free concert at Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS for Gulf Coast aid.
3~~Performance of “Gran Torino” for Clint Eastwood at Museum of Tolerance International Film Festival
Old friends and new joined the Taylor touring band of 2010. Brian Less, long time friend and band member, became his music manager. Brian, Jeff Lopez and Sam Gunderson were part of the pre-Idol Taylor Hicks Band. Brandon Peeples, Leif Bondarenko, and the late Matt Kimbrell rounded out what Taylor himself described as a “kick ass” band. They lived up to the name.
4~~ A voice for the Gulf Coast aid in concert and promos
A photo shoot on the Alabama beach produces stunning pictures of Taylor in the sand. (Photo from taylorhicks.ning)Taylor Hicks became the voice of Alabama tourism and gained national attention with interviews and a blog on Larry King Live blog. He made a promo from the beach in Alabama for the return of tourism and appeared in a huge star-studded free concert at Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS for Gulf Coast aid.
3~~Performance of “Gran Torino” for Clint Eastwood at Museum of Tolerance International Film Festival
Taylor performs Gran Torino: “…Beats the lonely rhythm all night long.”
(photo from MJSBigBlog)
It was a one night charity appearance honoring film makers, particularly Clint Eastwood on a Sunday evening. Then a somewhat excited tweet from Taylor said he had been asked by Clint Eastwood personally to sing the title song from his highly acclaimed movie about a troubled Detroit, “Gran Torino.” It quickly became a night to remember. Someone in the audience tweeted the next day: “@TTHC @TaylorRHicks one of the highlights of the night, he owned the song, and the audience.”
2~~ Charity appearances for good causes
(photo from MJSBigBlog)
It was a one night charity appearance honoring film makers, particularly Clint Eastwood on a Sunday evening. Then a somewhat excited tweet from Taylor said he had been asked by Clint Eastwood personally to sing the title song from his highly acclaimed movie about a troubled Detroit, “Gran Torino.” It quickly became a night to remember. Someone in the audience tweeted the next day: “@TTHC @TaylorRHicks one of the highlights of the night, he owned the song, and the audience.”
2~~ Charity appearances for good causes
Taylor supports cancer research at Dawn of a Dream Gala for cancer research
(photo by RagsQueen)
Taylor met children who had little to smile about, but he entertained them and raised money to help their plight. He supported ten different charities with appearances and performances. He spoke often this year about how blessed he was. In giving back to causes and communities, Taylor went beyond the music and shared his name, his time, and his heart in making a difference. This should perhaps be Number 1 on this list!
1~~ 2010 Summer Tour
(photo by RagsQueen)
Taylor met children who had little to smile about, but he entertained them and raised money to help their plight. He supported ten different charities with appearances and performances. He spoke often this year about how blessed he was. In giving back to causes and communities, Taylor went beyond the music and shared his name, his time, and his heart in making a difference. This should perhaps be Number 1 on this list!
1~~ 2010 Summer Tour
A set up stage waits in Laughlin, NV
(Photo by san)
It was the little tour that started quietly and grew into a big road trip that rolled across the country to 25 cities in many sold out venues in about two months ending with the appearance at Epcot Center. On “the monster” of a tour bus, Taylor and band opened in New York City at the Highline Ballroom on July 25th. They crisscrossed the country from New England to the gold hills of California and the beach in Florida.
An integral part of each concert was his tribute to our military with his song, “19.” He spoke for all of us in thanking our troops and received standing ovations for this emotional story of “an American hero.”
New music, new band, and the “same old” Taylor Hicks passion for his music made the shows of the Summer Tour Number One on our 2010 events to remember list!
~~
Taylor Hicks once again pushed the entertainment envelope with new music, new connections, and new possibilities. His TV appearances on Celebrity Ghost Stories and Don’t Forget the Lyrics (for charity) led to talk of further TV and movie work.
His “voice” reached new audiences and entertainment communities, championed new causes, and honored our military men and women. He became a serious spokesperson and fundraiser.
He was always a serious musician!
2010 was a good year.
2011? Taylor Hicks will find a way to push the envelope more, launch new endeavors, and make 2011 even better than 2010.
This IS a marathon…one year at a time!
(Photo by san)
It was the little tour that started quietly and grew into a big road trip that rolled across the country to 25 cities in many sold out venues in about two months ending with the appearance at Epcot Center. On “the monster” of a tour bus, Taylor and band opened in New York City at the Highline Ballroom on July 25th. They crisscrossed the country from New England to the gold hills of California and the beach in Florida.
An integral part of each concert was his tribute to our military with his song, “19.” He spoke for all of us in thanking our troops and received standing ovations for this emotional story of “an American hero.”
New music, new band, and the “same old” Taylor Hicks passion for his music made the shows of the Summer Tour Number One on our 2010 events to remember list!
~~
Taylor Hicks once again pushed the entertainment envelope with new music, new connections, and new possibilities. His TV appearances on Celebrity Ghost Stories and Don’t Forget the Lyrics (for charity) led to talk of further TV and movie work.
His “voice” reached new audiences and entertainment communities, championed new causes, and honored our military men and women. He became a serious spokesperson and fundraiser.
He was always a serious musician!
2010 was a good year.
2011? Taylor Hicks will find a way to push the envelope more, launch new endeavors, and make 2011 even better than 2010.
This IS a marathon…one year at a time!
Taylor at Epcot by a little smart phone that was smart enough to know who to take a picture of!
(photo by san)
~~
While I’m sure not everyone will agree with my choices or their order (I couldn’t agree with myself and even changed the order at the last minute!), I looked at the possible effect on Taylor’s career and what he perhaps considered important, and also how fans seemed to react to the events. There were certainly other memorable moments—he sang the National Anthem, returned to the American Idol Finale, visited the White House, and watched snow pile up and flood waters rise. It was an interesting year!
What’s Number One on YOUR 2010 Top Ten list?
~~
While I’m sure not everyone will agree with my choices or their order (I couldn’t agree with myself and even changed the order at the last minute!), I looked at the possible effect on Taylor’s career and what he perhaps considered important, and also how fans seemed to react to the events. There were certainly other memorable moments—he sang the National Anthem, returned to the American Idol Finale, visited the White House, and watched snow pile up and flood waters rise. It was an interesting year!
What’s Number One on YOUR 2010 Top Ten list?
Our very best wishes for a happy, healthy and music-filled New Year!
The Taylor Hicks Community
~~
For a complete Timeline of Taylor events in 2010, visit out Timeline of the Journey on Connections Anthology:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/connections/topic/3393422/1/#new
Our boards began this Timeline in 2006 and several people have worked to maintain it as a chronological history of the Taylor journey. Thank you for reposting only the link to it.
Thanks to all who share their photos!
The Taylor Hicks Community
~~
For a complete Timeline of Taylor events in 2010, visit out Timeline of the Journey on Connections Anthology:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/connections/topic/3393422/1/#new
Our boards began this Timeline in 2006 and several people have worked to maintain it as a chronological history of the Taylor journey. Thank you for reposting only the link to it.
Thanks to all who share their photos!
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