“With our voices, we can really make a difference.”Taylor Hicks returns to Linn Park in Birmingham, Alabama today with fellow hometown American Idol, Ruben Studdard, for a free concert supporting the food drive for storm victims.
In a way, it started in Linn Park.
In 2006, Taylor Hicks was headlining the most successful American Idol tour ever or since. The stop in Taylor’s hometown of Birmingham, was more than a victorious rock star’s homecoming. Among all the hoopla of instant superstardom, there was a rather quiet gathering in Linn Park to meet Taylor. A group of fans had collected a significant donation for Studio by the Tracks, a charity in Irondale, Alabama that Taylor had supported since a teenager and still does today with events at his new restaurant, Ore.
He said, in part, to the gathering there on that beautiful August afternoon:
“Never in my wildest dreams would I realize, as a musician, what an impact that not only I can make, but what we can make as a whole.
For you guys, and all of us, to be able to give back in any small way…that’s what makes a difference.
...It’s amazing the impact that we have, not just my voice but everyone’s voice. I want to thank everybody that’s been able to put that out there.
With our voices we can really make a difference.”
He closed with what would be a promise for many of his future efforts:
“…I think this is just the start of something bigger...
This is just one of the first of many causes that I think that we can make an impact on.”
From that day in Linn Park, Taylor and his followers have supported too many good causes to highlight here—from children’s cancer research, the American Red Cross and Birmingham charities, Studio By The Tracks and Kid One, to Gulf Coast Relief. Today, back in Linn Park, and Tuesday night at BamaRising at BJCC, he appears for tornado recovery.
But then, it really started long before Linn Park. Before most of us had heard the raspy, soulful voice of Taylor Hicks, he gave a small donation to Kid One and told them that someday he hoped it would be more.
He has made good on that. And more.
With Taylor’s inspiration and leadership, it is amazing what has been accomplished together.
Isn’t that the way it is...
Together.
For this American Idol who believes in giving back and making a difference, it is still just the start…
Support today’s free concert in Linn Park with donations of canned food.
More Information:
American Idols Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard Team Up for Outdoor Benefit Concert
If you can’t attend BamaRising Tuesday evening, you can make a donation here:
BamaRising
Taylor in Linn Park, August 8, 2006:
Top photo by: Maria3731
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6 comments:
Beautiful. Thanks for keeping information of the needs of all these small charitable organizations on the front burner.
Thanks, Julie, for having a caring heart like Taylor.
It is so good to know that we can love the music of this talented artist and know that he is also a caring person. Don't know a better way to put it: He makes us proud! Yep!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
San
From little acorns mighty oaks grow !!!
Taylor's ascendancy to fame has proven that little steps can make for big strides . Everyone's small efforts can produce significant results when we all work together.
Good luck to both Taylor and Ruben ; he's hoping their efforts will aid in some small way in easing the burdens of the tornado victims.
cath
I really enjoyed the memory of that event. Taylor has come a long way since 2006 with his heart of gold intact. :)
His heart of gold is, indeed, still intact!
Thanks for your thoughts, Tish.
This is where humility; along with desire, can 'roar like a lion'. We could all learn from Taylor's example of gaining through giving. (Even if we all had to unpack many 'damn' boxes)..LOL
Thanx for the video. I had not seen it before♥
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