The Vegas Gig turned up an unexpected gem!
Here’s the back story:
When Taylor Hicks won American Idol a wonderful group of fans gathered on fan boards across the internet. Many talented ones made beautiful montages with music in the background and photos of Taylor and his journey.
One of these was made by talented Canadian fan, KarinP who also did the much viewed “Nineteen,” with the amazing graphic contributions of a long-time fan, Allyn from Georgia.
When Karin read our Vegas blog, she sent me a montage she created in April, 2008 called “That’s Life.”
Yes, a Taylor Hicks montage called, “That’s Life!” Taylor now sings “That’s Life” in his headlining show at Bally’s in Las Vegas; Karin features Michael Buble’s version as background for a beautiful collection of vintage Taylor Hicks photos from those years.
“At the time I did that video, I was feeling really bad for Taylor with respect to some unkind press. Taylor has always done it "his way" and sometimes that can make the road a less than ideal ride. It was just something I felt that I wanted to put out there because I knew that he would weather the storm and come out smelling like a rose. I think there is a lot more in that ‘little engine that could’ and I am excited to hear what his new album is going to sound like.”
Early 2008 saw Taylor joining a host of the famous for the NBA Playoffs Celebrity Basketball Game in New Orleans in February. He was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in March. And there was the charity event outside Birmingham for Hannah’s House and a seemingly unusual choice on the setlist: “On Broadway.”
Two months after “That’s Life” was created, Taylor was landing on the New York stage from a giant ice cream cone and his picture was on a five-story billboard outside in Times Square. He was starring as Teen Angel in “Grease” on Broadway and would take it on the road for 18 months for a very successful national tour!
He opened on Broadway…in June!
Here’s the Vegas back story:
Both Karin and Allyn were supposed to be in Las Vegas for our weekend in July. I was looking forward to Taylor’s meeting the creators of “19,” “West Texas Sky,” “Trip Around the Sun” and other beautiful visuals. I didn't yet know about "That's Life!" But it turned out that neither of them could make it. They had both seen Taylor in concert and knew what a show it would be. Karin reminded me that she had run into him in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the Dan Aykroyd Niagara Wine Auction in June, 2007 and welcomed him to Canada!
I wish they could have come to Las Vegas where Taylor opened in the Indigo Lounge at Bally's ...
...in June!
It would have been very fitting for them to see “That’s Life” done Taylor’s way!
That is life…charming with its twists and turns, both disappointing and exhilarating, and mindful that picking ourselves up is just a part of it…
And that you really can be “back on top”…in June!
Just like the song says…
We are pleased to share this endearing montage from KarinP, Allyn, and a host of fans who contributed to it.
From KarinP (@Magnoliabreezes): “That’s Life,” April, 2008
~~~
Quote from Karin is shared with her permission.
We proudly showcase Allyn’s banners and graphics on TTHC including her special “Vegas” above!
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4 comments:
Am reminded by the photos how much has changed since 2006 when Taylor's life and mine collided.
That's life and it keeps marching forward.... No ending in sight .... and that's a good thing.
cath
Changes, indeed, for all of us! Thanks for commenting, Cath!
Beautiful -- the song, video, and meaning. If this song doesn't reflect the Taylor Hicks journey -- I don't know what does.
Taylor's inclusion of this song in his Vegas was, as usual, a fantastically intuitive move.
Thanks to KarinP for her moving video and to THC for the column.
It is perfect for the Vegas setlist, isn't it! I thought at first the "My Way" would be the one, but I agree this is the right choice. Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts, Julie! We really appreciate it.
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