“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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