Sunrise...

A friend of mine recently said, “Let’s go to the Grand Canyon.  I want to see the sunrise.”

I love a road trip. 

The last time that I had seen the Grand Canyon was in 2007 when I was hosting a friend from Georgia who had come to see Taylor Hicks on tour in Tempe, Arizona.  In the interim before his next concert at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, we took a day trip to the Grand Canyon.  She was awe-struck and sat alone for a time reflecting.  “Grand” does not begin to describe this place!

On this November morning, it was very cold and windy standing on the Canyon rim watching to the East.  Several people from all over the world mingled around getting the best camera vantage. 

And there was complete silence.  No one spoke, not even the few children braving the cold.  It was a reverence I had never experienced. As I kept checking my watch, I irreverently whispered to my friend, “I guess the sun won’t be late.”  It wasn’t.  And the silence continued as first light appeared in the Eastern sky, the glow grew brighter, and then the brilliant rays brought us another beautiful day. 

Talk about the majesty and beauty of nature!

We hurried back to a warm lodge and a cup of sweet, hot coffee and watched visitors from around the world with backpacks readying for a hike into the wild.  The Grand Canyon is also a people experience.  It is a microcosm of the world’s people. 

The lucky ones.    

I am reminded that everyone’s world doesn’t start with a beautiful sunrise.  Instead, the sky may be lit by destruction.  What I spent for my sweet, hot coffee would feed a hungry child for a day, or longer.

Here we were, warm, safe, and so blessed.   

Another friend said to me this week, “Even with problems, we are still blessed.” 

And that we are!

~~~

May we remember and be thankful for our blessings this Thanksgiving Day and pray for a bright ray of hope for those who don’t start their days with a peaceful sunrise. 

We wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

The Taylor Hicks Community

Looking for the Constants in 2014...

“A change is gonna’ come…” 

In 2005, Taylor Hicks sang those prophetic words before the American Idol judges in Las Vegas. 

And it surely did.

“Change can be good.  Change can be bad.  But change is always one thing…inevitable.” 

I heard those words last week as I made a major change in my workplace after 16 years in the same room, same environment. People around me came and left.  I was comfortably established. 

I don’t like change… I look for ways to mitigate it.  I clung to the green plants that had grown in my room for most of those 16 years and moved them carefully.  I took all of my familiars into an unfamiliar place.  I believe we all cling to what we know.    

And I felt the frustration last week as I read the feed from music blogger, Bob Lefsetz. 

“So, I don’t know if it’s a day of change or not. Because I’m bad with change, I’m afraid of loss in the process.”

But Sunday morning I woke up in a different mood.  I had found the constants that I could hold on to. 

Reading the Taylor Hicks twitter feed the evening before, I welcomed a long-time constant. 

“@nebrinkley: I forgot how much I loved Taylor Hicks’ ‘Just To Feel That Way.’ Such a good song.” ebrinkleyemains.

 different beat, or the cityy tion,  American Idol judges in Las Vegas. ous soul, blues, and funk albums.  w

In 2007, a dear friend came to visit to attend Taylor Hicks concerts in Phoenix and Las Vegas.  We were shopping in the grocery store and suddenly heard a familiar voice—Taylor Hicks singing “Just to Feel That Way!” 

In the kick off of 2014 concerts, Taylor appeared at the Clearwater River Casino in Lewiston, Idaho, Saturday night.  He said in a prior interview with Inland360.com his plans for 2014 included “a long list of gigs, including tours around the country, the finale of his Paris Las Vegas residency and a new country album, which Hicks, 37, said should be released in spring.”

“ ‘The common thread will be my voice and the instrumentation,’ Hicks said of the Nashville recorded album, which features more country music than his previous soul, blues, and funk albums.” 

“common thread” –that’s what I was looking for.  Whatever the new roles, new venues, new endeavors, there is always…

The music. 

In the Inland360 interview, Taylor assured the Clearwater River Casino audience that they "could look forward to hearing… ‘Just some really great live music.’”   

That’s the constant we can all look forward to, and these are the words from Taylor that I have kept going back to for a long time:

“For me, you can take it all.  But leave me with the music.”

As surely as there is change, just as surely, there is the constant.    

The room may change, the road wind in a different direction, the drums kick out a different beat, or the new place lie over the horizon.  The voice and the music remain.

Leave me with the music. 

The Taylor Hicks constant—it’s such a good song. 

~~~

 So, I took out the shiny CD and slid it into my computer and listened.  It's such a good song. 

It always comes back to the music.

~~~

All the very best of happiness and success to Taylor Hicks in 2014!  

Wherever the song takes him...

...and us. 

~~~

For all the latest, follow @TaylorHicks on Twitter. 

Photo: Taylor Hicks and Cody Farris at Harrah's New Orleans, December, 2013; courtesy of CaseyPup via Twitter.  

Sources: “Hicks goes Hollywood:  American Idol winner performs at Clearwater River Casino” inland360.com

Remembering a Country Troubadour...

Country music has lost an outlaw—one with an endearing “style of rustic simplicity.”

“Outlaw by definition is one that is unconventional or rebellious. Wayne Mills by definition is one that is a stiff-necked, country troubadour with an affinity for Honky-tonks and possessing a style of rustic simplicity.”

From the small Northern Alabama town of Arab, Mills was “raised on the values of the working man, and like most working men, young Mills listened to blue collar anthems sang by Hank Williams, Jr, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard. Little did the future performer know that the heavy beat and misfortune-laden lyrics of outlaw country would lay the ground work for his music career.”

Mills earned a degree in Education and played football with the legendary University of Alabama team before returning to the music he loved and hitting the road with the Wayne Mills Band.  They became one of the most successful country bands throughout the South and presented some memorable opening acts. On their way to the top, country music superstars, Jamey Johnson and Blake Shelton, as well as American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, opened for the Band.

Most recently, the Nashville singer/songwriter toured with fellow country-outlaw musician and friend, Johnson. Mills was soon to release his studio album, Long Hard Road.

From WayneMillsBand.com: “ ‘My music is a combination of my country roots with the real world I have come to know,’ said Mills. Long Hard Road is a chapter in the songbook of Wayne Mills’ life: leaving no stone unturned when it comes to lyric and life.”

~~~~
@TaylorHicks: “My good friend Wayne Mills passed away in Nashville. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP Wayne he was my buddy.”

~~~
Huntsville, Alabama, was the first Taylor Hicks concert I ever attended. Wayne Mills Band was opening for Taylor that night as the American Idol continued his first National Tour. The Band was high energy with hard hitting country…I knew I was back to the South! I will never forget that moment of excitement and the Alabama country sound that started me on this musical journey. I am grateful to have crossed the path of this man with “a style of rustic simplicity.”

After all, “a style of rustic simplicity,” may just be that to which we all could aspire.
~~~~

Jerald Wayne Mills will be laid to rest today, in Arab, Alabama.

Funeral arrangements:
http://tasteofcountry.com/wayne-mills-funeral/

Sources:
http://www.waynemillsband.com/waynemillsband.com/Home.html

@TaylorHicks on Twitter

Photo: Wayne Mills, via TasteofCountry.com

Taylor Hicks: "I love what I do!"

I am envious.

Say what you will about success. This is it:

“I love what I do.”

Taylor Hicks celebrates the soulful Americana ‘roots’ music that he grew up around in Alabama in his headlining show at Paris Las Vegas. In a promotional video for Ceasar’s Entertainment “Las Vegas_Player,” he takes us inside his very successful show and his ‘Southern roots’ music:

“To have soul you have to have passion …for what you’re doing. For me, obviously, putting soul and passion in my music is something that I really find important.

“And I love what I do.”

There’s no arguing with that. There are no ratings, awards, or paychecks that can outweigh it.

Critics cannot destroy it.

Our success is personal. Mine can only be defined by me. Taylor Hicks defines his success:

“For me, you can take it all, but leave me with the music.”

“It’s not how many records you sell, but how many lives you touch.”

“I love what I do.”

I know what that means and when it is lacking. We hope our daily work brings satisfaction, ‘things’ that we enjoy, and sustenance. And it may.

To say “I love what I do” is different.

While we hope others share the joy or worth of what we do, real success is how we feel about every day, not how the world views what we do. It is experienced within, not received from those around us who decide what it looks or feels like.

I don’t hate my work. I find it satisfying and rewarding. But I am somewhere in between like and dislike.

I have always wished that I could say with passion, “I love what I do.”

Taylor Hicks is a lucky one.

Funny thing is it is infectious. It is shared joy, shared success.

In his audience we are enveloped in that love and passion the minute he steps onto the stage. It emulates from his energetic music and stage persona. It is the ‘magic’ of a resonating performance by a quintessential musician.

This isn’t to say that mere love creates the musicianship and artistry. But it fuels the hard work, practice, persistence, and dream.

It creates a vibrant circle that spells success. “I love what I do.”

An oversimplified measure of success?

How would you measure it?
~~~
And this success train isn’t slowing down…

As it was Saturday night, Taylor’s headlining show at Napoleon’s Lounge inside Paris Las Vegas continues to be sold out night after night. He is one of the most popular performers on the Vegas Strip. He recently performed a one-night-only jam session with the popular Vegas headliner, The Million Dollar Quartet, in a jam-packed house.

A recent review on http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98334
by dennis63 claimed: “I think it may be the most underrated show in Vegas right now….”

He gives back the love. On October 12, he returns to Alabama to headline the charity concert and football watch party, Tailgate for Cure, benefiting Alabama Institute of Medicine. http://s1.zetaboards.com/connections/topic/5219372/1/#new

October 17, Taylor headlines “Hollywood Welcomes the Stars” in Hallandale Beach, FL benefiting The Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County. http://s1.zetaboards.com/connections/topic/5229585/1/

He’s an avowed foodie and a restaurateur! He has two recipes from his Birmingham restaurant, Saw’s, featured in the new, hugely popular “Recipes Across America” Cookbook.

Check out all that makes this American Idol say, “I love what I do!” on his official website at: www.taylorhicks.com
~~
Go see the artists that love what they do, and you are looking at success!

Check out Taylor Hicks on his music, Las Vegas, and more on Vegas Player:


See Taylor Hicks at Paris Las Vegas and experience the love, passion, and success of this true American Idol!
http://www.parislasvegas.com/shows/taylor-hicks.html

Photo above:  Courtesy of Coder1951 via Twitter:  Taylor at Napoleon's Lounge, Paris Las Vegas September 28th. Thanks to all who share photos of their concert experiences.    

Who's Gonna' Fill Their Shoes?

It seems like we are losing a generation of musicians too soon.

J J Cale, who passed away on Friday, is the latest. If you don’t know the musician, you probably know the music. He wrote “Cocaine” and “After Midnight” recorded by Eric Clapton. The Oklahoma native gave us the ‘Tulsa sound.’

Taylor Hicks tweeted on Saturday:

“RIP JJ Cale He was the quintessential #americana #roots-musician”

Cale’s “They Call Me The Breeze” made a hit by Lynyrd Skynyrd, has long been covered by Taylor.

We also lost country music pioneer and legend, George Jones, earlier this year. The musical competition, The Voice, was in its live competition shows. A duo from Oklahoma,  the Swan Brothers, paid tribute to Jones singing one of his songs posing the stirring question, “Who’s Gonna’ Fill Their Shoes?”

It was also a challenge for those new artists competing. It started a personal dialogue for me. I wondered beyond country music and asked myself who’s going to fill the shoes of artists like The Beatles, Elvis, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and now, musician/songwriters…

like J J Cale.

Will our plentiful singing competitions and hit producers of today give us singers and music that will take the place of those who molded our musical roots and genres—the unforgettable music that still plays today and will for a long time after we say goodbye to these great musicians?

What makes music and artists unforgettable? It is music and artists that we never tire of hearing, music that is never eclipsed by something on the Top 40—here today, forgotten tomorrow.

It’s music and performances that connect with people. That is the elusive link that the best musicians create—a strong connection and music so good that no other artist is associated with it.

I attended a small graduation this spring. At the socializing afterwards, a small band—just five guys who got together to play music—entertained with “House of the Rising Sun,” “Margarettaville” and then “Let It Be”—all songs that have stood the test of time. I was singing along and lost in the moment. Seldom are covers better than the original. I can’t even recall a cover of “Let It Be.”

That is the unforgettable—the purist example of the best.

And those shoes will be difficult to fill.

What new song today will be here after we are gone? What new artist will be remembered as a “quintessential” of music when they die?

And,  just as importantly, what artists today will carry on the legacy of this great generation of musicians? 

Truly, only time will tell.  Singer/songwriters who live for their music and connect with their audiences will have the lasting impact on the next generation of music.

There will be some who fill those shoes. That is the bright side of this.

~~~
Taylor Hicks covers “They Call Me the Breeze:”


Eric Clapton, J. J. Cale “After Midnight” and “They Call Me the Breeze:”


For more about J J Cale, visit: http://jjcale.com/top.html
~~~
Note: “Quintessential” is from the Latin meaning “fifth essence,” the purist example; in Medieval philosophy it suggested that after Earth, air, fire, and water, this was the Fifth Element.

I wondered, “After Earth, air, fire, and water, might MUSIC be the Fifth Element?”

Just a thought…

#TaylorHicksinVegas ~ One Year and Counting!

Bally's Poster captured by Gary Hathaway

Taylor Hicks marked an anniversary last week. He tweeted:

“One year and counting! @BallysAC @ParisVegas in #Vegas #greatgig #thankful.”

On June 26, 2012, he became the first American Idol with a headlining residency in Las Vegas opening at Bally’s Indigo Lounge.

That night, a packed house welcomed the newest Las Vegas headliner. Bally’s Kelly Frey tweeted the moment:

Photo shared by Bally's-Opening Night

It was a turnaround for the long-touring musician. Taylor Hicks was in one place. Fans were now the ones making travel plans. And they did, coming from all over the world.

A new band took the Vegas stage behind Taylor, among them Jamie McLean, Brian Gallagher from his 2007 tour band, and long time music director, Brian Less. The musical talent and chemistry packed on to the small stage were as good as it gets. The energy blew the roof off, almost literally.

Photo from Bally's Martin Martinez

The music was new and old. On a set list of twists and turns, what was next was as unexpected at the nearby slots rolling up sevens. There were tracks from The Distance, his current album, classics from Elvis, and blues and soul favorites from this songwriter’s large repertoire. Las Vegas had a new mix and a new genre it coined ‘roadhouse’—raw, rockin’ and really good! From the energy-spiked, foot-stomping opener, “Country Living,” to Elvis’ classic closer, “Viva Las Vegas,” the show made you dance, grabbed your heart, and left you singing!

Entertainment…indeed!

The stage was small. The sound, the energy, and the experience were not. In an arena, you are part of the crowd. In this small, intimate setting, sometimes referred to as Taylor’s Las Vegas living room, you were part of the moment, the music, and the show—you were all in it together. Taylor chatted between songs, thanked the military in the audience, and delivered funny lines like the best comedians in the city. He grinned and thanked those who voted for him on American Idol!  It all resonated with guests as an evening of great entertainment in a cool little corner of the Vegas Strip!

After the show in an informal meet and greet at the merchandise table, guests could meet Taylor, have items autographed and take pictures. The take-away of a personal connection with the Vegas headliner was appreciated and remembered.

Taylor’s stunning new Vegas wardrobe brought back chic jackets like those of the 2007 National Tour along with western shirts that, no doubt, had never seen a horse. And nothing had to be packed onto a tour bus.

Photo by DNJ Morton, al.com

The little lounge show grew with every rave review and creative new moniker—‘searing soul,’ ‘rootsy rock,’ the ‘real deal.”  Shows were sold out. The Las Vegas entertainment community embraced the ‘new club kid,’ and the show was named one of the Top Ten “best of Las Vegas.” It became a vibrant part of the Las Vegas landscape. The Bally’s headliner joined the community is supporting charities, walking the Red Carpets in fine fashion, and smiling from the covers of local magazines.

It was success all wrapped up in a cool little lounge in Las Vegas!

It quickly outgrew The Indigo located just off the gaming floor at Bally’s. In January, 2013, the little lounge show that was packed to overflowing with really good musicians and people eager to hear them, moved a short step away to the larger Napoleon’s Piano Bar at Paris Las Vegas. The guitars didn’t bump into the drums.

More people came to experience what writer, Chaz Lipp, described as a backwoods ‘smoky roadhouse with a hot band.’ Napoleon’s Piano Bar that had been home to dueling pianos, champagne and cigars, now rocked with dueling guitars and smoky roadhouse.

Opening Night-Paris Las Vegas, Photo by Ashlee DeMartino

Who knew that Las Vegas would be a hotbed for ‘roadhouse,’ that the American Idol who auditioned there in 2005 would be the first to return to a long-term residency, and that new success would be waiting right where it had started?

Success is where you make it.  Taylor Hick seemed hell-bent on making this another success with hard work and musicians who love playing music. It paid off...again.  He’s winning big in the town of the elusive win.

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Taylor Hicks and to all those who made year one in Las Vegas memorable and successful!

Cheers! And best wishes for more success and good music in year two!

Years hence, we will say, “We saw you in Vegas!”

Viva, Las Vegas!

~~~

Tonight, Taylor wraps up a series of five shows in Reno, NV at Sammy’s Showroom at Harrah’s where he has played to packed houses.  Appearances this summer at other Ceasar’s Entertainment venues will include Harrah’s Laughlin and Bally’s Atlantic City.

Tomorrow night, he is back home at Paris Las Vegas to start year two of this little lounge show that’s making a big sound in one of the biggest entertainment meccas in the world.

Buy Tickets:  http://www.parislasvegas.com/shows/taylor-hicks.html

Check out all the latest news and places of other appearances this summer at the Official Taylor Hicks Website:  www.taylorhicks.com

For more on the Las Vegas experience,  you might enjoy these blogs:

“Taylor Hicks in Las Vegas - Twists, Turns, and Tags”

http://thetaylorhickscommunity.blogspot.com/2012/12/taylor-hicks-in-las-vegas-twists-turns.html

"Taylor Hicks Rocks the Vegas Gig"
http://thetaylorhickscommunity.blogspot.com/2012/07/taylor-hicks-and-vegas-gig.html

For our archive of everything Las Vegas and Taylor Hicks, visit Connections Anthology:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/connections/index/ -Thanks to Cath-tthc for keeping the memories! 

Taylor Hicks Still Rockin' the Roadhouse!

You can take him out of the roadhouse, but you can’t take the roadhouse out of Taylor Hicks.

Taylor Hicks returns to the roadhouse this weekend for “Shindig on the Sand” celebrating Gulf Coast musicians at the Flora-Bama, Perdido Key, Alabama.

The Flora-Bama is a music landmark on the Gulf Coast renowned as The Last Great American Roadhouse. In his autobiography, Heart Full of Soul, Taylor Hicks calls the Flora-bama “fabulous” and describes it as what Alabamans call a “real good time.” And it’s gotten shout outs from his Vegas show.

He knows it pretty well. It became somewhat of a regular stop for him traveling the South as a young musician on the ‘miles-from-Vegas’ chitlin’ circuit.

“Let me tell you, there is nothing remotely glitzy about life on the chitlin’ circuit…” Yet, Taylor says, “…you’ll find some of the most discerning and enthusiastic audiences there nonetheless.”

And although they were struggling times, they served him well.

“The lessons I learned in those sweaty roadside clubs—often for close to no money and too many times in front of almost no people—are the same exact lessons that helped me capitalize on the biggest break imaginable when it came my way. Playing the chitlin’ circuit any chance we got …we learned the simple rule that I still live by to this very day: either you entertain people or you go home.

“I remain proud to have cut my teeth as a performer at some of those less than glamorous southern joints long referred to as the chitlin’ circuit….I’m talking about the same sort of down home fantastically greasy southern clubs and roadhouses where great artists like my hero Ray Charles and the Ike and Tina Turner Review and countless other R&B greats played once upon a time.”

It was a long and winding road from the chitlin’ circuit to the club circuit: winning American Idol, touring, starring on Broadway, and now, headlining in a “glitzy little” club on the Strip at Paris Las Vegas.

“…but you can’t take the roadhouse out of Taylor Hicks.” .

And it served his well when he became the first American Idol to land a residency in Las Vegas.

“The kind of rootsy rock that is Hicks’ bread and butter is simply too rare on the Strip. You’ve got plenty of Rat Pack pastiches, big-ticket headliners and impersonators galore, but few entertainers who approximate what it’s like to be traveling through a backwoods town and stumble across a smoky roadhouse with a hot band. That’s Hicks.” –Las Vegas Magazine

With its 'rootsy rock' and 'searing soul,' #TaylorHicksinVegas has been named one of the "hottest shows in Las Vegas!"

There may be little resemblance in the Flora-Bama and the Parisian flavored Napoleon's Lounge in Paris Las Vegas, but they both breathe with good music from an artist who has kept it real wherever he goes.

~~~

While more than miles may separate Paris Las Vegas and the Gulf Coast landmark, it should be noted that the Flora-Bama has global stature as the 17th BEST roadhouse in the WORLD!

Ceasar’s Entertainment might want to check it out!

~~~
The chitlin’ circuit can be proud of its alumni. Check out one this weekend headlining at Flora-Bama’s “Shindig on the Sand”
Tickets and more information: http://store.florabama.com/fun-stuff/shindig-on-the-sand-a-salute-to-gulf-coast-musicians-weekend-pass.html

See how roadhouse plays in Vegas when Taylor returns to Napoleon’s Lounge at Paris Las Vegas on June 17 at 8:00 p.m. where he headlines through November, 2013. Check calendar for show dates.
Tickets: http://www.parislasvegas.com/shows/taylor-hicks.html

And catch Taylor Hicks this summer at:
July 3-7 ~ Harrah’s Reno, NV – Sammy’s Showroom
Tickets:  http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/189318/1092763/

August 29-September 1 ~ Harrah’s Laughlin, NV
Tickets:  http://www.harrahslaughlin.com/shows/taylor-hicks.html

For all Taylor Hicks news, events, and appearances, visit www.taylorhicks.com

Follow on Twitter @TaylorHicks

~~~
Photo Credit:  Dave Morton, via al.com; Taylor Hicks on stage in Las Vegas. 
Blog Quote Sources:
“More Than a Matter of Pride” Las Vegas Magazine
http://lasvegasmagazine.com/2013/04/12/more-than-a-matter-of-pride/

Heart Full of Soul, by Taylor Hicks with David Wild. Random House. 2007.

Day of Remembrance

Taylor Hicks sings "Do I Make You Proud" at the National Memorial Day Parade, Washington, D. C.
Growing up, Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, was a somber time when we visited the graves of our relatives. Along side the little country church, the cemetery had been cleaned, mowed and made ready. Before church on Sunday we went to the graves with a mason jar full of summer flowers from the front yard.

With expansions over the years, the cemetery grew much larger than the church and grounds next to it. And the time came when I had to leave my father and then my mother there to rest on the quiet hillside.

They left me much. My mother taught in the one-room school house just across the road from that church and cemetery where she now rests. My parents believed that God was a real part of our lives right along side hard work. And they made me believe that I could do anything I wanted to work for.

It is ironic that we look back to remember and honor those we have lost in the same space of time that we celebrate the achievements of our young people who are taking us forward.

Last week I attended an eighth grade “promotion.” My young man is off to high school. How cute they all were in their dress clothes with proud parents and grandparents marveling at this milestone when it seemed like only yesterday that they were in a stroller at Disneyland.

And an entire police force turned out for one graduation last week—that of a beautiful young lady graduating from kindergarten. They were standing in for her father.

In the midst of graduation celebrations, our home state lost two first responders last week--a firefighter and a law enforcement officer, the father of that young lady.

Last week spoke poignantly of grief and celebration side by side in our lives. It brought home again rebuilding from the ashes for those who lost so much in the tornados in Oklahoma. And rebuild we do. The Boardwalk on the Jersey shore reopened last week after total devastation of Hurricane Sandy. And thousands finally finished the Boston Marathon.

We rebuild, resolve, and never forget.

After a week that took us all over an emotional landscape, we come together on this Memorial Day to remember those who deserve our full measure of honor as they have given their last full measure of devotion to our country.

“Flags will wave. Bands will march. Floats will glide. Most of all, Americans who died in military service will be honored,” wrote Mary Colurso in Birmingham, AL.

From Washington, D.C., on Monday, the 2013 National Memorial Day Parade, a parade for heroes, will honor our troops who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our precious liberties.

Birmingham native and American Idol, Taylor Hicks, will perform for this day of remembrance:

"I'm honored to be able to perform on such a patriotic and important day for our country,"

“Everyone’s there to honor America and our fallen heroes,” he said. “We’re all there together… It’s about the day of remembrance.”

~~~
May we remember and honor all those who have enriched our lives, kept us safe, protected our liberties, and who inspire us for the future…

Fly the American flag for those we love and honor this Memorial Day!
~~~

On Monday, Taylor will perform "19" a tribute to an American soldier:


Video "Nineteen" by @Magnoliabreezes.
~~~~
Mary Colurso of the Birmingham News writes on al.com:
"Birmingham's Taylor Hicks to Perform at 2013 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D. C."
http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/05/birminghams_taylor_hicks_to_pe.html

Taylor Hicks Connects in Cleveland, Miami, and Las Vegas!

Early Saturday morning Taylor Hicks randomly tweeted:

"@taylorhicks: Some things aren't worth the hassle sometimes.....”

He had wrapped up three concerts in Cleveland, Ohio, and was somewhere traveling from there, through a nnowy Chicago airport, and on to Miami where he appeared Saturday evening at the “Blacks’ Annual Gala,” hosted by Real Housewife of Miami, Lea Black.

Here’s our flip side to whatever hassle in which he had found himself.

From a fan’s perspective, last week seemed like a coming together of good things. After a short time off from his headlining gig in Las Vegas, Taylor Hicks was back doing what he does best and getting the accolades for it.

As Taylor and company moved into Cleveland for the week, it brought back fond memories of the 2008-2010 National Broadway tour of the Tony-nominated “Grease” when the show dropped into a city with a flurry of excitement. Taylor Hicks, starring as the heavenly harmonica-wielding Teen Angel, was the face and spokesperson for the flurry. In fact, that “Grease” tour ended at the Palace Theatre in Cleveland, May 23, 2010.

To this fan, this week looked like those happy times when “Grease” was in a town near me!

As cities all over the country and Canada did on the “Grease” tour, Cleveland threw out their welcome mat. Taylor visited local TV and radio, went to a Cavs game, and wowed guests at three free concerts, two at the opening of the Thistledown Racino and one at the Horseshoe Casino.

With microphone in one hand, harmonica in the other, and smile, Taylor Hicks does what he does best!

“@HorseshoeCLE: Las Vegas Headliner @taylorhicks signing autographs at Vintage 51! http://t.co/OzuGWhT1PM”

New fans tweeted their reviews:

“@KelsoBug: One perk of my job...watching a Taylor Hicks concert from 10 feet away. Man got some serious SOUL!”

“@liza50: Wow ....just coming from @taylorhicks concert awesome experience you got a new fan !!”

Then there was the Blacks’ Miami Beach charity gala.

This American Idol wears black well and can rock the red carpet. He’s done it many times appearing at numerous charity events supporting good causes. It wasn’t a surprise that he was a guest performer at this glamorous Miami event hosted by Real Housewife of Miami, Lea Black, and her husband benefiting at-risk youth charities.

“@AWCSGO: Taylor Hicks is rocking the Gala. So great!”

No surprise either that he rocked the upscale gathering! 

Perhaps the most meaningful coming together, though, is the time Taylor spends after almost every concert meeting and interacting with guests, many new found ‘fans.’ They take away photos and good memories.

“@ThistleDownOhio: Some lucky fans got to meet @taylorhicks after the show! Hope everyone enjoyed the concert! http://t.co/Wvbp3LZ2kN”

There are always long lines to meet and get a photo with the talented and charming Las Vegas headliner.

Which bring us to the icing on this cake.

The Las Vegas Entertainment Guide listed Taylor Hicks at Paris Las Vegas one of the “Top Las Vegas Concerts 2013!”

“We are only listing the hottest concerts by the hottest stars.”

Those other ‘hottest stars’ include entertainment giants, Celine Deon, Shania Twain, Elton John, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Santana…

That’s some darn good company! 

“Whether it is his ardent singing style or his great personality, Taylor Hicks’ popularity is rising so fast he may soon need a larger venue!”

Actually, the first American Idol to headline with a residency gig in Las Vegas has already moved from the smaller Indigo Room at Bally’s where he headlined in 2012, to the present “glitzy little pocket” as Birmingham reporter, Mary Colurso, called Napoleon’s Lounge at Paris Las Vegas.

The American Idol who auditioned in Las Vegas in 2005 for the singing competition and won Season Five in grand style, is now among the Neon City’s ‘hottest stars.’

That is a coming together to celebrate!

So, it seems fitting that this vagabond entertainer returns to his Las Vegas home at Paris Las Vegas’ Napoleon Lounge this coming week for one of the “hottest” shows on the Vegas Strip!

Really.

And that’s not our word.

Oh, yes, there was also Twitter.

@TaylorHicks, official Twitter account, reached 36,000 followers and the number continues to climb daily. And all came the old-fashioned way; none was bought. It is simply new fans finding a really talented musician who loves his music and was born to entertain.

So, we think some good things came together for a very good week.

Congratulations to Taylor Hicks, who keeps right on doing what he does best, whether it is in Cleveland, Miami, or Las Vegas—entertaining us!

If we may speak succinctly and colloquially…

Rock on, Bro!

~~~

Taylor Hicks ‘hot’ in Cleveland:
(I know--we  had to go there. But 'hot' was an operative word this week.)

In depth interview by Rover Radio:
VIDEO: http://www.roverradio.com/videos/official-show-videos/item/taylor-hicks-interview

NBC WKYC:
http://www.wkyc.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=294058

“I love Cleveland…I spent a month here with ‘Grease’”
A great performance of “Hell of a Day” and entertaining discussion with WKYC hosts:



“Taylor Hicks Can Do It All at FOX8” including the weathercast and traffic in Cleveland:
http://fox8.com/2013/04/09/taylor-hicks-can-do-it-all-at-fox-8/



“Taylor Hicks Dropped By Fees Kompany” Interview:
http://q104.cbslocal.com/2013/04/10/taylor-hicks-dropped-by-fees-kompany/

Las Vegas Entertainment Guide’s List of “The Top Las Vegas Concerts 2013” with Taylor’s guitar-toting poster in the top five photo banner:
http://www.lasvegas-entertainment-guide.com/las-vegas-concerts.html

~~~~

Taylor Hicks returns to Napoleon’s Lounge inside Paris Las Vegas April 15th. If you are in or near Las Vegas, see why his show is one of the ‘hottest’ in the town of hot shows!

Tickets:
http://www.parislasvegas.com/shows/taylor-hicks.html

For the latest Taylor Hicks news and events, visit:
http://www.taylorhicks.com/

And follow: @TaylorHicks on Twitter.
~~~
Thanks to all whose photos we share here! 

Top to bottom:
Thistle Down Racino: Mike Carew, Akron Beacon Journal
Thistle Down Racino: Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer
@HorseshoeCLE: Lines to meet Taylor
Via @TaylorHicks Twitter:  Red Carpet in Miami
Via @ThistleDownRacino: Lucky people meet Taylor after concert.

Below:
Via @DebbieinFlorida on Twitter:  Fan's view, Taylor on the Red Carpet, Miami!

Always rockin' the harmonica! 

The Best of Times~Taylor Hicks' "Hollywood Nights"

It was the best of times. The world was new.

The 2006 American Idol tour was complete, and the fall days were filled with exciting anticipation.

Newly-crowned American Idol, Taylor Hicks, was in the studio in California recording his victory album for Arista. He talked of this time as one of the happiest in his life, when he could smell the ocean from his open window in the morning.

“Hollywood Nights” was our anthem!

There was no twitter. Fans stayed connected through fan boards and media interviews. And for a short time, Friday Night Happy Hour was seeing a new release by Taylor Hicks from the studio for Rehearsals.com.

“Hollywood Nights” created a sensation!

It would have blown up Twitter, if Twitter had been around.

It was a rehearsal, raw, imperfect, and excitingly real! Jeff Lopez, from back home in Alabama and longtime band mate of Taylor Hicks, played saxophone like there would never be another California sunset. “Hollywood Nights” also proved that music is perfect in its imperfections. Taylor changed (flubbed?) the words, added expletives, and fiddled with his ear piece. But this performance takes you from a rehearsal hall to a place higher than the Hollywood Hills.

It was real, like life…sometimes horribly imperfect, but exhilarating.

Taylor was riding the crest of success finally achieving the long elusive dream of finding his voice. On May 24th that year, he was star of the most watched and most popular show on the planet—American Idol Finale, Season Five.

“Hollywood Nights” screamed, “Yes, I Can!”

For the fans seeing this raucous, in-your-face recording, it was affirmation that we were right, and we were in for the ride of our lives!

A few weeks later, December 9, 2006, Taylor Hicks, the album, was released. It was certified platinum on January 17, 2007.

So much has happened since that Friday night when “Hollywood Nights,” took our breath away. So much has changed.

Except the passionate and sensational music.  

Twitter would have received “Hollywood Nights” in its signature, succinct style:

“OMG!!!”

Which says it pretty well. 

And life has never been the same for the Southern boy “looking down on the lights of LA.”

Nor for us!

~~~

Thanks to @Sweetsmoke on Twitter for taking us back and reminding us of the not so boring and in no way anemic performance of Taylor Hicks’ “Hollywood Nights!”

~~~
The sensational music of Taylor Hicks is alive and well at Paris Las Vegas throughout 2013! See it for yourself! 
http://www.parislasvegas.com/shows/taylor-hicks.html

Taylor Hicks ~~ Turning Around for the Music!

Can the singing competition shows stay true to the music?

I say I won’t, but this time of the year I get hooked on the singing competitions. Sometimes my ears hurt.

Although I’m an avid reader of music blogger, Bob Lefsetz, I didn’t agree recently when he said that the worst singers were on TV—the singing competitions. I don’t think they are the worst singers. I think they are wrongly presented because it all blurs together into who can wear the coolest ensemble, hit the highest, loudest notes, and hold them the longest. It’s all about the show.

And my ears hurt. Music is not all ‘glory notes.’

I even disagree, to a degree, with Taylor Hicks who has said that the competitions are visual…you have to be visual.

Often, I am sitting here and listening to TV. If I turn around to look, it’s for a good sound. It’s not stunning ensembles, short and sexy. That’s the premise that I first liked with The Voice—the blind auditions. It made sense for a singing competition. But after the chairs turn, it’s a show. It’s a competition to stage, dress, make over, and show an over-the-top, brighter and louder-than-the-other-guy stage extravaganza. Have you seen some of those killer shoes? 

Wait…this is a singing competition.  Why do I remember shoes?

Okay, entertainment is about the whole package, but the package is here and gone if the music isn’t at the center. Yes, Taylor Hicks put on a show on Idol. He rolled on the floor with Ryan Seacrest, danced with Paula Abdul, and sat on the steps singing Elvis’ “In the Ghetto.”

What was said to be his best performance on Idol? “In the Ghetto!” No theatrics, just a song done with passion.

That’s what I long to see in the competitions—a singer that connects with the music and the listeners. You don’t have to be sitting in the front row to know it.  You can be America sitting at home turning around.

As American Idol hopefuls dwindled from 20 to 10, I said I thought the girls had it this year. In the first week of the final ten, three girls were the top vote getters.

I like Kree. Forget sequins and shoes; this girl doesn’t need them. She is real. Her voice connects immediately. She is singing music she knows and loves, and that comes through. It’s a little like listening to Adele. She and the music become one. You turn around.

And I turned around when I heard Burnell. If the guys have a front runner, I think he is it.

I do agree with Mr. Hicks when he says that song choice is important. I hope the singers can make the right choices to showcase their voices and persona, but music with which they can connect—music that will be remembered.

Can we keep singing in the singing competitions? I mean no disrespect to any of them, but I frankly don’t care who the judges are. And I know that TV is about ratings. It’s too bad.

Singing competitions should be about the music. That sounds so right.

I hope America votes for the singer and the music that resonates with them…who they would turn around for.

Can we keep it real?

~~~
To all those who bring their dreams to this year’s competitions…

Hang your star on the music; it will serve you best.

If you have a Plan B, go straight to it.

If you have no Plan B and music is your life, your dream, take it from the Idol winner who inspires this place:

“Never give up.”

He didn’t when it would have been easy to…when he auditioned in Las Vegas. Now, he’s headlining there.

Take any gig. Winning is about doing what you love to do.

Keep your dreams. Keep the music.

And, as the outstanding Season Five American Idol finalist, Elliott Yamin, said,

“Sing like you mean it!”

Good luck!

~~~
Season Five American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, keeps the music alive in his headlining gig at Paris Las Vegas.

Yes, he wears some pretty cool shirts and the boots are bad, but this show is all about the music! Check it out. Rave reviews mean shows are selling out. Get your tickets and see how this Idol does music!

http://www.parislasvegas.com/shows/taylor-hicks.html


~~~
Idol, back then: Taylor Hicks: “In The Ghetto”


~~~
Top Photo and video: Courtesy of FOX  and American Idol.

The fine print: Opinions expressed here are those of the writer.

Paris Las Vegas hosts Taylor Hicks Hangout ~ Clouds & Connecting

Taylor Hicks connects on Google+ as Paris Las Vegas hosted a fun and hilarious “Hangout” Tuesday.

It was fun, hip, and Bill Gates would be proud as I watched on a Microsoft product. His world has come a long way!

I finally found it. Go to Twitter and follow the links.

Follow the links like we used to follow the road map.

It was ‘today’ and cool, like the young. Here was Taylor Hicks in Las Vegas, fans in Boston, New York, San Francisco, Miami, all chatting it up. Webcams showed whatever was in front of them—tattoo, family Schnauzer, scribbled notes, while Taylor hammed it up, enhancing his image with funny hats and answering questions.

The Hangout was another technological marvel to catch up on—a two-way UStream with a select number of people on webcams and viewers looking on.

It’s only been seven years since we first connected with the American Idol from Birmingham, Alabama. There was no Twitter, Facebook (what was that predecessor of Facebook?), no Google+ or Chrome, iPad, or Idol App.

It’s only been four years since this blog launched. In one of the first blogs here, I said “We’ve come so far. We upload, download, and overload.”

How could I know that that was only the beginning and, now, that seems like nothing.

Except for the overload.

Some days seem like technological overload. Now, we Tweet, Google, FB, and carry it all around with us. The connections are endless and 24/7.

Can we keep up the struggle to keep up with all that’s in the clouds? Complete schools are being built there. You can back up your own computer all out there in the clouds?  I’m having trouble seeing the clouds in the same way.

But there is an organic part that doesn’t change.

In the hammy world of Taylor’s Hangout, he was asked to sing a little bit of a song, “Indiscriminate Act of Kindness,” that he recorded as a bonus track on The Distance. It blew me away then, and it still does.

And one guest shared the positive connection that Taylor’s music makes with her silent, autistic son.

How far we’ve come and how close we’ve always been to the essence of connecting.

It’s not only about technology. It’s still about touching lives. It’s still about the music.

Also yesterday, music blogger, Bob Lefsetz, talked about getting old in his “See the Changes.” It wasn’t really about growing old, but about what will get you through.

From Lefsetz’ “See the Changes:”

“Just when you think you've finally figured it out, you find out you were wrong. The hurricane destroys your house, depletes your life savings. The earthquake topples your abode. You thought you were prepared, but life is laughing at you. Pray if it makes you feel better, but no one's listening. Not God, not the government, not the media. You're on your own.

Unless you've got a good record collection.

And someone to listen to it with.

Then you're all right.”

~~~
Taylor talked about the success of technology like the iPad in connecting with the autistic.

Technology is a marvelous delivery, and music opens the silent world of a child…

It's making connections and making them count.

We’re all right.

Thanks to Taylor Hicks and Paris Las Vegas for keeping us all connected!

~~~

Connect with the music! Not in the clouds. Live on the stage!

See Taylor Hicks at Paris Las Vegas, headlining in Napoleon’s Lounge.

See what inspires our connections!

Taylor Hicks Headlining at Paris Las Vegas: http://www.taylorhicks.com/

Tickets: http://www.parislasvegas.com/shows/taylor-hicks.html

Watch the Taylor Hicks Google+ Hangout hosted by Paris Las Vegas:



Oh, yes...
And add YouTube to that plethora of technology that’s always with us!

~~~
Quote from Bob Lefsetz’ “See the Changes:”
http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2013/02/19/see-the-changes-2/

A Walk on the Slow Side ~ "The Man Who Planted Trees"

Life slowed down this week.

There was time for sunny walks along the quiet street, now almost deserted for the winter except for the grey Ebert (pronounced a-bert) squirrels scurrying about busily storing away a winter cache of acorns.

Acorns are one of those cool things. The French writer, Jean Giono, wrote a great fictional story about a shepherd in Europe who untiringly planted great numbers of acorns and more grew than a great forest.

I left the acorns alone. I have already written about the year that I thought a beautiful basket of acorns on my coffee table would be such a nice touch for the winter. I gathered the acorns from tucked away caches under leaves and broken branches, placed them in a flat, antique basket and admired them on the coffee table in front of the fireplace with no thought of what I had stolen.

The house was warm. The next morning I found there were more than the acorns in the hulls. Small white worms had made their way down from the table, across the carpeting, towards the warmth and a sunny window.

Karma is a bitch. I leave the acorns alone.

Six years after winning American Idol, Taylor Hicks tweeted last week a rare admission:

“Finally hit the wall. #exhausted.”

The body heals, the mind rekindles, and the soul goes on.

Slow down…

There’s more music to come.

Be thankful for what is right in front of you, within you, and still out there.

Happy Thanksgiving from a walk on the slow side!


Take time to hear this wonderful story, “The Man Who Planted Trees,” by French writer, Jean Giono, about a dream, the human spirit, a God-like task, and making a difference, one acorn at a time:




Slow down and enjoy this time with your family and friends!

The Taylor Hicks Community

Join #TaylorHicksinVegas again December 3-16 at Bally's! 

Tickets:       
http://www.ballyslasvegas.com/casinos/ballys-las-vegas/casino-entertainment/taylor-hicks-detail.html

Taylor Hicks Rockin' the RNC, Keeping the Slate Clean

                                             
Taylor Hicks is an entertainer first and foremost. He said so again this week after his memorable performance at the Republican National Convention in Tampa Thursday night.

He told HuffPost Celebrity:

“I’m an entertainer; that’s what I was invited to do. Seeing everyone being excited about the American political process is great. I’d go to the Democratic National Convention too if I was invited.”

It was a busy and, undoubtedly exciting, week closing his summer run at Bally’s in Las Vegas on Saturday night, then opening a week’s run at Harrah’s in Reno on Tuesday night, traveling to Tampa and performing “Takin’ It ToThe Streets” just before Clint Eastwood’s appearance and Republican Presidential Candidate, Mitt Romney’s acceptance speech.

At first, it was assumed to be an endorsement. Then Taylor Hicks declined to make it that and opened an interesting concept of celebrating the American political process while holding close his vote.

Isn’t that the way it is. We are all alone in the voting booth. It is the place where we voice our ultimate choice, made with soul searching, trying to gather facts, separating the important and not so, and looking at our own values.

But can a celebrity only entertain?

The Season Five American Idol told Fox and Friends Friday morning that his job was to “light some sparks” at the RNC and again sidestepped a question of support for the candidates. He said he was “keeping his vote” and “If you don’t like what you see, use your vote to change it.”

That’s the way it is. We all have a vote.

I respect Taylor Hicks’ decision to celebrate the importance of the event. He sincerely expressed how honored he was to be a part of it.  He’s alone in the voting booth just like the rest of us.

His job is to entertain. As Americans with precious freedoms, it is our job to be informed, make the best decisions based on what we believe, and vote.

I think that’s what he has been saying. He chooses not to use his celebrity to endorse political candidates or try to influence our decisions.

It begs the question is a celebrity a rightful spokesperson for political views and persuasion? Now, they absolutely have the same freedoms we do to speak their minds and work for whomever they choose, and Taylor Hicks may choose to at another time. And we choose where we gather our information and who influences our decisions.

While I respect many celebrities as great people and Americans, I choose not to be influenced by their endorsements.

While celebrating the political process from which we all choose our leaders, Taylor Hicks kept the slate clean.

I think he deserves our respect and admiration for doing what he does best—entertaining.

Here is his performance at the RNC captured by PBS: 



~~~
Speaking of entertaining, he is back in Reno, NV tonight at Sammy’s Showroom in Harrah’s doing what he does best! If you think he rocked the RNC, wait until you see him and his band on stage for 90 minutes. He appears through the weekend with two shows Saturday night and shows Sunday and Monday nights.

For tickets and information:
http://www.harrahsreno.com/casinos/harrahs-reno/casino-entertainment/taylor-hicks-detail.html

~~~
Sources:
“Taylor Hicks On Performing at the RNC, Taking Risks”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/31/taylor-hicks-rnc_n_1847494.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

Fox and Friends:
http://video.foxnews.com/v/1815677065001/former-idol-taylor-hicks-on-fix--friends

Photo Credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP via People Magazine: Taylor Hicks' sound check before RNC performance 8.29.2012. 

Taylor Hicks and The Vegas Gig: The Unexpected~That's Life!

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!

Taylor Hicks "...Redefined the American Idol" -Huffington Post

When you follow an artist, know all his music by heart, contrive every way possible to see him perform every chance you can, are most alive sitting in the front row…

You want everyone to know what you know. They rarely do.

Sometimes you are, (borrowing the writer’s words) “impressed, surprised, and kicked off ‘your fan’ throne” that says no one “gets it.”

So, we raved Friday as some one got it—a music critic!

Cicily Janus, who met Taylor briefly and saw him perform at the Telluride Jazz Celebration in August, wrote in her Friday Huffington Post article, “Taylor Made: How One Man’s Dream Redefined the American Idol:”

“Recently I came across a living, breathing, bonafide definition of success. As a matter of fact he has tailored his success to fit the real version of himself. A rare treat indeed. And boy was I impressed, surprised and kicked off of the music critics "purist" throne.”

“…what I saw on stage and later during a jam at the Sheridan Opera House was NOT the Idol version of Hicks. Instead, the real Taylor Hicks made an unannounced appearance. My jaw dropped when I realized that this was the same shy, syrupy sweet man during the American Idol audition. After seeing him in Telluride, it was quite clear that his dream has not suffered and this life, his life, is working out well. More importantly, he isn't selling out to anyone.”

And staying true to himself.

“To watch him perform is to live. There's passion, excitement and a clear message to anyone who's ever wanted to be bigger than their beginning, that all things are possible if only you stay true to yourself. Don't play. Be honest with yourself and everyone else too...”

This “ Random House Author, Jazz Fanatic, House chef, Cultivator of Dreams,” as she describes herself, isn’t just living life, she is exploring it. She took the time to look inside the music she was experiencing and found a nice surprise.




Life done right…being true to oneself.

Author and musician Gene Santoro wrote about Tom Waits, the staunchly unconventional songwriter and musician:

“It’s hard not to be yourself when you are as much who you are as Waits is.”

Taylor Hicks defends being who you are:

“…I don’t think you should ever run away from who you are. Rather, I think you should run toward whomever you want to be. It’s like they say—wherever you go, there you are.”

“If you stay the same person, it doesn’t matter where you go.”

It’s hard not to be yourself when you are as much who you are as Taylor Hicks is!
~~
Bravo to all who stay true to themselves and their dream!

Bravo to writers who take the time to really know of whom they write!!!
You have to believe that is writer is someone who is staying true to herself!

Bravo to those who follow the man and the music and know that fame is not the pursuit.
The pursuit is the success that allows the real Taylor Hicks to keep showing up!

If you know all the words to Taylor Hicks’ music, or if you know nothing of Taylor Hicks—this is a must read.

If you want to know more about looking at life, it is a must read.

From Cicily Janus on the Huffington Post website:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cicily-janus/taylor-made-how-one-mans-_b_965485.html


Follow Cicily Janus on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jazzwriterchick


UPDATE: On Saturday morning The New York Times picked up the article on their Times Topics page!
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/a/american_idol/index.html


It was tweeted by Kern Radio 1180 as “An interesting read on balancing art and humanity.”

We think the viral journey of this piece is only beginning!
~~ Our thanks to Ms. Janus who cared enough to get the real story!

The Taylor Hicks Community
~~

Other Sources: Highway 61 by Gene Santoro; Heart Full of Soul autobiography by Taylor Hicks with David Wild for Random House.

Photo by Getty Images from www.taylorhicks.com: Taylor Hicks performs at “BamaRising” for Tornado Recovery.