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| Topic Started: Jan 31 2008, 12:44 PM (234 Views) | |
| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:44 PM Post #1 |
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posted at the Whomp Swamp by mouser STOPS AND STARTS ALONG THE WAY Source: Osprey Media - St. Catharines Standard Date Published: June 22, 2007 A man of few words; American Idol winner Taylor Hicks is a straight-shooter who lets his singing voice do most of the talking By Don Fraser Spectrum - Taylor Hicks is known to millions as the silky-smooth, somewhat quirky winner of the 2006 version of TV phenomenon American Idol. He's appearing at a gala dinner for the inaugural Niagara Wine Auction on Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., in a black-tie event at The Commons behind the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It will be hosted by funnyman Dan Aykroyd and features other top singers and a gourmet meal prepared by celebrity chefs. In a phone interview during a tour stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Hicks belies his sometimes odd stage persona, and reveals himself as a straight-shooting man of choice - and often few - words. "Never been, I'm looking forward to it, I always hear it's a beautiful place," says the 30-year-old, when asked if he's visited Niagara before. It turns out he's never stepped foot in Canada. And Hicks' plans once he crosses the Niagara River and takes in the fabled Falls?: "Probably taking pictures," he states. Hicks says he was approached about the auction and accepted the gig in a heartbeat: "I thought, 'wine and Dan Aykroyd, there's no question I'll be there.' "It's for a good cause and I think it'll be a great time." The Blues Brothers fan also hopes to "swap some licks on harmonica" with Aykroyd this weekend. As for the vino itself, Hicks says he likes Pinot Noir, "but there's so many to choose from. "When you get to an event like that, I'll be able to find some good ones, that's for sure." Hicks is single, hails from Birmingham, Ala., and claims no fixed address for the last couple of years: "I live on my bus ... I am serious." Among his most memorable recent anecdotes are squeaking that big puppy on wheels through narrow drive-thrus. "Which is pretty interesting, because tour buses usually don't fit in drive-thrus - we kind of stay on the outer edge of the drive-thru; but all-in-all, it's a pretty funny sight." Between frenetic touring and near-misses at fast-food joints, Hicks has released two independent albums, and a self-titled debut through a major label last year. The standout singer is also known as the Soul Patrol by a legion of rabid online fans, and he has a book coming out this summer called Heart Full of Soul. Life in the celebrity spotlight has been just fine, he reveals. "You have to know where you are as an artist and go from there. "Things are just really well," adds Hicks."The music is great, I'm really happy." About 1,000 people are expected to be part of the ritzy Niagara Wine Auction and many are sure to get their own taste of Hicks' sweet vocal chops. The goal is to raise some serious cash - from $250,000 to $500,000 - for the SickKids Foundation in Toronto and the St. Catharines General Hospital pediatric foundation. Tickets for the gala, at $500 each, aren't for the budget-conscious. Other auction events and dinners are roughly half that amount, and an all-inclusive weekend package goes for a cool $1,000. Still, tickets have sold well, and as of press time, not many were left. For more information, visit www.niagarawineauction.ca. This year's eighth annual Niagara Indie Filmfest in downtown St. Catharines includes some standout shorter films from Niagara and across the country. |
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| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:45 PM Post #2 |
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Source: Hagerstown Morning Herald Date Published: July 01, 2007 'Soul Patrol' in Hagerstown 'American Idol' winner Taylor Hicks to take theater stage July 6 By Julie Greene "American Idol" isn't the only cultural phenomenon Taylor Hicks has been a part of. His self-titled album, his first since winning "American Idol" in 2006, was released last December, reached as high as No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and went platinum (more than 1 million copies sold) in January. Hicks' first single - "Do I Make You Proud?" - hit No. 1 on Billboard's Pop 100 Hot 100 charts. The song has raised more than $100,000 so far for the American Red Cross to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies, according to an e-mail from Julie Thurmond Whitmer, director of celebrity and entertainment outreach for the Red Cross. For every CD, digital download, ringtone and ring-back tones of the song, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Red Cross. Hicks describes his stage show as "high-impact soul aerobics," James Brown meets Richard Simmons. Hicks' popularity, along with his raspy voice, premature gray hair and "Soul Patrol" sign-out, likely led Weird Al Yankovic and "Saturday Night Live" writers to parody the blues and soul singer. JibJab posted a music video of "Do I Creep You Out?" - a parody of Hicks' "Do I Make You Proud?" - that shows the singer's cartoon likeness singing the ballad and stalking a woman. The video can be seen at www.jibjab.com. So what does Hicks think of these parodies? Taylor Hicks: Thanks for having me. Q: Other than the popularity, what is the main difference between being on tour pre-"American Idol" versus post-"American Idol"? A: The budget's different. Q: And how does that affect ... ? A: It's allowing me the label. ... It's a different type of level that you can be able to have more utensils to get your art across. Q: People who watched American Idol know you were a working musician before the show. How did your interest in music begin? A: I was about, I don't know, 7 or 8, and started listening to Otis Redding and Ray Charles, and a lot of AM stuff. ... The '70s were great for AM singer-songwriters. I followed the path and luckily, you know, picked up an instrument, a guitar ... and started working my way through learning my craft - and still learning my craft. Q: Have you had a chance to write some new songs? A: You know, I've started on some ideas, and you know, going right back out for the summer tour, it's been ... tough, you know, to get in the writing process. I'm taking some time off in the fall and gonna really try to get some good songs going. Q: I wanted to ask, what's on your iPod right now? A: Leo Sayer, from the '80s. Some Ronnie Milsap, some Derek Trucks ... just, you know, all kinds of different people. Q: Going back to "American Idol," how does it feel to be a part of a cultural phenomenon like "American Idol"? A:It's very interesting. I'm very blessed that I was able to get through and, you know, expose my singing ability and have it be received in the way that it has. ... It's been great. I've enjoyed it. I've enjoyed it. I've enjoyed the ride, and I'm out here trying to make the best of the music." Q: Do you watch the show? A: I do watch it. I watched a little bit last season. I was very happy to see Jordin (Sparks) and Blake (Lewis) be in the finals, and I was happy for Jordin, who won it. Q: What did you think about Sanjaya (Malakar) making it to the finals for season six, despite his not being well-received by the judges? A: I think. definitely. Sanjaya was a visual performer. Q: Did you vote for anyone from season six? A: We did a few - we did some voting here and there. We voted for Blake one night and Jordin the next. We just, we kind of just, we had fun with it, just like everybody else has fun with it. Q: Would you say there's a camaraderie or a competition between the "Idol" winners? A: I think there's a camaraderie, and a little bit of a competition, but it just depends on if you're in the same genre. Q: Do you keep in touch with anybody? A: Yeah, I keep in touch with Elliott (Yamin) and Bucky (Covington) and Ace (Young) and Chris (Daughtry) every now and then. You know, you spend a year like that with somebody like that, and you really get to know them. Q: Did you actually keep track of how other "Idol" winners or other Idol performers are doing with their tours or their CDs? A: You know, it was brought to my attention, but ... I'm into their person and their being friends, and not so much into their careers. They were really good friends on the show, and I'm glad to see all of them doing well. Q: Your book, "Heart Full of Soul," is coming out July 10. A: Yes, July 10. Q: Can you tell me a little bit about the experience of creating the book? A: It was great. I co-wrote it with David Wild, who was a Rolling Stone writer for a while. He really helped me get the thoughts across that I wanted to, about, you know, finding your own voice and staying true to who you are, and the odds, and beating the odds and having an opportunity to beat the odds. Q: Do you have any sort of sneak peek, a little tidbit from the book that you can share with us? A: Well, somebody in the book liked to start fires. Q: Was that you? A: Maybe. Q: I saw a little promotional material for the book, and I thought I saw something there about you stealing an Otis Redding album when you were about 9? A: Yes. Q: What was the story behind that? A: I guess I just - once I heard Otis, I guess I didn't want Otis to leave my side, so I kind of, you know, in a roundabout way, sideswiped the album from my friend's parents' house. I still have that album, and I think I'm gonna be able - I might return it, ... have a party and return it - Indian giver. Q: How did you come to listen to him to begin with? A: I don't know, you know, something was going on with me, you know, around that time, and I guess ... it just clicked, you know. The Otis Redding and the Ray Charles and the Sam Cookes of the world, they just clicked with me. Q: What was it about them that clicked with you? A: It just ... made sense. The whole, the idea of soul music just made sense. Q: You've been parodied on "Saturday Night Live" and by Weird Al Yankovic. Have you seen or heard these parodies, and what do you think of them? A: I have, and I think they're great. They're spot on, which just makes them even ... funnier. Q: I heard that you've sung Weird Al's "Do I Creep You Out?" - a parody of your "Do I Make You Proud?" during sound checks. Is that true? A: Yes, it was, yes, yes, yes. Well ... you gotta have fun with it. Q: How important is it to have a sense of humor in your business? A: Oh, it's very important. Q: Why's that? A: It just is. You know, you gotta roll with the punches. Q: What can the audience at The Maryland Theatre expect during your performance July 6? A: I like to call it high-impact soul aerobics. Q: Can you give me more of a description for that? What do you mean by that? A: ... James Brown meets Richard Simmons. Q: Are you just going to be performing songs from your album "Taylor Hicks," are you going to be doing some covers of your own childhood idols, are you going to try out some new stuff? A: I've got two albums independently released before "American Idol." One of them's "In Your Time" and "Under the Radar," and some of those songs will go into my performance, a couple of covers and some songs off of "Taylor Hicks." Q: How important is the relationship with the audience during a live performance? A: The synergy has to be there. The synergy has to be there from performer and audience. So with that being said, it makes sense to have all of those things in place, with everything, the music and the audience. It definitely makes sense. Q: When you're looking out on the audience, what do you want to see while you're singing? A: Smiles. Q: And dancing? A: Dancing and smiles. Smiles and dancing. Q: So what's next for you? A: Probably going to do the summer tour ... get the book going, and then probably do some creative hibernation. Q: Great. Taylor, thanks very much for taking the time to talk to us today. I appreciate that. A: Thank you so much. Talk to you soon. OK. |
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| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:45 PM Post #3 |
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Source: Street Scape Magazine Date Published: Summer 2007 America's Idol St. Charles Favorite, Taylor Hicks By Robin Seaton Jefferson He took the fifth season of American Idol by storm, winning out over thousands of wannabe stars and exploding on the scene with gyrations similar to the gone but not forgotten King of Rock n' Roll. It was 2006. how would Generation X react to a bluesy, Southern boy with gray hair and love for Ray Charles? The answer came when Taylor Hicks took more than 63 million votes from Americans young and old and became the 2006 American Idol. From the very beginning viewers knew they were witnessing someone unique, someone interesting and someone they could fall in love with. Birmingham, Alabama's favorite son stayed true to his blues-drenched roots and gave America a different kind of idol to vote for. The 30-year-old Hicks released his now certified platinum, self-titled debut album "Taylor Hicks" in late 2006 and started touring the country in February with a kickoff concert in Jacksonville, Florida. In the last year, Hicks signed a three-record deal with Sony BMG, become a spokesperson for FORD Motor Company and was named People Magazine's "Hottest Bachelor." He's been featured on ABC's 20/20, NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, ABC's Good Morning America, Live with Regis & Kelly, The View, CBS's The Early Show, MTV's TRL Countdown, Martha Stewart Living, the American Music Awards, NBC's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Plaza in New York, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series FORD 400 and even Dr. Phil. It's no wonder the Soul Patrol's leader calls his new life "a whirlwind." A singer and songwriter whose song choices never stray from the soul music he holds so dear, Hicks says his heroes are Otis Redding, James Brown, Sam Cooke and Ray Charles. We asked Taylor a few of the questions on everyone's mind in a telephone interview before his St. Louis concert. All in all, this reporter found him to be a genuinely nice guy with the voice of a long-loved and missed superstar--also from the south— Elvis Presley. He said he gets that a lot and doesn't mind at all. Q: What teacher influenced you the most? A: My English teacher, Susan Whitson, who is now the first lady's press secretary. Q: What gift are you giving your mom for Mother's Day? A: Flowers; she likes roses. Q: Is Simon Cowell on your Christmas Card List?< A: Maybe! Q: What's your favorite food? A: Turnip greens. Q: What's your favorite sweet thing to eat? A: Brownies. Q: Are you a cat or dog kind of a guy? Do you have a pet? A: I have two gold fish—Ray and Lamonte, for Ray Charles and Lamonte from Sanford & Son. Q: What is your hair color preference? A: Gray! Q: For women too? A: Maybe. Q: Have you had any marriage proposals? A: No. Q: What kind of woman would you like to meet? A: Someone I can relax with. Q: Do you want children? A: Some day, yeah. Q: What is your favorite vacation spot? A: I like the beach. Q: What was the last movie you saw? A: Good Morning Vietnam. Q: What is your favorite television show, excluding American Idol? A: Boston Legal Q: Tell me an unknown fact about yourself. A: I like to break dance! Q: Do you have a hobby? A: I like biking. Q: Do you have a favorite childhood memory? A: I guess just being a kid. Everybody does to a certain degree. Freedom and no work. Q: Do you have a funny fan story? A: A fan chased me thought an airport in Baltimore. Q: And you obviously got away… A: Yes! Q: What type of sports do you like? A: Basketball and football. Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters? A: Two brothers. Q: What do they think about your new-found fame? A: They get a kick out of it. Q: Are you glad you are the American Idol? A: Of course. It's a dream come true! Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? A: Relax, because I don't get to do that. Q: What's the funniest prank you ever pulled? A: We raised a banner 100 feet high over the road (in school). Q: What did it say? A: I think it may have had some profanities on it or something. Q: Who have you met that you thought was great and who would you still like to meet? A: Christopher Cross. I like his music. And Robin Williams, because I think he's just a great personality. Q: What advice would you give to the next American Idol? A: Get ready for a whirlwind! Q: Any last words? A: Thanks to all the people in St. Louis and St. Charles who voted for me! Taylor's major-label debut is currently available nationwide, and the Silver Fox settles in a plush, comfortable sound framed by vintage-sounding soul and R&B, as well as classic rock—it's comfort food for the ears. |
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| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:46 PM Post #4 |
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Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer Date Published: July 13, 2007 Taylor Hicks on track Alabama native thinks he'll feel at home at the Kentucky Speedway By Gil Kaufman Nothing says summer like a truck race at the Speedway accompanied by some good old-fashioned American rock and soul. Former "American Idol" star Taylor Hicks will bring his "Soul Patrol" to the track Saturday night for a gig before the Built Ford Tough 225. Hicks, 29, who will also sing the national anthem, says he's got no worries about taming the boisterous Speedway crowd, having spent plenty of time at the track in his native Birmingham, Ala. The gray-haired crooner, whose self-titled major-label debut was released in December, has been touring hard for most of this year. The Speedway gig is his only scheduled appearance in the area. He called us from the road and shared some of his boundless enthusiasm for scoring the gig of a lifetime. Question: You probably didn't know this, but a local guy you may have heard of named Peter Frampton just played the Speedway a few weeks ago. Answer: Well, that's a tough act to follow, especially when you're talking about Peter Frampton, but that's great. I'm excited about coming to the Speedway. Q: Are you a NASCAR follower? A: I do follow NASCAR. I'm actually singing the national anthem at the Homestead race (in Florida), the last NASCAR race of this year. And I'm from Alabama, so there's the Talladega connection. Q: Have you ever played this area before? A: I actually haven't. The "Idol" tour hit Louisville and I've come through there a couple of times and hit Louisville before "Idol." I'm looking forward to coming through there and setting up shop. Q: What would surprise people about your show? A: I think it's very musical. I never got to play instruments on "Idol," and now I get to play guitar and harmonica. I do mostly originals off of my albums, "Under the Radar" and "In Your Time," and some covers. There's definitely a songwriting, soulful aspect to my music. Q: You're unusual for an "Idol" winner in that you do have such a musical background and so much touring experience. Has that helped you on the road? A: It has. Experience playing in clubs for 10 years and trying to make it really teaches you about who you are as an artist and a person. So when you do catch an opportunity like this, it allows you to stay the same person and understand the business a lot better than someone who hasn't been in it. I think people walk away feeling that their votes did count and it was the right vote because it is such a musical show. Q: What's the first thing fans typically say when they meet you? A: Soul Patrol! Q: Do you regret it a bit now that you put that out there? A: Not at all. The more the merrier. Q: The Speedway crowd can be a bit rowdy. Are you prepared for that? A: I played the infield at Talladega, so I'm very aware of the hoopla and I love it! I was born in a honky-tonk, so the more honky-tonk the better. Q: Where has your "Idol" success taken you that's been the biggest surprise, the place you never imagined you'd get? A: The White House. That was amazing. I got to meet the president and give him a "Soul Patrol" T-shirt. I haven't seen him wear it yet. |
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| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:46 PM Post #5 |
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Source: The Birmingham News Date Published: July 19, 2007 Behind The Music By Alec Harvey "Never in a million years." That's Taylor Hicks talking, expressing amazement about two upcoming appearances this week in Birmingham. It's not that he'll be in Birmingham - Hicks has returned many times since winning "American Idol" last season. It's that this time, he's coming as Taylor Hicks, author, not Taylor Hicks, singer. "Heart Full of Soul" is on bookshelves this week, and Hicks is coming to Birmingham for two book signings. First up is a traditional event tonight at Books-A-Million/Colonial Brookwood Village. On Friday, he'll be front and center at Boutwell Auditorium with "Taylor Hicks: Up Close and Personal," a benefit for Kid One Transport. The evening will include Hicks reading from the book and interaction with the audience. "I'm going to go into Friday as an open book, no pun intended," Hicks says. "I want to let them ask me questions about anything they'd like to ask." There's not much that Hicks doesn't address in "Heart Full of Soul," which goes beyond your run-of-the-mill celebrity memoir. Hicks talks candidly about his struggles - with his family, drugs, his career - in hopes that his story can inspire others in and out of the music business. "The more that I put my success in perspective, the more that I realize that the story of how I seized an opportunity can be applied across the board," he says. "I knew that the message would be a positive one." Most of all, Hicks wanted to be the one to tell his story. "It's better for it to be my words than anyone else's," he says. The book is written with David Wild of Rolling Stone magazine, whom Hicks calls his "human sponge." "He went on the road with me, to the concerts, and I talked to him about a lot of things," Hicks says. "I really opened up to him." "Heart Full of Soul," subtitled "An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way," chronicles Hicks' childhood, his years playing clubs in Birmingham and the Southeast, his tumultuous family life, the beginnings of his love for the soul and R&B sound that would define him as an artist, his desperation at age 29 and, of course, his last-ditch effort to prove himself on "American Idol." His book details many ups and downs, but the focus is on the people who helped him find his way. "It was the idea of saying thanks and letting people know what they did," Hicks says. "I think children in my situation and other situations, there are always some role models and people who push you in the right direction, whether it be sports or theater or music. My story can be applied in so many different ways." For the time being, Hicks is splitting his time between two tours, performing some nights and signing books others. Either way, he's out meeting the fans - his faithful Soul Patrol, as they call themselves - and that makes him happy. "Whether it's the Regions Charity Classic at Ross Bridge or the Barnes & Noble in downtown Manhattan, I love meeting the people," he says. There is one subject that Hicks, 30, won't directly address - his love life, which lately has been the subject of much speculation in the national media. Reports have him dating Milwaukee TV personality Caroline Lyders, but he's not saying. "I'm very happy right now in my personal life, and that's all I'll say," Hicks says. Hicks, who says he's been on the road since October 2006, says he'll take a break during the fall, maybe playing an acoustic set here or there ("I might pop up at one of the local bars") but mainly writing songs for his next record, a follow-up to "Taylor Hicks." And he'll definitely be watching college football. Hicks attended Auburn University but says he's hoping for a great season from both Auburn and the University of Alabama. "I'm a fan of Alabama, the state," he says. Oh, and he's also still a fan of "American Idol." "I think the whole season was a good one," Hicks says. "I think both Jordin and Blake ended up exactly where they should have." But if Hicks had had his way, they would have had one more competitor in the mix. "I wish I could give it a go and be on the show every year," he says. |
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| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:47 PM Post #6 |
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Source: WBRZ-TV Date Published: July 20, 2007 Hicks gave heart and soul to his shot on Idol By John Wirt It’s been just over a year since Birmingham, Ala., native Taylor Hicks won first place in the fifth season of American Idol. He’s since performed for an American Idol tour, two solo tours, released his self-titled major-label CD debut and published a book about his life, Heart Full of Soul. The just-released book, the touring singer said from near Waukegan, Ill., “it’s about beating the odds and working 10 years for that one shot, that one opportunity. When it happens, you have to make the best of it.” Of course, Hicks’ shot was American Idol, starting with Idol auditions in Las Vegas. How he got to Vegas is a story unto itself. Hicks was in New Orleans Aug. 28, 2005 to attend a friend’s wedding. Of course, Hurricane Katrina arrived the following day. After the singer’s flight from New Orleans was canceled, he received a voucher from the airlines entitling him to fly anywhere in the United States. Hicks used his voucher to fly to Las Vegas, where his brother lived. “I’d never been to Las Vegas before,” he said. “So I ended up there when the American Idol auditions were happening. My brother told me that they were there and I went.” Having paid years of dues in Alabama and Florida clubs, Hicks was ready to take full advantage of his surprise opportunity. “People always told me that I have to keep my eye on the target,” he said. “I listened to that, it resonated with me.” For his American Idol repertoire, the soul music-loving Hicks picked songs that played to his strengths. “I was trying to feel each song,” he said. “That was my thing and that’s the only way that I can connect with the music.” Hicks’ nervousness about competing in TV’s most popular talent show faded quickly. “I started getting comfortable with the theater and the stage,” he said. “It became second nature to me. It’s always been second nature.” Yet when the show’s final night arrived, Hicks was shocked when he won the top spot. “Well, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I still can’t believe it. Every morning I wake up and pinch myself.” Though Hicks wasn’t even born when his musical heroes Ray Charles, James Brown and Otis Redding released their hits, those classic artists deeply affected him while he was growing up in Alabama. “At an early age I just connected with the emotional energy that they put into their songs,” he said. “It’s just something that happens, that clicks in you. “As an artist, you explore all those avenues that each of those artists who you love have to offer.” Just being from Alabama helped, too. “Music oozes out of the South,” he said. |
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| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:47 PM Post #7 |
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Source: Austin360.com Date Published: July 24, 2007 Taylor tells (almost) all By Gary Dinges Just got off the phone with Season 5 "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, and we’ve got some (admittedly minor) scoopage to pass along. As any loyal member of the Soul Patrol knows by now, Taylor will be in San Marcos Friday night at 7 signing copies of "Heart Full of Soul," his new book, at Hastings Books, Music & Video, 917 Texas 80. Once he’s done, Taylor tells us he plans to stick around for the weekend. Nothing specific, but we’re pretty sure he’ll pop into a live music venue or two. Other tasty tidbits: We tried, but Taylor wouldn’t divulge details on his love life. A new album should materialize next year. Look for a new DVD soon featuring Taylor live in concert. His musical tastes run the spectrum, from Michael McDonald to Elliott Yamin. Taylor’s apparently a big sports fan. Who knew? He loves the NFL, and also follows Alabama and Auburn universities. (He is from Alabama, after all.) And, yes, he thinks America made the right choice by picking Jordin this season. ------------------------------------- Source: Star Magazine Date Published: July 30, 2007 Q&A With Taylor Hicks Taylor Hicks has many reasons for singing a happy tune. Still riding the wave from his American Idol success, this Southern native has been on the road touring, falling in love and promoting his book of memoirs called Heart Full Of Soul. While he was enjoying an afternoon break, Hicks took a few minutes tell to Star's Ilyssa Panitz what's behind the smile on his face. WHY WRITE THE BOOK NOW? I feel like I am at a point where I can share my past, such as experiences American Idol, with the public. I also think there is a lot from childhood people will enjoy learning about such as how I got to this point. SO WHAT FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD WILL SHOCK YOUR FANS? I was a little bit of pyromaniac from the second to third grade. I loved lighting matches. WHY PICK THE TITLE HEART FULL OF SOUL? It is kind of like me I am full soul. YOU TALK ABOUT LESSONS YOU LEARNED. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED? I think the biggest lesson came from winning American Idol. It was there I gained confidence, preference and drive. I didn't have that when I started but when the fans kept responding that was the key thing to finding those things. DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ANY OF YOUR AMERICAN IDOL FRIENDS? I talk to Chris Daughtry and Elliot [Yamin]. YOU ALSO LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO KEEP IT OFF? Yes, that is going good. Because I am still touring, I run around on stage and that keeps you active and on the move. SO ARE YOU OFF THE MARKET? (Laughs.) I might be. But I will say I am very happy. CAN YOU CONFIRM THE WOMAN MAKING YOU BLUSH IS CAROLINE LYDERS? (Laughs.) That might be correct. I don't want to say anything else on this other than I am very happy. WAS WRITING THE BOOK THERAPEUTIC? Yes, very therapeutic. It also kept me grounded. WHAT'S NEXT ON YOUR PLATE? I want to take some time off to write a record in the fall. WHAT'S YOUR REACTION TO KELLY CLARKSON DISSING CLIVE DAVIS? She used artistic expression so I am proud of her for standing for what she believes in. SO ONCE THE TOUR WRAPS, WHERE WILL YOU AND YOUR SWEETIE LIKE TO CHILL OUT? Some beach, somewhere soon — I kind of like panhandle of Florida. |
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| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:48 PM Post #8 |
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Source: Biloxi Sun Herald Date Published: August 03, 2007 Hicks on Coast looking for his Soul Patrol By Pete Tattersall Taylor Hicks, winner of the 5th season of the staggeringly popular TV show, "American Idol," performs 8 p.m. today at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Hicks was signed to Arista Records by the label's legendary founder, Clive Davis. Hick's "American Idol" appearances spawned a legion of fans, known as the "Soul Patrol." And since the show, he's released a popular self-titled Arista debut and penned his memoirs, "Heart Full of Soul." Hicks, 32, spoke by phone from Vicksburg with the Sun Herald earlier this week. Here are excerpts of that conversation."Well, I'm in the middle of a summer tour, and also a book tour. So I'm kind of doing both right now." How's the tour going? "Great. Everything is going great. The Soul Patrol is out in full force." That's got to be a salve to the ego? "Oh yeah. I love it. I love it." Before I ask a few questions, is there anything you'd like to get out there first? "Well, just thanks for the interview. I appreciate it." What's the biggest challenge, or challenges, in making the post-'American Idol' transition? "Well, I just think staying true to your art. You've got to stay true to who you are as an artist, and be who you are." How would you describe your music? "Pop soul." Who would you consider your primary influences in the beginning, and then these days? "Well obviously Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and then, you know, towards the end I like John Legend and Amy Winehouse, Van Morrison, it's all across the board." Your music has a lot of Southern soul to it. Do you find a difference between playing your brand of music for crowds up North, versus down South? "I think they love it. All over, I get a great response everywhere I go." Ever been down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast before? I know you grew up in Birmingham. "Oh yeah. Definitely. I used to play a lot at the Flora-Bama, and I used to play all different places down around the Coast." How old were you when you started playing publicly? "About 18." What prompted you to take that leap? "I guess learning guitar by myself. And learning harmonica by myself. And writing, too." Who do you enjoy listening to these days? "Amy Winehouse, and Joss Stone, and a little bit of Frank Sinatra." Have you had an opportunity to meet any of the people you admire? "I met Stevie Wonder. That was great. I had a blast." Ever, as a kid, think you'd have an opportunity like that? "Never in a million years. I pinch myself every morning." |
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| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:48 PM Post #9 |
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Sun Herald August 4,2007 Hicks on Coast looking for his Soul Patrol Taylor Hicks, winner of the 5th season of the staggeringly popular TV show, "American Idol," performs 8 p.m. today at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Hicks was signed to Arista Records by the label's legendary founder, Clive Davis. Hick's "American Idol" appearances spawned a legion of fans, known as the "Soul Patrol." And since the show, he's released a popular self-titled Arista debut and penned his memoirs, "Heart Full of Soul." Hicks, 32, spoke by phone from Vicksburg with the Sun Herald earlier this week. Here are excerpts of that conversation."Well, I'm in the middle of a summer tour, and also a book tour. So I'm kind of doing both right now." -How's the tour going? "Great. Everything is going great. The Soul Patrol is out in full force." -That's got to be a salve to the ego? "Oh yeah. I love it. I love it." -Before I ask a few questions, is there anything you'd like to get out there first? "Well, just thanks for the interview. I appreciate it." -What's the biggest challenge, or challenges, in making the post-'American Idol' transition? "Well, I just think staying true to your art. You've got to stay true to who you are as an artist, and be who you are." -How would you describe your music? "Pop soul." -Who would you consider your primary influences in the beginning, and then these days? "Well obviously Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and then, you know, towards the end I like John Legend and Amy Winehouse, Van Morrison, it's all across the board." -Your music has a lot of Southern soul to it. Do you find a difference between playing your brand of music for crowds up North, versus down South? "I think they love it. All over, I get a great response everywhere I go." -Ever been down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast before? I know you grew up in Birmingham. "Oh yeah. Definitely. I used to play a lot at the Flora-Bama, and I used to play all different places down around the Coast." -How old were you when you started playing publicly? "About 18." -What prompted you to take that leap? "I guess learning guitar by myself. And learning harmonica by myself. And writing, too." -Who do you enjoy listening to these days? "Amy Winehouse, and Joss Stone, and a little bit of Frank Sinatra." -Have you had an opportunity to meet any of the people you admire? "I met Stevie Wonder. That was great. I had a blast." -Ever, as a kid, think you'd have an opportunity like that? "Never in a million years. I pinch myself every morning." -What was your goal, what did you hope to accomplish, when you first went to try out for "American Idol?" "Just to have my voice heard. And the exposure. And to get out there and see what happens." -As it went along, did you find yourself thinking the bottom could fall out any minute? Or did it all seemed destined? "Well, you know, I worked doing a lot of gigs, a lot of dues paying, and it paid off." -Are you single? Is there anyone significant in your life? "Yeah, I'm definitely having fun. I'm a happy camper." -What was your life like, both musically and personally, before "American Idol" versus after "American Idol?" "Well, the music, the production has been great. Production of the music has been really good. I'm really (gratified) that all the fans are coming out, and the music is what it's all about... .It's pretty crazy, but I'm a 10-year-overnight sensation, because I've been working at it for so long. You know?" -You were in New Orleans the night before Katrina for a friend's wedding? Tell me about that. "Yeah, one of the last cab rides out of Katrina. It was amazing how I got to Las Vegas (to audition for "American Idol"). My plane was cancelled, so I ended up (using the travel voucher) going to Vegas instead, months later, to try out. And now I'm here... .I left Sunday morning about 6 or 7 a.m. From New Orleans, in the cab, about 15 hours to West Monroe, Louisiana. We (Hicks and the cabbie) pretty much just talked and decided we both needed to get out." -What was the fare on a ride like that? "Not cheap." -Through geography and coincidence, we've got you (tonight) at the Coliseum, and the next night Daughtry over at Hard Rock. What do you think about y'all playing one night apart? "I think we should alternate every night." -Forgive my ignorance, but was he a different season from you? "No, he was fourth runner up." - You were the winner, but he kind of hit a hot spot there. Was that a little frustrating for you? "I don't think so. I just think we're different artists. So, you know, my art is different from his. We're just in different genres." -Do you think you'll see his show? I imagine you'll have to leave for your next show? "Probably so. we'll see what happens." -Are y'all on decent terms? "Oh yeah. I talked to him about a week ago." Anything else you'd like to get out there? "Tell everybody how much I appreciate their support down on the Coast, and I look forward to playing for them." -One final question, just popped into my head. Almost all, or is it all, the winners of "American Idol" have been from the South. "Uh, I don't know. It seem's like all." -What do you attribute that to? "I think it's in the water." |
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| Taymanfan | Jan 31 2008, 12:49 PM Post #10 |
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August 12, 2007 Taylor Hicks: An Interview with Cindy Wright Taylor Hicks Answers Questions About Concert Tour, Book, Movies and More Taylor Hicks has been on tour since last February. His self-titled album "Taylor Hicks", released in December of 2006 went to the number two spot on the Billboard 200 by selling almost 300,000 CDs during its first week of release. This was with hardly any radio play. Top that off with his CD going gold only in its second week of release, with over 500,000 units sold in the United States alone. The album is now certified platinum. On July 10th Taylor Hicks released "Heart Full of Soul" An inspirational memoir about finding your voice and finding your way. The book is a very interesting read; I wrote a review of the book that you can read here. After my first interview with Taylor that associated content set up for me, I was hoping to get another. August 10th I got my second opportunity to interview the very talented Taylor Hicks. I hope you enjoy reading this interview and maybe learn some new things about Taylor. How is everything going with the concert and book tour? Taylor - It's going really good. It's fun. Is the super rocket into stardom all that you expected? Taylor - Yes, it is and more Are there any regrets? Taylor - No. None at all, when you're working as a musician for 10 years and the phone never rings, you are thankful when it does. When you were dreaming of your big break, do you feel that this all played out how you hoped? Taylor - Oh Yes! I was just hoping for "a break". When you first saw a fan walk in too meet you, with a copy of Heart Full of Soul, what were your thoughts? Taylor - I was glad. I was glad that it got finished and got out. I'm glad it's helping people find a positive light. What did your family think of the way you portrayed them in Heart Full of Soul? Taylor - I think they are pleased with the book. It's my story and my words. What is the main message you want readers to come away with? Taylor - I think that inspiration and perseverance can lead to great things. In Heart Full of Soul you talk about being offered movie offers, have you accepted any or are you considering any movies or TV shows? Taylor - No, not right now. I'm happy playing these theaters for the summer. You never know though. With all the interviews you have done, snooping that fans do and now with the release of Heart Full of Soul, fans know quite a bit about you. However, there is no way they know everything. Is there one thing fans do not know yet that you can share now? Taylor - I don't know if there is. I think the fans know a lot. Taylor - That's cool. How does it feel seeing so many children at your concerts, enjoying your music so much? Taylor - It's quite a feeling. It's what it is all about. It's so great to bring every kind of person together. You have been all over performing concerts and I am sure there are many stories you can share. What is one or two of the most memorable things for you, to happen at a concert? Taylor - Just all the fans that are outside at the buses afterwards and just the sheer amount of support I have gotten out on the road. Why haven't you sung Places I've Been on tour? Taylor - Well, that's definitely a thought. Everybody wants to hear that song. Taylor - Ok You have mentioned an acoustic tour, can you tell me if the dates will be announced, or will you just surprise people by just showing up at places? Taylor - A little bit of both. Around the first of the year I am going to try and put some things together. But there will be a couple of shows that I will be doing during the fall. What songs can fans expect to hear on the acoustic tour? Will they be different than the past tours? Taylor - It will be a newer experience. Are you going to release a music video for MTV? Taylor - I am planning on releasing a DVD of Live at the Warfield Theater. What is the most unique or memorable gift a fan as given you? Taylor - I would say some old Rolling Stone Magazines. What is the wildest thing a fan has done to get your attention? Taylor - We can't write that. What about one that's not so wild that can be written? Taylor - (It took some thought for this answer) I think chasing me down in the parking lot. What are your greatest hopes? Taylor - That I will keep playing live music. Is there one question you have never been asked that you wish someone would ask, and if so what is the question and the answer? Taylor - How fast do you drive? And, how fast do you drive? Taylor - The speed limit All the time? Taylor - All the time. Is there one thing not music related and not toothpaste or things like that, which you can not live without? Taylor - Chocolate. Is there anything you want to say to your fans? Taylor - Soul Patrol |
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