Following back-to-back sold-out shows last month at Coos Bay, Oregon’s Mill Casino, an exhausted Taylor Hicks confessed, “I don’t even know where on the map I am right now.” That’s not to say Hicks is indifferent to his Oregon fans - far from it. It simply means that Hicks goes wherever the gigs take him. And for a musician with such a strong work ethic, that translate into a great deal of traveling.
While the rain-soaked Oregon audience may have been yearning for some sunny weather, Hicks was quick to point out how much worse it could be. Having seen his part of the country so mercilessly battered by severe storms, Hicks will be participating in fundraising concerts to help provide relief.
You’ve also been doing a lot for charity, especially fundraising for tornado recovery efforts.
I’m going to be playing Bama Rising [June 14th] with a lot of A-list country acts in Birmingham, my home town. I’m also doing a benefit show on Sunday, June 12th, at Birmingham’s Linn Park with Ruben Studdard. We’re collecting canned goods to replenish the food banks to provide relief for storm survivors.
Speaking of June 14th, you donated some signed items to be auctioned at a Gilda’s Club benefit, Songs for June, in Seattle on that date.
Yes. I just wanted to let people know how important an organization that Gilda’s Club is for people with cancer. I hope everyone gives as much as they can to a great cause.
It’s great that you’re willing and able to do that kind of work. Switching gears, how has your new restaurant in Birmingham, ORE Bar and Grill, been received?
Well, we opened in May and it has been going really well. We’ve had some nice reviews. The Birmingham News gave us a great four-star review, which is really cool.
I know this was awhile ago now, but I have to ask – how did you get involved with the Stephen Colbert rendition of Rebecca Black’s Friday on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon?
Article comments
1 - Kathy
Great interview! Nice to have his problem of an abundence of work to juggle. LOL.
2 - tishtx
You always ask just the right questions. I'm looking forward to the next record from Taylor. :)
3 - Connie
Great interview Chaz! Thanks for focusing on the music and Taylor's work for charity. Hope that the Gilda's Club benefit is a resounding success! ;p
4 - carolle
Taylor never fails to deliver, been his #1 fan since I spotted him in the long Idol audition lines and will always be, no one like him, he's one of a kind.
5 - Judy M
Chaz - Great article, as usual. Love your questions and your writing style. Taylor is a very unique entertainer and a fabulous performer. Can't wait to see him again in person....he leaves you begging for MORE.
6 - juliegr
Wonderful article, Chad. I like the way you ask such relevant questions about what's going on and his plans. I'm also impressed at the strategy Taylor and his team are plotting his career.
Thanks for the great read!