Taylor Hicks is a maverick, determined to carve his own path through the often daunting music industry. By his own admission, it hasn't been easy. His life changed forever in 2006, when he won American Idol during the show's fifth season. His Idol coronation single, "Do I Make You Proud," was an instant number one Billboard hit. His major label debut album, Taylor Hicks, sold nearly 300,000 copies in its first week, eventually receiving platinum certification from the RIAA.
Soon after the first flush of stardom, Taylor Hicks made the very brave decision to manage his career independently. He'd been toiling away at the lower rungs of the business for ten years prior to American Idol. During that time, he developed a very strong vision of himself as an artist. With his Idol victory validating the years of hard work, Hicks put his plans into action - even though it required swimming against the mainstream current.
With the spirit of a true entrepreneur, Hicks assumed complete control of his career and hasn't looked back. I was fortunate enough to catch up with him during a break in his busy schedule.
You're out on the road again. How's the tour going?
Going great. Obviously I enjoy touring or I wouldn't have been on tour for four and a half years. The Broadway tour with Grease was great, and I got to play a few shows here and there with my band. But this is getting back to a really good live music show for my record, The Distance.
Who's playing with you in your current band?
Brian Less is playing piano. Jeff Lopez is playing saxophone. A few people that have played on the last tour are with me on this tour.
Your appearance on Don't Forget the Lyrics airs October 12; what was that experience like?
That was really cool, the first game show I've ever been on. So I was really nervous, especially when you're talking about singing lyrics and stuff. But it was for a great charity, VH-1 Save the Music. I didn't realize how hard remembering lyrics could be! That's just a super fun show, and I was excited to do it.
Speaking of charities, you recently released a charity single "S.O.S. (Save My Body, Save My Soul)."
SOS Children's Villages is a great charity, for orphaned and abandoned children, that I'm working with. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, they've worked to bring awareness to SOS. It's one of the oldest charitable organizations in the world. I wanted to make sure to try and bring awareness to SOS here in the States. I worked closely with them and was really excited about putting out a song for that charity.
Article comments
1 - Gypsee
This was a great read! I think Taylor was insightful and your questions were interesting.
Thanks for sharing it!
2 - Tammy K
Great interview! fantastic questions! Taylor Hicks is such a great guy! wishing him happiness and much success!
Tammy K in Ct.
3 - Pat P
Thanks for the insightful interview...your questions were well thought out. Taylor is one special guy doing things his way...one fan at a time!!
4 - LB
Great interview- good questions! Thanks
5 - sweetsmoke
Probably the best interview with Taylor yet. You hit on some great questions that haven't been asked before and he was quite forthcoming with answers! Can't wait for the TV/Film stuff and new music!
6 - Allison
Great interview!I've seen Taylor both in Grease and on his own tour.He is defaintely a must see artist!
7 - Sheena
Ummm.... loved the article- but not so keen on Taylor...
Have you heard of NUNI? He's this crazy gay guy that is doing all this experimental music, its actually pretty good.
I hear that he is being considered for a broadway show thats like super lazor lighty haha.... this is the only vid on youtube I found of him.. but there are pictures of him and taylor working together.
NUNI- Sex and Mansions
what a collaboration THAT would be...
8 - Tish
Great interview! Those are the questions Taylor's fans want to see asked. I'm glad to see that Taylor decided to take the independent route, so many artists are doing that now.
9 - kathy
It's great that Taylor is handling his own business. He may not be as high profile as some massive selling artists but I bet in the end he makes just as much or more money. AND when you are in control you don't have to worry about some record company leaving you high and dry when you aren't selling as much. In this day and age all the labels are searching for the next Justin Beiber. When they bleed him dry they will be looking for the next "shiny thing". Let's hope Justin saves his money and doesn't end up owing the label money, which happens all the time.
10 - carole
Thanks for a wonderful interview. I really enjoyed the questions and Taylors
answers. He is a wonderful singer. I saw him when he was on tour in '07, Epcot and Grease last November. Now for this year.
11 - Bella
Great interview. The man has a vision and he's been seeing his way thru since winning. Kudos for following your own path, Taylor!
12 - Wonder
Excellent interview, Chad! Thanks for asking such interesting questions of Taylor. It's always nice to read something different from the norm. Taylor is not only a great musician but a truly good guy who's worked his butt off to get where he is. He deserves every good thing that comes his way simply because he's done all the work and earned it. He has much to be proud of.
13 - Nancy
Thanks for an excellent interview! Taylor Hicks is smart as can be. He's doing things his own way, and he will have the last laugh!
14 - Blues
Great interviewer and interviewee! Insightful and interesting even for the die-hard Taylor fan and so good to get away from the superficiality of most conversations.
15 - Runaround
Great article! Very well thought out questions. If you think you know Taylor Hicks from AI - you don't. His live shows are fantastic! He has such an amazing knowledge of music.
16 - TaylorLastName
Can you please remind us on Twitter about the airing of the Lyrics show? Thanks.
17 - griz
Yep, Taylor is a pioneer, a maverick, his own self made man! Best Idol winner ever!
18 - JewelsSoul
Really insightful interview. I like knowing directly from Taylor Hicks what he was doing then and now and his plans for the future. Looking forward to a new CD and acting TV/Film career whichever way it takes him!
Thanks You for a great informative read.
19 - mmd4th
Loved the interview. It is a rarity when a writer can think of meaningful questions to ask a performer. In the case of Taylor Hicks, he is a great artist to interview as his life is so varied and interesting. He puts his talents to work for others not only in entertainment, which he is a genius at performing, but his generosity in giving of his time and talents to charitable causes makes him stand out as more than an entertainer. He has a true humanitarian spirit, and he is much appreciated. In addition, he has done so much for his state of Alabama!! Thanks, Taylor!!
20 - cath
Am assuming you like Mr. Hicks, but will also give you props for being neutral with regard to your comments. Your introductory paragraphs were not a pre-conceived opinion piece, but a synopses of Taylor's responses......... well condensed.
Enjoyed Taylor's candor.
21 - Chris
Go, Taylor!
22 - Yondera
I think I have a better idea of why we dont hear as much of Taylor as other Idol winners. He is very talented and not afraid to do things his way.
23 - Barbie
Thank you for a wonderful article.
24 - Anne
This was better than the standard type interviews I see with Taylor, you gave him some good questions. Thanks, enjoyed it.
25 - absolute power
What strikes me most about this is that Hicks seems fine with being a low profile artist. he has a good attitude and seem realistic about the level of fame he is after.