My Journey to Where I am Now

October 19 will mark one year that I started college. I think back and realize that basically the journey to end up going after a college degree in Journalism and Mass Communications started in 2006. Though I have always been interested in getting a degree in Journalism I never really thought of pursuing it. But in 2006 I discovered Taylor Hicks on American Idol. At the time I didn’t really consider this a big deal. I had also voted for Carrie Underwood. However, with Taylor even after he won, I still followed him and wrote about what was going on with him. I then got the chance to interview him. That was not only very exciting for me; I also realized I loved doing that type of thing. (Interviewing Musicians) I started contacting other musicians and requesting to interview them. From Bucky Covington, Chubby Checker, Trace Adkins, Kevin Bacon, Luke Bryan, Casey James, to independent and sometimes lesser known musicians such as Judd Starr.

One thing I realized is that I really thought they needed more promotion than they were getting. I always focus on the good; I don’t care to dig up dirt on them. So then I started realizing not only did I enjoy writing about them, but I very much enjoyed being able to promote them and introduce them to more people who would support them.

Last year I was trying to figure out how I could best do that and I realized that even though I had a huge passion to do this and some knowledge on how to do it. I needed an education to learn more. So I searched for colleges that offered classes that would allow me to write, and or be a publicist.

I discovered Ashford University and after speaking with them I realized Journalism and Mass Communications would give me the tools I need to become a better writer, and hopefully when it is done to ultimately become a music publicist. I have very much enjoyed this first year, and I feel like I have learned a lot already, especially the ethical side of journalism.

I cannot wait to finish my degree and get on with the next phase of my life. This whole journey started by watching a gray hair guy on television, who captured my attention, and made me realize that we can all see our dreams come true if we just reach out for them.

Taylor Hicks Concert Review Oct 13 Akron Ohio

Let me just start this out by saying I have been a huge fan of Taylors since I first saw him on Idol. Like all fans of Taylor’s I have followed his career and been excited at all new things Taylor does and been upset when sometimes some seem to attack him for no reason or try to find ways to bring him down. The ride since 2006 has been amazing and I looking forward to all the new things the future has to hold. In 2007 I went to a concert in Columbus Ohio, and I loved it Taylor was amazing and I was thrilled at the idea of making it to another show. I kept on writing about Taylor, taking any chance I had to interview him and enjoying being a fan. It seemed every time I planned to go to another show something happened.

If I didn’t end up with a sick child, or no money to get the show then someone would hit my car in Wal-Mart parking lot the night before a show again stopping me from getting to a show. But I none of that dampened my spirits as far as being a fan and following all news and videos or televisions show that included Taylor.

So when I saw Akron Ohio listed as a place Taylor would be appearing at I started making my plans to get to this show. Then I got sick. I was so worried I would not be well in time but thankfully in a couple days I was just fine. But yes my luck starting acting up again. The Friday before the concert my starter went out on my car. Oh well 160 dollar part and I’m up and running again.

Thursday May 12 we packed and Friday morning My daughter, my niece, my son, My sons girlfriend and I packed the car and we were on our way.

Now I am from a small town in southern Ohio. My husband hates to travel so we don’t travel much and the places we have traveled to were just highway driving. I knew the freeway and as my GPS kept pointing out the Motorways was not going to be so simple to drive.

When we hit freeway 270 my niece took over driving. She drives crazy anyway sp going 80 MPH was fine by her. We had a couple scary moments but we made it to Akron City Centre hotel in about 4 hrs. We circle Akron about 3 times before we actually got the correct ramp to get in. If I never hear the word Motorway from my GPS again I won’t complain. We check in and get unpacked and I started calling the fellow soul patrollers who also were in town for the show, and find out we were staying at the same place. Its within walking distance and that is why we chose it. My group likes to walk verses driving. Of course the kids with me want to go swimming so we head up to the pool. It’s not long before they are ready to head back to the room.

By the time everyone gets something to eat and gets ready for the show which is to start at 9pm it is nearly 8 pm. We take off walking to the venue. Thankfully the rain held off and we enjoy walking to the show.

We go in and as we are walking to find seats I hear someone yelling my name. I see Linda and she introduces me to Mary, Allison, Diane and I know there were more but I can’t remember them all but it was so great to meet you all.
So my group and I go to find a place to sit. Luckily we got the last table and we sit and anxiously await for Taylor to take the stage. I went to the merchandise line and bought a shirt and cosie and go the kids cosy's. My camera is set (thanks Linda for the extra batteries) and my camcorder is ready.




There was a brief opener by a guy named Andy with a band called Dolson. He came over to table afterwards and asked if we were all fans of Taylor’s? I told him I was the main fan but that the kids would be before we left. He told them I will tell you one thing Taylor Hicks is a very, very nice man. He is a really good guy and even let me use his equipment. He stood and talked to us for awhile asking the kids what kind of music they like etc.



Then Taylor’s band came out on stage and it was time for the man we had been waiting for to take the stage.

The cheers and applause was loud and my daughter said geez Mom they love him lol I said well of course.



Taylor started with Compared to What. I had heard it many times on YouTube but in person is so much better. You could tell everyone was having a great time. I loved it. Sitting in a small bar like venue with a margarita with Taylor on stage I was a very happy person. I have never been one, who liked bars of any kind, but this was a different experience and to hear Taylor I would go in any bar.

I was hoping the whole time my camcorder would get good sound and BTW it did. I am still trying to get it all converted to share. I taped it all with the help of the kids taking turns recording so I could enjoy the show without a camera in my face. They don’t like me calling them kids but since 44 and they are 16-20 they are kids, plus two of them were my kids lol.

I loved all of the songs he sang but my favorites were Compared to what, What’s Right is Right, Back to Louisiana, Maybe You Should which half way into the song I heard my sons girlfriend tell him I love this song it’s so pretty, Nineteen is another fave and my son loved it as well.

During Seven Mile Breakdown the kids go outside for my niece to smoke a cigarette. When the song ended Taylor left the stage and went out the same door they did. Before he came Back to sing the Encore My City was Gone a Pretenders cover. I loved this it was amazing. A great song to close the concert in Ohio with.


The kids came back in right as he started singing it and my daughter whispered in my ear hey Mom I think Taylor has a cute butt. My son later told me that while they were outside he was on the phone with my other son and he looked up and Taylor Hicks was standing beside him took a drink of water and ran back in the building. He said I’m talking to Mike and I look beside me and Taylor Hicks is standing there and I thought what the heck.

So the concert ends and I was so very glad we didn’t let anything stop us and we went the show. A long line forms and the kids don’t want to stand in line so they ask to just sit at table and wait till line gets smaller. When the line finally reaches our table the girls and I get in line. My son refused to get his picture taken but said he would video us meeting Taylor.

So when it comes our turn I hand Taylor a book I had made for him and he thanks me leafs thorugh it and sits it down he starts to sign my shirt and asks my name. I tell him Cindy he looks up says well hi Cindy how have you been. He asked if I liked the show and I told yes he did great. I told him I brought my kids and my daughter is standing behind me. We get ready to get picture taken and he tells my daughter do you know you have a cool Mom here? That made me feel good and she thought it was cool he said that.





Then the kids get their autographs and group Pic with Taylor. I thank him as we walk and he says thanks to me and we are own our way back to the hotel. I wanted to go to the pizza shop with the group who were going there after the show but the kids are tired so we just head back to our room.



I had a blast and before summer is over I am already planning to go to another show. Taylor is amazing entertainer, A great guy and very good to his fans. It took 5 years before I met Taylor but it the wait was well worth it and just made me admire him even more and the kids had a great time as well just like I knew they would.


I will have more in-depth concert review published soon and when it is I will post link to it.

Taylor Hicks on Jimmy Fallon

Taylor Hicks on Jimmy Fallon was a great performance. It has been a long while since I have updated my blog. I have not forgotten Taylor Hicks as anyone who knows me will verify. I have just been so busy with other things online plus my family I haven;t had much time for the blog. So what did everyone think about Taylor and everyone else on Fallon performing Rebbecca Blacks "Friday" on April 1. I thought it was very fun and great performance. I loved when Taylor slid his way on stage. I did not get to see the live show of the performance as I was at the ER with my daughter but I set my DVR and have watched it on the NBC site many times. I hope to be seeing more of Taylor Hicks on TV. The only thing better than seeing Taylor on TV is seeing him in concert. I hope to make it to a show this spring or summer. Below and above you will see some screen caps I captured of the show.

Taylor Hicks performs on Don't Forget the Lyrics Oct 12 2010

The Soul Patrol is looking forward to Oct. 12, 2010. Taylor Hicks will be a contestant on the Television show Don't Forget The Lyrics. You can see Taylor on your My Network TV station. Below are a few clips from the episode.


Open Arms

Taylor Hicks On 'Don't Forget The Lyrics' - "Open Arms" @ Yahoo! Video

Thriller

Taylor Hicks On 'Don't Forget The Lyrics' - "Thriller" @ Yahoo! Video

It is going to be a fun 30 minutes. Don't worry if you do not get the My Network TV station. There will be other opportunity's to be able to see Taylor on a station you do get.

* MyNetworkTV on October 12, 2010 at 9:30 PM
* Fox syndicated networks on November 4, 2010 (check your local listings)
* VH1 on February 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Hot Damn! I got My Taylor Hicks Blog Back

It has been about 8 months since I posted to this Taylor Hicks blog. For awhile it was because I was so busy with other things I never seemed to have the time to post anymore.

A few months ago I tried to come back and start managing the blog again and for some reason I could not log in. It kept saying my password was wrong. I finally just gave up but then today I try and miraculously the password worked this time.

I am anxiously waiting for October 12th. Taylor Hicks will be on Don’t Forget the Lyrics. It will air on MyNetworkTV on October 12, 2010 at 9:30 PM but if you do not get that channel or you want to watch it again you can see it on Fox syndicated networks on November 4, 2010 then for a 3rd go around you can catch Taylor Hicks on VH1 on February 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM.

Taylor Hicks has said he has been looking at scripts for TV and Movies so hopefully we get to catch him on some more TV shows and in some movies

Ideas

Boy it has been awhile since I have posted. I am trying to get back into the writing aspect of my life some. I have something I want you all involved in. This is just a hypothetical thing, for now anyway. I have an idea for something I want to do not sure yet how it will pan out, if it even does but I would love your ideas.

If you could set down with a group of musicians and ask them questions about one certain subject what would that subject be? I already got the chance to do this on the subject of the Internet. But what other subjects do you think would be of interest to you the readers and also the musicians themselves. I don’t mean just questions you would ask in an interview I am talking about a subject itself that after the subject is decided then the questions would be formed. Like people want to know about a movie an actor is in and they ask questions about the movie or they want to know how someone gets a record contract and they build their questions around that subject.

So let’s see what we can come up with and if my idea works its way into the light of the print world, you may see your idea. Or if nothing else we will know what people are interested in and that itself could be a great piece to write about.

Review of Whomp at the Warfield

I finally was able to watch Whomp at the Warfield. I was very pleased with the concert. More so than I thought I would be. It starts out with the song Gonna move. The audio and video are excellent. There are many closeups of Taylor Hicks.I heard they block out the audience to much which in some instances I wish the sound was louder at the end of the songs but I have seen many of Taylor's videos on You tube and the audience was so loud it overshadowed Taylor's voice so I am glad the audience sound was toned down so you can just hear and enjoy Taylor's voice.

Taylor showcases the talent of the band many times and that is great as all those playing with Taylor are great talents. For me the concert just got better and better as it went on. Taylor is able to get the band to do what ever he wants with just the wave of his hand.

I have only been to one concert and I was so wrapped up in watching Taylor and taking pictures I did not notice the way he controls the band so effortlessly. I also was in the front row so I only was able to see the reactions of those in beside me or directly behind me. With Whomp I was able to see the audience clapping, signing and dancing along. Many argue Taylor's fan base is OLD women. I even saw report say his fans are in the nursing homes. I know this is so not true but it was nice to watch the video and see all age groups and men and women. Maybe those who like to say different should watch Whomp and notice the audience. Better yet go to a CONCERT.

You can see Taylor and the band are having as much fun as those in the audience.

My Friend is one of my favs in the concert. Love Brian Gallagher playing the horn he sounds amazing and when Taylor brings out the harp he puts the magic into the song.

The Deal is another stand out performance for me. I have always loved that song. Then comes Hold onto your Love. This is a song I never much liked. I know I am one of the few. I didn't notice it with the concert I attended but I did notice it on WATW and I have changed my mind I now enjoy the song very much. Maybe it has to do with Taylor tagging in Ray Charles song Lonely Avenue. The way Taylor sings Now my Room has got to windows but the sunshine never shines through. The way he sings that song is amazing one of the best tags I have heard Taylor do. Simply amazing.

Like I said this concert just gets better and better. Next is Wherever I lay my Hat. I never liked this song when it came out by the original guy but when Taylor's CD Taylor Hicks came out and I heard his version, his voice, I loved it. Taylor puts a lot of feeling into it during WATW and I have been playing The Distance since it came out but I think I am going to pull Taylor Hicks back out and play it I forgot how much I loved these songs.

You also get to see Taylor doing his wacky dancing a lot. People can say he can't dance but he makes you smile when he does so he is doing something right.

By the time he gets to Heaven Knows I notice how much he is sweating. Pretty obvious how he is getting so slim. He is working off all the calories he takes in. If we all did aerobic dancing as often as Taylor does we would be slim and trim. Maybe thats the key put in Taylor's CD and dance and jump around the whole time it is playing and do this everyday.

The Maze is next this is a song that grew on me overtime and I love now. Taylor Tags in Warm Love and plays some Harp again. LOVE LOVE this harp solo.

During The Right Place Taylor's voice is so crisp and clear and watch him control the band with his hand.

The Runaround. Love this song and the beat of the drums in it. Taylor gets to dance and have fun during this number and so does the audience. Love Taylor's turning around and around in this song. He has fun with this song. Some more harp. One thing I notice with Taylor and the band they can jump right into the tags and back into the song without missing a beat. If a person was to be hearing all of these songs for the first time you would not even know its one song with parts of another song tagged in. That is true professionals at work.

You might think this getting ready to be the end of the concert but you need to stick around there is LOTS more to come.

Out comes Taylor once more. Thanks the audience and start singing one of my Favs The Fall. He sits on a stoll and just sings. This is one of the reasons I am glad the audience is toned down so I can just hear his voice singing this song. Just Taylor and a guitar.

Taylor sings a song by Eric Clapton and rocks it out but I don't know the name of the song someone help.

Naked in the Jungle is next and Taylor showcases the band. Goes into Dance to the music and Taylor plays some organ.

Now we are at the end of the concert and Taylor is jumping AED dancing around having fun and does a little dance on the speakers.

I loved Whomp at The Warfield. I am so glad I finally got to see it. I sure hope it comes out on DVD in the future so I can buy a copy. I recommend any Taylor fan and any fan of great music to watch this when ever it is aired again. If you don't get the channel than go to someones house and watch it or have them record
it so you can watch it at a later time. Whomp at the Warfield is well worth the wait.

Taylor Hicks GAC and American Idol

Ok tonight was fun. I have been so busy with moving haven’t had much time to check in to Taylor Land lately. Tonight I went to the Boogie and found out Taylor Hicks new song Seven Mile Breakdown. Was going to be GAC Fight Nights radio. Taylor song was against James Otto and Taylor won!. This means a few things. First Taylor was heard on Country Radio, 2 he beat James Otto with a great song, and 3rd it will be played again tomorrow against someone us. So go here http://radiotime.com/program/p_172586/GAC_Nights.aspx
to listen tomorrow the show airs at 9 pm central. Then when Taylor’s song plays call 1-866-943-4221 and get your vote in for Taylor. Also Taylor will be on American Idol tomorrow night singing Seven Mile Breakdown. I need to finish moving tomorrow but if not done by 9pm then I will just have to finish Thursday.




Off Topic acne treatment

Upcoming - Interview with The Bacon Brothers

Boy it sure has been a hectic April around here. We are preparing to move and we have been remodeling the place we are moving into. It looks 100% different than it did the day we agreed to move into it. Last week I got an email Wednesday asking if I wanted to interview The Bacon Brothers on Thursday? This is something I knew for awhile was going to happen at some point and I was anxiously awaiting this opportunity. But we have been so busy and I am so wore out I was tempted to ask to reschedule. But then I re-thought and you just don’t turn down Kevin Bacon and ask to fit him into your schedule. So I did the interview. I first spoke with Kevin and Michael Bacon both about the Bacon Brothers and then I spoke with Kevin Bacon about the early days of his acting career.

I have submitted the interviews and hopefully really soon they will be published. When I look back to 2006 to when I got that first interview with Taylor Hicks it seems to kind of come full circle. What I mean is this. At the time I started doing interviews there could have no better choice for a person to interview first than Taylor Hicks. Well besides maybe Elvis Presley and we all know that wasn’t possible. So anyway I have had several interviews with other musicians since that first Taylor Hicks interview and even a couple more with Taylor too.

When it was announced Taylor was going to be starring in Grease as Teen Angel I loved the idea. My two favorite movies of all time are Grease and Footloose. So to be granted an interview with The Bacon Brothers and then get to speak with Kevin about his movies is just major icing on the cake.

When I go on the search of new movies I always search out the name Kevin Bacon to see if he has any new movies out. I have seen every movie that he has been in. I even watched him when I was a pre-teen when he was in the soap Guiding Light. I have always been a huge fan of Kevin Bacon. Guiding Light is supposed to end in September. I so hope they change their mind about that.

Before I even had internet I would call the video store and ask if Kevin had a new movie out. So for me having the first interview that is in regards to an actor and have it be Kevin Bacon is just exactly what I would asked for if someone would have said who is the actor you want to interview. Umm John Travolta and Will Smith would be my next choices now and Kevin Costner.

As soon as the interviews are published I will post links to them. Even if you are not a fan of The Bacon Brothers or Kevin Bacon I think you will enjoy the interviews anyway.

Couple videos below of The Bacon Brothers and yes of course some videos of Kevin Bacon.

Go My Way (The Ipod song) New Single



Go My Way (Live on the Late Late show)



New Years Day Live (My Favorite)



Boys in Bars The Bacon Brothers





Rails and Ties (Movie I highly recommend)



Just because I think this is funny




HBO Movie Taking Chance (Bring Tissues)

Taylor Hicks in the Zone, to go “THE DISTANCE”

As all fans of Taylor Hicks know, his new album is titled The Distance. I have previously given my review of the album so this will not be another review. Except to say I am still loving it, a couple songs that were not my favorites have now grown on me and are enjoyed by me as much as the others that I loved from the first listen.

In my previous post I posted the song “You Send Me” that Taylor sang when he was on Idol. I went back this morning and listened again. Randy, Paula and even Simon loved the performance. Simon even called it magic. But the comment that caught my attention was made by Paula.

When I interviewed Taylor after reviewing the CD I asked him why he titled the CD “The Distance”? You can read his reply to that here. He replied that he would leave that up to the imagination. So in listening to the comments of “You Send Me” Paula said that Taylor was finally in the zone to go “The Distance”. You can hear this at around 4:32 in the clip below. This could very well be what the title of the CD represents. Taylor is now in the zone to go The Distance. I think with this album he will do just that.

Don’t bother telling me about sales reports, I know them and I think they are just fine. Sure I would love to see Taylor at the top of the charts but I would much prefer he stick around for a long distance of time and not just rocket to the top and then vanish. I believe this album will continue to sell for quite awhile. The songs will start to touch more hearts and Taylor Hicks will be around for The Distance. He is the zone to stick around and go The Distance.

Taylor Hicks Motown Week

Last week was Motown week on American Idol. While I enjoyed a few performances, I still couldn’t help but think if Taylor Hicks would have been competing last week with the Idols this season he still would have come out on top. So I went on the search to find a song Taylor covered that would have fit into Motown week. “You Send Me” is a song Taylor sang on Season Five and I love it hearing as much now as I did then. Shortly following the passing of Sam Cooke, Motown Records released We Remember Sam Cooke, a collection of Cooke covers recorded by The Supremes. This album contains many great Sam Cooke Covers and “You Send Me” is one of them.

So Taylor would be able to sing “You Send Me” during the Motown Theme week. Below you will see Taylor Hicks singing “You Send Me”, Kris Allen singing ,Adam Lambert singing and Danny Gokey singing watch each video and then cast your vote on the side bar for the winner then leave a comment with your thoughts.


Kris Allen “How Sweet it Is”



Adam Lambert “Tracks of my Tears”



Danny Gokey “Get Ready”



Taylor Hicks “You Send Me”





Off topic self storage

Vote Taylor Hicks - Alabama's Top Music Icon

Vote now: Alabama's Top Music Icons is down to the 8 Elite. For the past few weeks you have been able to vote for the Top Alabama Music Icons. Taylor has bypassed several such as Jimmy Buffet and Nell Carter. Now it is on to the Top 8. Taylor Hicks is against Hank Williams. You have until Tuesday at 11 PM to cast your votes in each bracket. So be sure to head there now and get your vote in. let’s help get Taylor voted Top Alabama Music Icon. Go here to cast your vote now.

Also remember to keep requesting “What’s Right is Right” at your local AC station.

Taylor Hicks News March 23rd

Taylor was scheduled to be on Regis and Kelly March 2nd but a storm in New York kept him from being able to get to the show. The show was pre-recorded the next day and will be aired this week Thursday March 26th. Taylor will be performing his new single “What’s Right is Right”.

Other Hicks news for March 23rd:

Taylor’s single “What’s Right is Right” is #22 on the AC media base chart, with 150 spins in the last 7 days, up 7 spins from last week’s 143 spins. Keep requesting the single at your local AC station.

Taylor and the cast of Grease hit the stage this week at the Golden Gate Theater in San Francisco this week. The San Francisco Examiner has a great article up about Taylor Hicks.

Excerpt from article:

For Hicks, the role couldn’t come at a better time. After nabbing top “Idol” honors in 2006, he was thrust into the spotlight and expected to produce musical miracles. He may have done that with his distinct bluesy style, but critics wondered if any “Idol” winner could reach the heights of Kelly Clarkson.

Some creative reshuffling took place after the release of Hicks’ self-titled first CD. He chucked Arista Records and went solo, producing his latest outing, “The Distance,” on his own. It just hit stores. Go here to read more.

Off Topic - San Diego hotel

Is being an “invested” fan a plus or minus?

Is being an “invested” fan a plus or minus? What I mean is this. We all have several musicians that we enjoy. I have a taste for music in many different styles. I have at this time 4 musicians that I really enjoy listening to. Of course anyone reading this or anyone who knows me knows that Taylor Hicks is at the very top of that list. That list also includes an Indie Artist Judd Starr and country music stars Bucky Covington and Luke Bryan.

I am interested in what 4 men accomplish in their music careers. I support all 4 men differently and I feel differently about each. But am I overly invested in any of them or even all of them?

A fellow blogger/friend published a post called Keeping it Real, which as all fans of Taylor Hicks, know is also a title of one of his songs on his new album released March 10th called “The Distance”. So in this post she gives a list of items that can let you know if you are a casual fan or a fanatic. Neither is a bad thing though, in my opinion, unless of course you have crossed the line into stalking or ignoring your loved ones, who are really what matter in life anyway.

So I decided to see how the list relates to each musician that is ranking in my tops list.

So first I will cover Judd Starr. I am a fan of his for a few reasons. One - I love his voice/music, two - he is a dedicated musician, three – he is an awesome guy who really cares about and appreciates those who support him and enjoy his music. You will not find a musician who puts more time and effort into letting his fans know how much he truly appreciates what they do for him. Judd Starr is an independent artist and he has also created music for many television shows and movies. But do I qualify as a casual fan or a fanatic? So from Chills list these are the ones I can relate to in regards to my support of Judd Starr.


1).When one of his songs plays in a restaurant or supermarket, you have to suppress the impulse to tell everyone to, “Shhhh, listen, that’s Judd Starr,” and you can’t wait to tell your “Judd” buddies about it.
That hasn’t happened but if I did hear one of Judd’s songs I might just be tempted to do that. I would be so thrilled for him to hear him played I would want to hear the song not chatter or chopping carts. LOL I would come home and tell my family and yes I would tell online buddies. I would also write Judd and tell him. I would want to give the very good news to make his day.

2.You TIVO all of the television appearances within your Dish’s reach and go online to search for the ones you couldn’t get.
If he appears anywhere on TV you can bet I will. Again I would be so thrilled for him I would not miss seeing him on TV.


3.You bought a “few” copies of his new CD.
I have one of each CD. Does that count?


4. You have a Google alert on Judd’s name and anyone even remotely associated with him.

Just Judd. Hey I run a MySpace fan site about him. If there is some good news to discover I need to know so I can post it and then congratulate Judd.

5. Do you own a blog and/or Judd-related fan site?

As stated above a MySpace fan site. I have also written some blog entries at my blogs about him and interviewed him.

So am I casual fan or fanatic?

I think I am in between. I so want to see Judd succeed in all he does and share his talents with many, many people. If he were to hit the “big” time I would be jumping up and down and be so excited for him. But if I qualify as a fanatic then so be it. Nothing wrong with wishing the best for someone.

Next Bucky Covington, for those who stumbled on to this blog and have no clue who Bucky Covington is, he was on American Idol the same season as Taylor Hicks. I was not a fan of Bucky’s during the season. A few months after Idol was over I interviewed Bucky about his debut CD. Bucky was so funny and sweet during our phone conversation I purchased his album. I loved it and a few months later my daughter and I went to see Bucky in concert.

I was still not really into Bucky yet. I liked his CD but I went to the concert for two reasons. I got free tickets because I had interviewed him and my daughter and I needed some time together. The concert got rained out and Bucky could not put on a concert, however this did not stop Bucky. Well many were waiting in the bleachers thinking Bucky was just going to come in the stands and sign some autographs we were all pleasantly surprised. Bucky brought a guitar, his twin and another band member with another guitar into the stands.

Bucky did an acoustic set right there in the stands. I became a big fan that night. I was surprised to see that since the concert was canceled and Bucky could have just left. He did all that he could to please the fans that had withered the summer storm and played for us anyway. But am I a casual fan or a fanatic?

Here are the items from the list that describe me in regards to Bucky Covington.

4.You’ve worn hand-designed t-shirts to concerts because the commercial ones are not unique enough. If you did not go the t-shirt route, you scoured the closet in search for the top with the lowest cut neckline and pulled out the Miracle bra.

I made my daughter and I both tee shirts to wear to the 3rd concert of Bucky’s that we attended. We also each gave him a gift.


9.You TIVO all of the television appearances within your Dish’s reach and go online to search for the ones you couldn’t get.

I watch some shows Bucky is on when I know about them. If I am not missing a show I normally watch. But If I miss something on TV I will go to YouTube or Bucky’s MySpace looking for a video.


1. You bought a “few” copies of his new CD.

2 of his CD. One got all scratched up in a car wreck so I had to have another

3. When conversing with other fans, you refer to his band members by their first names *only* as if talking about absent friends.

I know his twin brother Rocky’s name and point him out to those who do not know about him. I also know he has a band member called Ducky. Though I cannot tell you what exactly he does.

4. You have a Google alert on Bucky’s name and anyone even remotely associated with him.

I have a Google alert but I don’t always check them all out.
Two more I will add. Whenever Bucky is near my town I make sure to go see him in concert.

I have a autographed CD and Picture and I have one more picture that I want to get autographed.

I think I am just a casual fan. But I sure can’t wait to get his new CD and hoping he schedules a show near us this summer, so maybe a little more than casual.

Luke Bryan

I received an email one day asking if I wanted to interview Luke Bryan. At the time I did not even know who he was. I Goggled him and found the song “All my Friends Say” I had heard this song before and loved it, I just did not know who sang it. I purchased Luke’s album after the interview and like each song on the album. So am I a casual fan or fanatic with Luke Bryan?

1.You’ve worn hand-designed t-shirts to concerts because the commercial ones are not unique enough.

Yes ok once again I had a shirt made special. It is now autographed.


2. You have a Google alert on Luke’s name and anyone even remotely associated with him.

Yes I have a Google alert on Luke to. If there is a concert in my area I do not want to miss it.

3. Do you own a blog and/or Taylor-related fan site?

I started a blog but haven’t kept up with it. Maybe I will start doing that.

Once again I am a casual fan, but will purchase new CD and go to any concerts near me.

Taylor Hicks

I think I know the answer before I begin but here goes

1.You’ve used vacation time to follow Taylor on tour.
If I had vacation time and the money I would do this. But I haven’t

2.You’ve paid $100 or more to upgrade your concert seat from 10th row to 3rd, just so he can see your hand-made signs and posters.
Not into signs and posters. But if I could afford it I would pay $100 extra for 3rd row. However the concert I went to I was front row for a lot less. I got lucky.


3. You’ve worn hand-designed t-shirts to concerts because the commercial ones are not unique enough.
Yea I wore a hand designed shirt.


4. You have pen-pals in foreign countries.
I know of fans in foreign countries and have posted alongside them on message boards

5. When one of his songs plays in a restaurant or supermarket, you have to suppress the impulse to tell everyone to, “Shhhh, listen, that’s Taylor Hicks,” and you can’t wait to tell your “Taylor” buddies about it.
I would tell those with me to shh listen Taylor is playing. As a matter of fact he was playing in Wal-mart once and my little girl said “Hey Mom Taylor is playing”. I stood still and listened with a big smile on my face. It was late at night and there was no one around us so no embarrassing episode.


6.You TIVO all of the television appearances within your Dish’s reach and go online to search for the ones you couldn’t get.
Yes

7. You’ve participated in a “cell cert.”
Yes, one time but want to join in more


8. You bought a “few” copies of his new CD.
I have the promotional copy I was sent, I bout from iTunes and Walmart. Need target copy yet.
I have 3 Taylor tee-shirts, a deck of playing cards with his face on them, a charm bracelet with pictures of Taylor, I have all magazines with Taylor in them, I have a scrapbook with all articles and interviews I have written about Taylor and lots more stuff.

9. You have a Google alert on Taylor’s name and anyone even remotely associated with him.
Only about Taylor

10. Do you spend more time on Taylor-related sites than you do with your job or family?

I spend quite a bit of time on them but mostly in daytime when everyone is gone and late in the evening.

11. Do you own a blog and/or Taylor-related fan site?

Yes you are there now

12. Do you post comments on a blog and/or Taylor-related fan site daily?

Yes, Yes

So in conclusion I can probably be classified as a fanatic over Taylor Hicks. However, I am hurting no one. I spend time with my kids and husband and every weekend I am at other family members homes. I enjoy all things related to Taylor and I love his music but I also love my family and they know it.

So is being an “invested” fan a plus or minus? I think it is plus. I love music and I follow some great musicians and it is part of who I am. If I am happy and enjoying life in all aspects it not only benefits me, it benefits my family. We go to concerts together so it gives us more time together as a family. That is a great thing.

But then there is one other side to the dilemma. While I have other musicians I like and some that I follow regularly to some extent. Taylor Hicks is the main one that I follow all the time. I know how many CD's he sales, I know whenever there is any news about Taylor. I know the bad things that are said along with the good. I know when sales are not their greatest or when someone just wants to take a pop shot at Taylor for no other reason than they think they are cleaver.

Sometimes knowing all that gets me upset when I read the put downs or out – right lies. I do not have this happen with other artists because I do not know that much about them.Besides Judd Starr.

I do not know when bad things are said about Bucky or Luke. I purchase their music and go to concerts but I don’t get pissed off about bad publicity or rude/untrue comments. Because I usually don't know about it.

So as all things there are good things and bad things to being an invested fan but for good or bad I am right here for the ride. It is most times an amazing and fun ride that I enjoy very much.

Another Picture of Taylor Hicks at 13th Race for a Cure

Picture and excerpt of Quote found at http://blogs.nypost.com/popwrap/archives/2009/03/taylor_hicks_tics.html

Despite being openly mocked on the show that made him a star, "American Idol" Taylor Hicks isn't hiding in shame. The season five winner came out to perform for the runners at the 13th Annual Susan G. Komen's Race For The Cure event, which raises money for breast cancer research."

Taylor Hicks Sings Seven Mile Breakdown and Start Spangled Banner March 15th 2009

More Videos of taylor Hicks at the 13th Annual Susan G. Komen's Race for a Cure Sunday March 15th


Seven Mile Break Down




Star Spangled Banner

Taylor Hicks Interview at Susan G. Komen's Race For The Cure

Taylor Hicks Performs at 13th Annual Susan G Koman's race for a Cure

Pictures of Taylor Hicks at The Susan G. Komen 13th Annual Race for a Cure
Picture 3 is Taylor Hicks, Poppy Montgomery, Judy Reyes and Emily Procter



Taylor Hicks performed at the Susan G. Koman Race for a Cure yesterday, March 15th. When “What’s Right is Right” was first released I mentioned that I could vision that song being about a couple goig through the fight of cancer. I thought of that because of these lyrics in the song.

I don't wanna go,
A single night without you,
I don't wanna know,
What an empty bed is like.
When you laugh I'm laughing,
When you cry I'm crying.
What's wrong with you is wrong with me,
What's Right is Right.


This I promise you forever,
With you all the way to the finish line,
And we're gonna cross that bridge together,
Marching step by step, walking side by side.

I felt that if a man was with the woman he loved during her fight with cancer that those lyrics would fit perfectly for the situation.

Video of Taylor Singing What's Right is Right at the Event




You can hear the guys of the Inside the Edge Radio show talk a little about the happenings yesterday an hear Taylor singing “What’s Right is Right” live at the event by going here http://www.insidetheedge.com/




Off Topic – sd flash memory

It Began with Taylor Hicks….Good Things Were to Follow

I have interviewed several musicians but most who follow my blog only know of my Taylor Hicks interviews. Lately some have asked about my other interviews and I thought I would address that here, for all who are interested to see any other interviews. To date, I have interviewed around 16 musicians.

It all started when I became a fan of Taylor Hicks. I had been writing articles at Associated Content for a couple years before I started writing about Taylor Hicks. I had written several articles at Associated Content about Taylor Hicks. I interviewed fans based on their experiences when they saw Hicks in concert. At the time, I did this strictly because I was interested in all things in regard to Taylor.

However, one day I received an email from an Associated Content manager asking if I wanted to interview Taylor Hicks. I had never interviewed a celebrity before so I was shocked to say the least at the offer. To be honest I was very skeptical that it would actually happen. I was given a date and time and then it was canceled. I thought yeah, ok this will not happen. Then I got an email with another date and time. The call came through and I conducted my first interview and it was with Taylor Hicks.

Then I was offered an interview with Katherine McPhee. I was not a fan of Katherine’s so I almost turned this down. But then I rethought and if I wanted to break into the field of interviewing musicians I knew I would have to accept it. The next thing I knew I was asked to interview Kellie Pickler. From there I was building a list of those I interviewed and I would request interviews with others, such as Chubby Checker and Bucky Covington.

I remembered that if it was not for American Idol I would have no clue who Taylor Hicks was. I started looking for independent artists and checking out their music. If I liked what I heard I requested an interview. The next thing I knew I was getting emails from various management agencies asking if I would like to interview people like Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan and others.

All of these interviews with other worthy musicians can be found at my Celebrity and Musician Interviews Blog. http://www.cminterviews.blogspot.com/

Discussing The Distance with Taylor Hicks

I interviewed Taylor Hicks on March 5th about his new album "The Distance" that will be available march 10th. Here is the link to the interview. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1541187/discussing_the_distance_with_taylor.html?cat=33