Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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'American Idol' Taylor Hicks Releases Major Label Debut
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=15C3339:A6F02AD83191E1607541039C7E3FEDC29574F7DCC14957C0 Blues-rock
singer's new self-titled album features diverse 'funky soul' music,
something he calls 'modern whomp'  Blues-rock singer Taylor Hicks
worked hard with little recognition for more than a decade before
coming to national attention on U.S. television's popular talent
series, "American Idol." Taylor won the 2006 competition and its top
prize of a recording deal with Arista Records. VOA's Mary Morningstar
has more on Taylor Hicks and his new self-titled album.







Taylor Hicks during American IdolTaylor Hicks' debut single, "Do I
Make You Proud," sold more than 500,000 copies and entered Billboard's
Hot 100 chart at Number One. This accomplishment was not surprising,
given the huge number of fans Taylor attracted during his reign on
last season's American Idol.  His fans, which include U.S. Secretary
of State Condoleezza Rice and President Bush, became known as the
"Soul Patrol." During the American Idol competition, Taylor received
more than 63 million votes. He explains the connection he feels with
his many fans.

"They're the reason why you're here, and the reason why I'm here, and
the reason why I was given this amazing opportunity," he said. "It's
all about the people. The music that you perform as a musician is
about the people, and obviously the people on the show voting for me.
You have to connect with them and you have to be thankful for what
they do for you."







Taylor Hicks"Soul Thing" is one of two songs Taylor wrote long before
his American Idol days. His major label debut also includes a remake
of Marvin Gaye's "Wherever I Lay My Hat," Rob Thomas's "Dream Myself
Awake," and "The Right Place," which Bryan Adams co-wrote for Ray
Charles shortly before his death. Taylor recorded the album in only
seven weeks, putting in 18-hour days with producer Matt Serletic.

When asked about the diversity of his music, Taylor says:

"It's what I like to call 'modern whomp' music, which is a combination
of Cajun, jazz, funk, soul and blues. It's been a long time coming for
me to be on a major label, and I've had so much help getting this
album out. If you like funky soul music, that's me."

Vibe magazine calls Taylor "the embodiment of the last 50 years of
popular music." His love for soul and blues music evolved while
growing up in Birmingham, Alabama. At the age of 14, Taylor was
playing harmonica in local blues clubs.







Taylor HicksNow 30, he's working on a book about the trials and
tribulations he experienced before finding fame on American Idol.
Rolling Stone magazine writer David Wild will ghostwrite his story.

Taylor's other plans for the near future include an appearance at this
year's Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Then, in late-February, he'll kick
off a North American concert tour.

Taylor Hicks' first single from his self-titled debut album will be
"Just To Feel That Way."


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