Taylor Hicks...Fireworks and Funk!

Taylor's Angels wishes everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July! As you take the time to enjoy your families on this holiday, please remember our troops who fight for our freedom so we can enjoy this great country.

The Taylor Hicks Proud of Our Troops Drive is sponsoring a Taylor Hicks' "Heart Full Of Soul" book drive for soldiers at the Walter Reed Hospital, please visit jewelrysprout.com for more information.

On July 4th, 2008, A Capitol Fourth Celebrates Independence Day in Washington, D.C. with Spectacular Fireworks over the Washington Monument


Live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol

Friday, July 4th, from 8:00 to 9:30 pm ET
(check local listings)

Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning film, theater and television actor Jimmy Smits hosts the 28th annual broadcast of America’s biggest and best-loved 4th of July concert on PBS, featuring unrivaled musical performances from some of the country’s best known and award-winning artists, as well as a spectacular fireworks display on the National Mall over the Washington Monument.

Grammy winners Huey Lewis and the News, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, rock ‘n’ roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, classical superstar Hayley Westenra and soprano Harolyn Blackwell will perform a selection of patriotic and celebratory music with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Erich Kunzel.

The event will also feature a special salute to our Olympic athletes with figure skater and Gold medal winner Scott Hamilton. The July 4th concert finale includes Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" – an audience favorite and now A Capitol Fourth tradition – featuring the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery. The Choral Arts Society of Washington, under the direction of Norman Scribner, returns to the show. The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard of the Military District of Washington will also be featured on this as well as the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.

THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER

America's National Anthem

Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to
"The Star Spangled Banner"
on the back of an envelope!
It was the only piece of paper handy
when he was struck with inspiration.

STAY TUNED TO TAYLOR'S ANGELS STARTING JULY 3RD FOR COVERAGE OF THE CAPITOL 4TH EVENT FROM PAYTHEDEVIL!

Written by: Cydter
Video production: Cydter
video clips and pics: ragsqueen, taybug




Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Soul Patrol, Taylor's Angels

The Official "Taylor Hicks Day" Inspires Stories from the Soul Patrol

For over a year now, Taylor's Angels has brought you many stories of inspiration and hope that have been linked to Taylor Hicks in some way. Heartwarming stories about how Taylor has positively impacted the quality of life for many of us are abundant. Some share that they are enjoying a greater appreciation for music, but many run deeper and are more profound in their effects on the lives of others. Still other stories have highlighted Taylor's involvement in charitable giving and how those efforts have impacted communities across the country.

We thought it would be great to hear from the you, Taylor's dedicated fans, as to how Taylor has positively impacted your life, so we are sponsoring a contest and the winner will ultimately be decided by Taylor's fan base, the Soul Patrol!

In what areas have you received the most inspiration from Taylor and how has that inspiration affected your daily life? What have you seen or heard Taylor do that has affected you in a positive way? Have you been inspired to give back to your community as Taylor is doing by supporting charities across the country? Have you heard a heartwarming story from the Soul Patrol?

We encourage you to answer any of the questions above or simply share your special story with the rest of the Soul Patrol and become an inspiration to others, just as Taylor has been to us all. Please post your story in the comment section by Wednesday, May 21. After that time the comments will be cut off and we will post a poll where the Soul Patrol can vote for their favorite story. The person whose story gets the most votes wins a set of 5 Taylor Hicks inspired notecards. There are less than 10 sets in existence LaurenSilk gave one of the sets to Taylor in Myrtle Beach last year! As a bonus, one of the cards in this set is signed by Taylor!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at taylors_angels@yahoo.com.

We encourage everyone to share their special story get the message out to everyone that one voice can change lives!
****************************************************************************
Grease is the word!

Taylor Hicks on the Today Show!

Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Soul Patrol, Taylor's Angels

Taylors Hicks.... Boots, Blues and Barbeque!

Hannah Home Shelby Fundraiser
by Sam Griswold

"We've probably all called Hannah Home to come get some stuff from us at one point in time," says Taylor Hicks - musical guest for the fundraising event."

Hicks even came prepared for the "Boots, Blues, & Barbecue" fundraiser: "It's a great cause...and I'm wearing the old boots, and got some blues, and I just had some barbecue."

Alongside Taylor Hicks was Alabama's first lady Patsy Riley, who was originally supposed to be there with the governor who was unable to attend. Mrs. Riley says she understands the value of what missions like Hannah Home do: "Many mothers have to leave a dangerous situation because they're not only fearful for themselves with domestic abuse, but they're very fearful for their children."

Tammy Black is a mother who's been at Hannah Home Shelby for three years.

"Being able to go through all those programs that the Hannah Home helps provide for the women there.. It's really helped me out a lot: which, it also, about a year later or so... it helped me get my son back. I mean, I almost lost custody of him," says Black.


Tammy Black is also thankful for those who care enough to support a mission like Hannah Home.

"We wouldn't have this if it hadn't been for caring people and most of all if it hadn't been for the Lord."

In addition to long-term housing for up to 50 women and children, Hannah Home of Shelby County provides food, clothing, counseling and a number of classes and programs to help the women get back on their feet.




Pictures by: DNET(Thanks for taking one for the team)

For more pictures, video downloads and mp3's of the event visit: www.thetaylorhickscommunity.com


Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Soul Patrol, Taylor's Angels

Taylor Hicks Finds Gold! An interview with Loren Gold

Taylor Hicks found a treasure,when he hired his musical director Loren Gold. Loren proved to have an instant chemistry with Taylor Hicks during his 2007 solo tour. This duo, along with the rest of the wonderful band, gave the Soul Patrol the ultimate concert experience.

Loren is a multi-talented professional touring/studio musician, musical director and recording artist. His impressive list of clients includes: Taylor Hicks, Hillary Duff, Mandy Moore, Vanessa Hudgsen, Jamie Lynn Spears, Kelly Pickler, Deborah Gibson, Dan Aykroyd,Chace Crawford and many more. He is a very well respected keyboard/piano player and is endorsed by: Korg, Yamaha and Hammond to name a few.

Taylor's Angels had the pleasure of interviewing Loren Gold. We missed Taylor's "Amigo" and thought the Soul Patrol would love to hear what he has been up to. We were pleased to find out that he has just returned from touring with Mandy Moore in Austrailia and the Phillipines! We hope you enjoy the interview as much as we did!

TA: Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? When did you start playing the piano and what peaked your interest in that instrument? How did you get started in the music industry?

Loren: I am from the San Francisco Bay Area. I started playing the piano when I was seven when my mom put me in Yamaha group lessons. I had older brothers who listened to music all the time, so I was surrounded by it.

TA: You have two solo Cd's "Keys" and "All Around Me". Where all the songs written by you? Which one is your favorite? Are they available for sale?

Loren: Yes, all the songs on those Cd's were written by me. I do not really have a favorite, although "Falling" from All Around Me is special because it was the first instrumental piece I ever wrote. I am really proud of "Keys" and all of the songs on that one. They are both available at iTunes and Amazon.com.

TA: What exactly does a musical director's duties include and what kind of background is required ? How did you become the musical director for Taylor Hicks?

Loren: Musical Director has a lot of roles, those of which include initially getting the show/tour off the ground, making sure the music is being delivered properly to the audience, working with the artist, working with the band continuously, to name a few things.

Taylor Hicks and I met after he heard "The Runaround," a song I co-wrote. We hit it off after that, and he asked me to put his band together and hit the road with him.


TA: What is your inspiration for writing and composing music? Who is your favorite music artist and how have they inspired you?

Loren: I am inspired by many people. Musically speaking, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Elton John, Brian Wilson sit at the top of my list, but there are many others.

TA: What have been some of the highlights of your career? What has been your worse experience in the music industry and why? You have been on the road with Mandy Moore and Kelly Clarkson for the last 2 months. Tell us about that.

Loren: There have been so many highlights. Performing my song on the Tonight Show was definitely near the top, playing to sold out stadiums, and releasing two solo Cd's - all very fulfilling!
The Mandy/Kelly tour was incredible, the crowds...the cities...and Australia!! I'll go back anytime...

TA: What are the pros and cons of being on the road? How does your family deal with it?

Loren: I try to find a balance...I love playing live and meeting different people who are touched by the music, and I enjoy being at home in the studio as well - writing and producing.

TA: We all learned some strong lessons from Taylor Hicks after reading "Heart Full Of Soul". Did you learn anything from your association with Taylor? You were a perfect match and complimented each other in every way. What did you walk away with from that whole experience with Taylor?
Taylor Hicks and Loren Gold Compared to What from cydter on Vimeo.

Loren: It was a great experience, especially performing all those great songs of his every night! And I have to say, we both share a love of 70's one hit wonders....we couldn't help ourselves from adding new songs every week or so. We would just sit in front of my computer and say, "lets do that one...yeah, lets do that one...cool!!!"

TA: What are your plans for the future? Where can we expect to see Loren Gold?

Loren: I will be touring, writing, recording, and producing music all summer. (details soon at www. lorengold. com)

Believe it or not, I am also keeping fit at www logofitness.com. I personally connect with other people in my group, and we keep each other motivated. If anyone wants to join me, come check it out. This program changed the life of my buddy Jason Scheff from the band Chicago, so I'm diving in as well!
Thanks to all the Angels for their support. I hope to see you all out there this summer!!

Check out upcoming information about Loren Gold on these sites:
www.lorengold.com
www.myspace.com/lorengold
www.logofitness.com

Taylor's Angels wishes to thank Loren Gold for this interview. And we wish him much success in his future endevours!

Written by Cydter
Video Credits: Paythedevil,Stacyr311,jedda007
Photo Credits: Ragsqueen

Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Soul Patrol, Taylor's Angels

American Idol Inspires Idol Radio

American Idol Inspires Idol Radio

If you’re a big American Idol fan then you have more than likely heard of IdolRadio hosted by “Sir Darryl”. What started as a hobby has turned into a full time job of hosting radio shows heard throughout the internet.

In just a few short years, Sir Darryl’s shows have gone from just one show discussing American Idol to being heard on 14 radio networks. According to Darryl, it’s the “most listened to show on the net.”

Stop by on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 p.m. Eastern and Thursday at 10 p.m. Eastern and you’ll hear all-American Idol talk—complete with Darryl’s wonderful, smooth radio voice and a host of callers anxious to give their take on that week’s show or their favorite Idol.

We thought it would be interesting to find out more about the man behind the voice and asked Darryl for an interview. Boy were we in for a treat! Sit back and listen to this entertaining and informative interview with Taylor’s Angels and Darryl. Find out how he got started, who his Idol is, and what he REALLY thinks about Taylor Hicks!

You can visit Darryl’s website at www.idolradioshow.com at any time to listen to the many, many archived shows, including interviews with several former American Idols, as well as many other entertainers.


Idol Radio Show from cydter on Vimeo.

Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Soul Patrol, Taylor's Angels

A Taylor Hicks Fan Touches The Lives Of Children

One of the most rewarding aspects of being one of Taylor's Angels has been working with the children's charities. They are our littlest angels who deserve every bit of happiness they can have in the lives. Taylor Hicks has shown his love for children in all the various charities he has supported and continuous to work with.
A Soul Patrol member named Kimberly (KTINTN) caught my attention this past year. She is a huge supporter of Taylor Hicks and does some remarkable work with the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis. We asked Kimberly to tell us a bit about herself and her work. I think you will find what I found. An extraordinary woman with a heart full of love.


TA: If someone were to describe you, what would they say?

I had to actually ask someone else this question, as this is not one I can answer myself. LoL!
Their response: Cute, fun, smart, great friend, willing to help in any way possible, great personality, hard worker, cares for friends and her family, music lover, dedicated to helping with things that are close to her heart.

TA: How did you become a fan of Taylor Hicks?

The moment, he uttered the words "I was born by the river", I knew this was someone to watch out for. Not for just the obvious talent, but for the fact that he broke the mold of what had been pushed in front of us in previous years. Amazing talent has come out of Idol, but for me Bo Bice & Taylor Hicks were & still are the stand-outs.

TA: Have you attended any concerts ? If so, tell us your favorite memory.

A concert I have not attended, yet! Due to timing and unfortunate circumstance I could not go when he was in town for a show. That will change when he does come thru town again, hopefully in the near future. Luckily, I was able to attend his Memphis book signing. On that same day he donated a handful of signed books, CDs & a Poster Board for a Fundraiser we were having that very weekend for Ronald McDonald House of Memphis. We thank you again, Taylor.

TA: Has Taylor inspired you in any particular area of your life?

I was already involved in charity work before Taylor came along, but like many others, it was not until he did, that I used music, good music, his music to help promote the different events we have held & will continue to hold. We have also shared his music as well as others by donating their albums to those who could not acquire it themselves.

TA: You volunteer for various charities. Can you tell us about that and why charitable giving is so important to you? How did you become involved with each of them?

I volunteer w/ a handful of our local children's charities; Ronald McDonald House of Memphis being closest to my heart. As a child, I myself had spent time long periods of time in the hospital for unrelated reasons. We had visitors from different organizations and even though I was young, I appreciated what they did for us. Thru the years, I realized that this experience had only made me stronger mentally, emotionally & spiritually. Knowing what a child can go thru in a challenging time in their young life, I'm now able to give back. If there is anyway for me to help and make it easier on them, then that is what I need to & will do.

TA: What do you consider to be your strongest attribute that has helped you deal with life's challenges?

One word, FAITH. To quote George Michael, "you got to have Faith". My faith in myself & the lord above is the main reason why I have the ability thru my disability to go thru everyday life.

TA: What are your hobbies and what do you enjoy doing with your free time?

Good music obviously, travelling when possible. I'm also a major movie & art buff. Plus, when time permits I like to squeeze in a good book and a round of 'Outburst' & or Poker w/ friends.



There is no better donation than a donation from the heart. Whether you are giving of your time, or generously providing an in-kind or a monetary donation. Taylor's Angels wishes to thank Kimberly for answering our questions and wish her well as she continues her wonderful work.

Upcoming events for the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis:
03/13/08 to 03/14/08 -- RMH Radiothon 2008

Summertime (Date TBA) -- RMH Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival




Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis (RMH) is a 501( c ) 3 charity, and while it proudly serves St. Jude families, it is not a St. Jude facility. The Ronald McDonald House of Memphis must raise its own funds through donations and special events to support the $2 million plus per year operating budget. In addition to operating expenses, the House took on an expansion debt in 1999 to accommodate other families in need; we are still working to pay down this debt. Another major misconception about the Ronald McDonald House is that it is operated by the McDonald’s Corporation. While McDonald’s Corporation along with our local Owner/Operators are very generous to the House, we only receive about 9% of our total operating budget from these entities. At the Ronald McDonald House, families can sleep in a warm bed, take a shower in their private bathroom and prepare and eat meals in a spacious, cheerful kitchen. Families, also, have access to a fitness room, meditation room, one of three laundry rooms, a park with playground, a basketball court, and a pavilion. More importantly, families find the support and comfort of others who share the experience of having a very sick child. All families stay free of charge.

Written by: Cydter



Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Soul Patrol, Taylor's Angels