The Taylor Hicks Community

In the News ~ "Whomp at the Warfield"

Taylor Hicks
Soul Thing ~ 2007

Idol alums find more than 15 minutes of fame
A blogger recently took an interesting look at who among the American Idol alums would be able to sustain their careers post-Idol. Taylor Hicks was among her alphabetical list of 15.

"...Idol alums are finding it more and more difficult to sustain momentum after their time in the American Idol spotlight is over. So what will it take to keep their careers going into the future? Diversification is key to extending a run on the show into a lasting career. ...Touring is providing the Lion's Share of income, while Broadway is cherry picking the stage proven performers. Film and TV offers are also in the works for many. Diversification is key and these alums must work hard to maintain momentum.

"Which idol alum are most likely to achieve long-term success in the entertainment industry?"

"Taylor Hicks (2006 Season Five, Winner)
Hicks utilized his decade of experience as a professional singer-songwriter/musician/performer to sail to Idol victory. His joyful, uninhibited performances and soulful voice mobilized an enthusiastic fanbase dubbed the "Soul Patrol". Post-Idol, He debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his single "Do I Make You Proud". The album "Taylor Hicks" debuted at #2 and was certified platinum, but sales soon flatlined due to the music industry's lack of interest in promoting the 30 year old's hybrid rock/soul/blues sound. Touring proved his strength when he became the first alum to come directly off the show as a successful solo concert headlining act, a status he maintains to this day. After a mutual split from Arista, Hicks went indie, formed his own music company and produced 2009's "The Distance" and the 2010 concert DVD "Whomp At The Warfield". In summer 2008, Hicks surprised many with his Broadway debut as "Teen Angel" in Grease. The part went over so well that he was subsequently offered a lucrative deal as their marquee star on the national tour. His box office draw has the charismatic Clooney look-alike fielding future Broadway, TV and film offers. Hicks emphasis on business and artistic control as well as a tireless touring mindset has him in the game for the long term." (Jayelle Hartley, salon.com/blog)

"Whomp at the Warfield" shows this "tireless touring mindset" that "has him in the game for the long term."

"Soul Thing" MP3 from "Taylor Hicks" post-Idol debut album and "Whomp at the Warfield" setlist; photo credit unknown: Taylor at the Warfield 5.9.07

"Whomp at the Warfield," the first live concert DVD by Taylor Hicks, is bringing back the "whomp" of his very successful Modern Whomp Solo Tour in 2007. Recorded in San Francisco in May, 2007, at the historic Warfield Theatre, this hi-energy in hi-def performance by Taylor and a "kick ass" back up band presents Taylor live on stage where he has always excelled.

The 84-minute professionally produced DVD from Image Entertainment includes an extensive interview with Taylor, who talks about "whomp," fans, and touring. "Whomp at the Warfield" presents 16 tracks plus some interesting "tags" tucked into the R&B, rock and blues set list. Taylor performs two extra acoustic songs during the interview that are not seen anywhere else.

The "kick ass" band that could rock any stage by itself is lauded by Taylor as the "best" he has ever performed with. It includes: Loren Gold, musical director, keyboards and vocals; Felix Pollard, drums; Brian Gallagher, saxophones, flute, percussion; Josh Smith, guitars; Al Carty, bass; Brian Less, organ and vocals; Melanie Nyema, vocals and percussion.

Order now at: Amazon.com Whomp at the Warfield

Whomp is back!

Follow TaylorRHicks on twitter
"Played Harp with Rascal Flats in lobby bar at the hotel we were staying at for the game!!"

"@TaylorRHicks: I have a special Holiday gift for everyone. Visit www.taylorhicks.com for the treat!" Taylor is giving away a download of his concert at WorkPlay, September 26, 2009!    www.taylorhicks.com

"Grease" and Teen Angel are back on stage in St. Louis
"Grease" opens at the fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis Jan. 12 for a new year run through January 24 with Taylor Hicks starring as Teen Angel and Ace Young starring as Danny.

No "Summer Days" for "Grease":
January 26-31 ~~ Protors Theatre, Schenectady, NY
February 9-21 ~~ The National Theatre, Washington, DC
February 23-28 ~~ Marcus Theatre, Milwaukee, WI

"Whomp at the Warfield"
    Gonna Move
    Give Me Tonight
    Heart and Soul
    Just to Feel That Way
    My Friend
    The Deal
    Hold On to Your Love
    Wherever I Lay My Hat
    Soul Thing
    Heaven Knows
    The Maze
    The Right Place
    The Runaround
    The Fall
    Badge
    Naked in the Jungle