Goat Milker, Dog Whisperer, and Cattle Driver..John Henry move over...

Taylor Hicks sent out a Twitter message on September 2, it read: "Goat Milker, Dog Whisperer, and Cattle Driver..John Henry move over..." Quite clever considering what he's been doing while in and around Ft. Worth and Dallas during his time here with the national touring production of "Grease".

Taylor Hicks has been saying in the local interviews how he loves Texas, and the appreciation seems to be reciprocated. He's been doing the interview circuits and the DFW media has been very kind to him. Well everyone with exception of one particular member of the audience as we can see in this upcoming video.

The Dog whisperer: 'Tough crowd' indeed. Yes, whispering and singing, and harmonica playing, but Burt the Basset hound mix can't be persuaded to move. Pooch looks rather like my basset mixed mutt, Cody. Energy is just not their thing.



"Seven Mile Breakdown" on FOX 4:

(He just can't stop singing about me.)

Channel 5 Interview with Bobbie Wygant:


The Channel 11 CBS interview with Taylor Hicks.

Now regarding reference to the goat, apparently Mr. Hicks had some sort of appearance in Victory Park and there were goats involved; have not located footage on that as of yet. The Cattle Driver portion of his message on Twitter, an obvious reference to the daily cattle drive that takes place in the Ft. Worth stockyards.

That sums up the catching up I was able to do this morning on the whats, wheres of Taylor Hicks in Dallas. Still haven't heard back on that barbeque invitation. I guess perhaps next time. Happy Trails, Taylor Hicks.

Taylor Hicks Comes to Town

Taylor Hicks headlining the national touring production of "Grease" skid into town this week. The show is being presented at the great Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth.

Gary Cogill, one of my favorite local entertainment reporters writes, "Bass Hall is the perfect place for shows like Grease. The big voices ring acoustically true to the top tier, especially the female cast members - they seem much more alive and together on stage, than the boys.

The sets are basic at best, but the ensemble dance numbers are staged beautifully, and bathed in bright colorful lights, hitting the hand jive at just the right level.

The leads, Sandy and Danny, are played-well by Broadway veterans Emily Padgett and Eric Schneider. He's less like Travolta, she's much more Sandra Dee.

Grease is being advertised with American Idol winner Taylor Hicks as the headliner, but don't be deceived, He sings one song in act two, and for a few brief minutes, it's a funny, well-placed parody of himself.

Grease is a ticket well-purchased, and stick around for the encore, you'll finally see more of Taylor Hicks."

Apparently, while I was out taking care of business, I missed Taylor Hicks' visit on Good Morning Texas. From what I understand the show aired from Victory Park and there was goat milking involved while Taylor blew harmonica. Now doesn't that sound entertaining? Damn, it's just not been the best week.

I asked my Darling Man if he had gone out and bought front row seating for "Grease" and his response was "*snort*". I took that as a 'no'. Now if Taylor Hicks had decided to do a pub-stop show while he's in town, either Darling would have had to accompany me, or I'd have had to haul someone else to the show.

Scrolling through the Google alerts on Mr. Hicks this title grabbed my attention, "Gay Panic in Fort Worth, Best Burgers and Taylor Hicks Defenders", posted in the Houston Press. At first, knowing Taylor was in Ft. Worth, it seemed the Gay community was somehow in a panic at his being there, then everyone settled down and went out for burgers. Seriously, look at that title.

What is the actual case, this posting simply a series of Houston Press commenters remarking on the Redneck cop situation in Cow Town. Apparently the local officers were going around and raiding the newly established Gay restaurant/bars that have recently opened.

You see, dear readers, Ft. Worth, or as we affectionately refer to it as Cow Town, is quite different than Dallas. Dallas is the shinier metropolitan haven for all things urban and modern, whereas Ft. Worth... well we don't call it Cow Town for nothing.

The burger reference had to do with an article from the tony Texas Monthly in which the writer seemed to think ambience trumps flavorful eats, which is absolute rubbish. The writer in the Houston Press winds up the article nicely with, "Atmosphere is in the mind of the beholder, but any way you score it, Rockwell's burgers blow away Texas Monthly's Houston burger choices. Don't take my word for it. Go eat a Rockwell Tavern burger and see for yourself." Now next trip down toward Houston I may have to do just that. Cypress is a little community just NE of Houston.

So to sum that up, the Gay community in Cow Town being upset has nothing to do with Taylor Hicks and the burgers were only eaten by Robb Walsh and friends. For entertainment value you might want to peruse this link just for the readers' comments. Now I'm hungry. Oh and hey, the other day I actually invited Mr. Hicks over for some Texas Bar-b-Que. Still haven't heard back. I guess he's busy.

Taylor Hicks, a song for you while you're hanging out here in my neck of Texas.

"Cow Town" George Straight

On the Road Again: Taylor Hicks Goes to Philly

Taylor Hicks should be, if he isn't all ready there, on his way to Philadelphia, PA for another run at "Grease". Jonathan Takiff from philly.com wrote a glowing piece about Mr. Hicks that came out today, From stolen album to stolen hearts ... This Idol's in heaven. The article gives a nod to past history of Taylor's start up on Idol and the resulting circumstance of his career while providing a positive write up on the new album, "The Distance".

Dairy Cones on Grease

Riding inside an ice cream cone. It's all in a day's work really. Taylor Hicks rides almost daily inside a glittery, approximately nine foot tall dairy confection to emerge singing and harmonica playing, city to city to the tune of "Beauty School Drop Out".

It seems that Mr. Hicks is also fully embracing the inner cheese behind the entire "Grease" premise now that he's hit The Cheese State of Wisconsin. He's decided to pay tribute to all the cheesy goodness therein by adding a lovely Cheesehead crown to his sparkly Nudie suit ensemble. I think it's actually working, your thoughts dear readers? I say keep it, why not?

What initially began as a Summer stint on Broadway in the reality show driven latest spin off of "Grease" (The One That You Want...) has developed into a long term proposition for Mr. Hicks. He's been traveling with the national touring company of the originally Broadway production now for months and it seems contracts have been penned to have him continue with this production into 2010. Then what? Perhaps yet another contract to continue riding that ice cream into infinity and beyond.

Taylor Hicks, as written in another one of my rambling blog posts, has a presence on Twitter and so does his featured sidekick in his Dairy adventures. The sidekick is retaining an air of mystery regarding whom they might actually be; goes by the name, Dairy Cone. Claiming to be possibly a male version of a dairy treat behind their Snow Miser's image, they're proving to be entertaining to some of the current Taylor Hicks fans on the social networking site. For anyone yet not introduced to Dairy Cone, click that link and give 'em a big "howdy". We hope they'll stick around a while sharing their creamy observations of The Big Boss Man.

The Dairy Cone characterization reminds me of certain fishy characters that swam the boards when Mr. Hicks was on Idol. Anyone remember the "Goldfish Patrol" threads at the Official idolonfox.com boards? The fish, Ray and Lamont, provided "spoilers" for "Daddy's" fans - to jog anyone's memory or fill in for anyone not familiar just a quickie reminder from mj'sbigblog.

Speculation of who was actually running the Ray and Lamont storylines throughout the show's run brought some mystery but to hand it to the guy's behind the fish, it was effective interest-catching advertising for Mr. Hicks. Ray and Lamont even had their own accessories lines popping up with merchandise, still on-line. That lends me pause, perhaps Dairy Cone need consider the same thing eventually? A line of magnets, pins, t-shirts, visors. Well, it might be a tad early for that yet.

Now of course, as Dairy Cone refers to him, The Boss Man, has had some musical gigs promoting his relatively (taken in the context of time) recently released CD, "The Distance". He's done intimate venues such as Roxy's in LA and that coffee shop bar in San Francisco. He'll be heading back to California to do a July 4th gig for KFROG’s Red, White & Cruise Concert and Fireworks Extravaganza in Fontana. Now since I have to support Darling Man and his show here in Dallas, same day, no fly out to Fontana for me.

Well, perhaps we've someone new to add to the Taylor Hicks' cast of characters populating the man's career. Speaking of characters, let me serve up some Ice Cream for Crows.

Captain Beefheart

Taylor Hicks, Left Hand Meet Right Hand, Definitely Rhinestones

Reading on a few Taylor Hicks' blog sites today, word out he's moving the date into March for the CD and the DVD releases. Curious George that I am, I went checking the A2M site. On that site it appears the date for the CD remains in February, although they have above the information the word, "tentatively". That would be wise for Mr. Hicks to start taking note of - and perhaps in future release announcements add that word. The site seems somewhat delayed on Taylor Hicks' information as well, with his CD title still "TBA" instead of "The Distance" - unless that title still a possible change as well. If you're in doubt, check out the site yourself, I will comment that the Artist 2 Market website has a new, high tech, complex look. Takes a while to load even for my badboy computer.

One thing for sure, Taylor Hicks will be continuing his Rhinestone Teen Angel role in "Grease". Discussion today over at the Wordpress site, It's All Grey worked over the CD issue and lead to this little blast from the way-back past when rhinestones were the modèle du jour; remember Porter Waggoner?

Wait, I can't stop there, I'm on a rhinestone roll - here's to the guy that cried for Taylor when he won Idol:

video c/o the artist29
*giggles*

Soul Asylum shows how this song should be covered - Heinie in hand and drunk.

Thanks to go2ski for this video. Man, time to slide on my boots, go pick up a six pack to spin some Glen Campbell on the turntable later.

Taylor Hicks: The One That You Want?

That is how that song in "Grease" goes, right? Taylor Hicks ends his Summer of fun on the Great White Way, supposedly hanging up that spangled suit and gray pompadour wig - or is he? Stephen Buntrock is slated to resume the role of Teen Angel in New York, but is this the last of the harmonica playing Angel Taylor Hicks created for the show? From what I have heard in the Rumor Mill, Mr. Hicks may be headed out West. If that word holds any Truth, I may be able to see him in that Ice Cream Cone yet, but is that the best route for him to take?

Granted the 1800's brought many intrepid pioneers venturing West in search of fame and fortune. But should Taylor Hicks follow suit, would this bring him The real Deal or would he come out of it with a bucket of Pyrite? Remember, all that glitters is not Gold.

Reports this Summer said Taylor Hicks was bringing in an average of $150,000.00 a week over the previous average weekly draws. Taylor Hicks gave the role his own slant and brought a new and fun definition to the minor role. He expanded the minor part to a rollicking celebration; his Teen Angel emerged from the Plastic Ice Cream Cone with a different kind of harp and apparently toward the end, some cowbell - he knows how some folks love that cowbell...

Of course this is just rumored speculation and blog-talk but should Taylor be presented with this venture as a reality would or should he take it? Where does the art begin and where does it end? For that matter what is the definition of 'art' in the vocabulary Mr. Hicks operates? In the words of one of those well-known gossip rag-mags, "Enquiring" minds want to know.

Neil Young "After the Gold Rush"

video c/o randalcraig
"Fool's Gold" Amy Winehouse

video c/o goldtoof1188

Sweet Crackers, Misspellings and a Flash

Taylor Hicks provided an interview with MTV's Jim Cantiello about his "Grease" gig and the influences behind his Teen Angel portrayal. In the article, "Taylor Hicks Channels Elvis..." written by MTV's Jim Cantiello, Mr. Hicks describes the characterization of his Teen Angel as;

“It’s a really cool part,” he said. “The Teen Angel comes down and tells Frenchy she should put down her teasing comb and go back to high school. I’ve kind of channeled Elvis, a little Graham Parsons and Liberace, all at the same time, for this role. It was just a perfect fit and a way for me to experience the Broadway stage in a small dose, instead of a full role. I come out in the second act. I pop in from an ice-cream cone, in a blue rhinestone suit, and rock it out for a few minutes.”

I get the Liberace comparison with the rhinestones and that pompador hairdo that Taylor Hicks wears for the role, and of course he'd toss in Elvis because, well, it is Elvis. But apparently the MTV guy or someone wasn't familiar with "Graham" Parsons. For one, they misspelled his name, which should read, 'Gram' Parsons, not like the sweet cracker spelling. (click photo)

Now, I'm not seeing anything about Gram Parsons in Mr. Hicks' portrayal of Teen Angel but the light bulb flashed in my mind on the 'why' of Parsons being mentioned. I've read statements from Mr. Hicks in which he listed the Flying Burrito Brothers as a favorite and so that targets his being a fan of the late, underrated and talented Gram Parsons, but again, associating Parsons with the character in "Grease" a big stretch.

Taylor Hicks' fans, I'll share my little beam of light toward my thoughts on Gram Parsons, since it's not likely many of Hicks' mainstream fans are cognizant of who he was. Gram, over time, has become something of a cult figure in the music business. During Parsons' actual short lifetime he just missed that mark of hitting it big, and today, like I said, it's doubtful anyone but a music historian or music buff of this genre would know his name off the top of their head, now. That could be a likely excuse for a reporter or MTV editor to misspell the man's name. Hell MTV is more concerned over their mind zapping insipid, IQ deficit reality show fare over anything much to do with real music anymore anyway.

As it stands, Gram Parsons is now referred to as one of the pioneers behind the country-rock phenomenon that hit during the late 60s and early 70s. Parsons was a member of the Byrds at one time, and was that creative force driving "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" a country themed compilation released in 1968, considered by music aficionados as a classic of its time.

Most fans of music other than Pop, should recognize the name, "Flying Burrito Brothers", a band that was founded by Mr. Parsons. He was also instrumental in helping Emmylou Harris get her start in the industry when he invited her to sing on his solo album, GP, in 1973. He was a friend to the Rolling Stones and cast influence in their "Exile on Main Street" album. He was pals with Elvis Costello and Linda Ronstadt. You can also hear his influence in works by the Eagles, Tom Petty and New Riders of the Purple Sage (loved that band) and Pure Prairie League ("Amie") Sadly Gram Parsons died way too early from an accidental overdose, a lethal combination of alcohol and morphine.

Taylor Hicks has referred to his new CD to have somewhat of a country flavor. This is where and The Why Mr. Hicks is bringing up Gram Parsons' name. The new CD is reported to have a bit of a country music flair to it - steel guitars, that vibe. Man, it's smacked me upside the head this morning, I got it. Mr. Hicks once communicated about what he meant by the name, "Modern Whomp", his intention and ideals. Yes, man, what a great way to be reviewed later in the music annals as doing what Parsons did for the rock music scene back in his day - to be able to cast a new music vibe in today's era. Everyone has to have a dream, man. Taylor Hicks you are dreaming large, baby. A Change-a-Gonna Come, indeed.

Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris rocking out the Liberty Hall, Houston, Texas:


"In the late sixties they pioneered the country rock sound. They were never really a commercial success, but they were one of the most influential bands of the rock era, blending hillbilly soul and raucous rock. They paved the way for artists like the Eagles, Garth Brooks, Dwight Yoakam and others. Founding members Chris Hillman and Gram Hillman called it cosmic American music. The melding of acoustic instrumentation interrupted by searing electric guitar riffs was certainly a sound new to the music scene. Although the Gram and Hillman managed to stay together for only 3 years and 3 albums, their music would far outlast their shortened career."
quote from youtube source

Taylor Hicks Early Works, Big News - and a Canadian 'Leprechaun'

Taylor Hicks' compilation album, "Early Works" is currently available for early pre-release purchase. The information on Amazon provides no details on the song list but Mr. Hicks has revealed in numerous interviews that the CD is composed of his "In Your Time" and "Under the Radar" tunes. The always seemingly enigmatic Mr. Hicks hasn't provided any further details on the contents of the CD or whether the tunes have undergone remastering.

He gave a satellite interview aired on MyFox6 in Birmingham, AL, recapping that fateful barbeque sandwich that lead him to the theater gig. First ever meat sandwich that held the answer to a Big decision, I'm guessing.

I'm sure everyone has seen this video with Taylor Hicks singing "Beauty School Drop-Out" to the gal who plays Frenchie in the production. Mr. Hicks sounds a little hoarse, the NYC allergens might have been messing with him that morning.



The Big News you ask? Check out this blog for the MTV.com scoop on more clues regarding what Mr. Hicks may have up his Teen Angel suit sleeves.

Now for the not-so-wee leprechaun part of this blog. As many may know I play with the 'Worster' crowd from time to time. Canadian Idol just went down to their Top Ten and one of my favorites Stoner Spazz-Master who claims his dance moves choreographed by leprechauns makes the cut.
Earl Stevenson, Leprechaun stomp dancer extraordinare:

Here's Earl Monster Mashing:

Man I hope Mookie Morris goes through too. Canadian Idol is a kick.