VOA News - American Idol Taylor Hicks Releases Major Label Debut

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.