Taylor Hicks Maps Out New Territory

"American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks has extended his current tour deeper into summer as the "Soul Patrol" leader continues to back his self-titled debut album.

Hicks continues a streak of non-stop touring that began back in February with a month's worth of fresh dates, including 08/01 first of back-to-back shows in Vicksburg, MS. The new leg then hits a number of Northeastern locales before dipping down into Florida and Texas.

Hicks swept Fox TV's "American Idol" competition a year ago and released his self-titled debut in December. The album, produced by Grammy winner Matt Serletic (Rob Thomas, Matchbox Twenty), entered The Billboard 200 chart at No. 2.

The set's first single, "Do I Make You Proud," hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became the magazine's best-selling single of 2006, according to Hicks' website. The most recent single from the album, "Heaven Knows," peaked at No. 27 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. A streaming version of that song and others can be heard at the singer's MySpace page.

Hicks released an autobiographical book in July and spent some time in bookstores last month promoting the tome and doing in-store signings. The singer has also lined up an extensive slate of radio and TV appearances to sell the book, which owns the lengthy title "Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way."

Tour dates are below:

08/01 - Vicksburg, MS - Ameristar Casino
08/02 - Vicksburg, MS - Ameristar Casino
08/03 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum
08/04 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
08/05 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater
08/09 - Watertown, NY - Watertown Fairgrounds Arena
08/10 - Torrington, CT - Warner Theatre
08/11 - Lincoln, RI - Twin River Events Center
08/12 - Portland, ME - Merrill Auditorium
08/16 - Poughkeepsie, NY - Mid-Hudson Civic Center Hall
08/17 - Concord, NH - Capitol Center for the Arts
08/18 - St. George, NY - St. George Theatre
08/19 - Toms River, NJ - Ritacco Center
08/24 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
08/25 - Pompano Beach, FL - Pompano Beach Amphitheatre
08/26 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live
08/31 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
09/01 - Charenton, LA - Cypress Bayou Casino
09/06 - Buffalo, NY - Seneca Niagara Casino
09/08 - Bethel Woods, NY - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
09/09 - Wantagh, NY - Jones Beach Theater

Thanks for the info to Livedaily.com.

Comments

[Trytan]

y is there taylor hicks news on UG?

[rad_star]

wtf is this doing on here?

[xXevenflowXx]

taylor hicks and american idol are pure crap.

[RickGardiner]

I just died a lot inside.

[Tom Hunt]

Until you have heard this musician in concert, don't judge. He's not AI material - just played the game. Best concert I've been to in years. His group totally rocks.

Tom

[Nipper]

I agree Tom - Hicks puts on one heck of a show full of all the blues, soul and pop you could ever ask for. I was also surprised that he wrote so many original songs, which were quite good. I'd definitely see him again.

[sebby]

This guy is so far away from typical American Idol fare. His band is second to none. See a show if you can. Then comment.

[Thud4Taylor]

I saw Taylor in Atlanta at the Tabernacle and then again in Spartanburg S.C. and he just left me speechless. He is a fantastic performer and singer. You just never know what Taylor will do next on stage. His entire show is packed full of energy and excitement. If you go to a concert to be entertain then this is the one for you. His band is exceptional and he is quite the musician playing the guitar and the harmonica. I just absolutely love Taylor Hicks and will be a fan of his for life. You just do not want the show to end. I could have stayed there all night watching him and his band. He connects with his fans on a high level. I can't wait to see him again....

[JohnnyDel]

I have to agree with Tom, this guy rocks. He's far from what AI puts out. Now if they had Soul Idol, Hicks would win hands down. His music is far from the pop crap that's played until you're ready to puke. Check out those tour dates and get to see him if you can, you won't be disappointed.