It`s All About the Soul Patrol!
Transcription
It`s All About the Soul Patrol!
Sep 07 SoulConnection The Volume 1 Number 11 Page 2 •SPer of the Month Page 3 •Ray Charles – Part 4 Pages 4-13 •Question of the Month Page 8 •The New Backyard Fence Page 10 •Websites! Page 12 •How To Enjoy a Concert Page 13 •All About the Music •Stress Relief Pages 14 -15 •Happy 1st Anniversary Pages 16-17 •Fan Site Shout Out Page 18 •Idols Live 2006 Tour Success •New Orleans Is Back Page 19 •NESP Update Page 20 •Song of the Month •Sun Signs Page 21 •KOPS In Action Page 22 •Cartoon •Soul Patrol Special Events •Taylor Trivia •Noteworthy It’s All About the Soul Patrol! Volumes upon volumes of email messages, message board posts, web site comments, blog entries, and celebrity interviews – both in print and online – have appeared about Taylor Hicks since his AI5 audition.Some disappeared quietly – some not so quietly – and some still flame bright and strong. Charleston SC 6.30.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Joanna Heberling In this Issue: The Soul Connection celebrates its 1st anniversary with this issue. At this point in time we are the only fan magazine – or ezine – devoted to supporting and promoting Taylor as a musician and artist as he continues his musical journey. We also join with the many wonderful Taylor web sites that help the Soul Patrol stay united as a fanbase. The idea for a fanbase newsletter was born in the hearts of fans at the AI boards who had bonded as a group. Before publishing the first issue, however, the founding editor had to step away from the newsletter due to health reasons. When a thread was posted calling for someone to step in to publish the first issue, I was taking a quick coffee break at work, logged on to the AI Taylor boards, and read through the thread. I didn’t want this group of dedicated fans to work so hard writing articles and not be able to see their newsletter published. So I contacted the founding editor to tell her I could help publish the first issue with her reporters. with it for so long. Hickschicks792 aka Leah faithfully interviews our featured Soul Patroller each month. And Mammascrush continues to delight all of us each month with her on-target, very funny cartoons. Eleven issues later I’m still here. Since that day, The Soul Connection has published 169 pages of text and photos in 11 issues. When I realized last year that a second issue of the newsletter would not happen if I didn’t continue as publisher and editor, I called upon four of the most talented, organized, and creative people I’ve ever known to join me as the Editorial Board of The Soul Connection. I am very very lucky to have the support of Linda Coke, Patti LeMaster, and Susan Truby, who provide ideas, guidance, and steadfastly support Taylor, me, and this ezine. Their hearts and souls help me keep every issue of The Soul Connection lively, fun, and informative. I certainly haven’t done this alone. From the very beginning Soul Patrol reporters and photographers eagerly provided copy and photos for publication. In fact, two of the original reporters still contribute each month, and I thank them for their willingness to stick THANK YOU ALL for your faithfulness to The Soul Connection and your Soul Patrol family during our first year of publication. With your help, The Soul Connection will continue to nourish and feed our hearts and souls as we support and promote Taylor and his music. ;p Soul Patroller of the Month – Rina! Submitted by HicksChicks792 have had my vote though. This month Rina is our featured Soul Patroller. What is your favorite Taylor performance of all time? Now that is a tough question. The one that touches my heart the most is his audition. He was just so innocent and loveable, how could you resist him? I also enjoyed “Play that Funky Music White Boy.” I jumped up and danced right along with him. My son thought I was pretty crazy during the AI5 season. He couldn’t watch it with me because of all the screaming, clapping, and wooing going on LOL! Tell us about yourself – things some of us may not know? I’m not sure what I could tell you that you might not already know. I’m a single Mom and have a wonderful 13-year-old son Michael. My real name is Marina. I’m a big Disney fan! Growing up I always wanted to be an actress, sometimes I still do. I was in theater class in high school and one of my classmates was Lori Laughlin (of the TV show Full House). Obviously she made it and I didn’t. . .LOL! How much time do you spend on the Taylor boards each day? I sign on in the morning while having my coffee, catching up on everything Taylor and to see what’s happening with my Soul Patrol family. I also check throughout the day and night. I guess I should list the Taylor forums as a hobby! What do your family and friends think of Taylor? My friends and family don’t really talk much about Taylor. I’m still working on Taylorizing them. Some of them did watch AI5, but didn’t come to know the Taylor we all know and love. How early did you start posting on the boards? I began posting on March 14, 2006 and I haven’t stopped LOL! At what point during AI5 did you become a fan of Taylor? Honestly at his audition. There was just something about him that totally drew me in. And when Simon said that he wouldn’t make it, something inside me said. . .this guy is going to win! Were you part of the early voting regarding naming the Soul Patrol? No, unfortunately I wasn’t. Soul Patrol would What is your favorite song on Taylor’s new CD? I’ve always loved “Heaven Knows.” I love the beat and I love when Taylor gives that little. . .uh! Which concerts have you attended on Taylor’s Solo Tour? I went to the concerts at Westbury and thanks to my dear friend Headlight, she surprised me with tickets to see Taylor at Tags in Big Flats NY for my birthday. I was supposed to go to Atlantic City, but due to unfortunate circumstances I couldn’t. I’ll be going to see Taylor at The Mid-Hudson Civic Center and also Jones Beach with Earth, Wind, & Fire. Have you seen other Taylor performances (besides his solo tour)? I did see two of Taylor’s AI5 performances, one in Bham and one here on Long Island. I was also lucky enough to see his performance at WorkPlay and the Oasis in Bham 06. That was a magical night. If you had a choice to do the whole AI5 experience all over again, would you do it? 100% YES, absolutely, definitely without a doubt! Did I say yes? :) How has another Soul Patroller affected your life in a positive way? I have met some very wonderful people along the 2 way. Some I truly consider not just friends, but family. I don’t think there is one Soul Patroller who hasn’t affected my life in a positive way. Being a Taylor fan is so much more than just going to concerts, it’s a lifetime journey and I’m happy to have the Soul Patrol as my family to travel along with me. Do you have any other favorite artists? I’m a big James Taylor fan. I also like Billy Joel, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Carole King, Carly Simon, there’s a bunch more. I pretty much like any type of music, but of course Taylor is at the top of my list. Who would you like to see Taylor do a duet with, and what song? I would love to see Taylor do a duet with Ray Charles. Similar to the one Natalie Cole did with her late father Nat King Cole. I think this would be the ultimate duet! Do you have any hobbies? I guess you could say eBay is my hobby. Aside from being on the Taylor boards, I spend a lot of time on eBay. I also like to crochet and do crafts. Ray’s Career Soars With ABC – Paramount Submitted by Jacque Jones Ray dropped his last name, Robinson, and just started going by the name Ray Charles while he recorded for Atlantic Records. By the late 1950s he was being called “The Genius” by the recording industry. Ray would not settle for just one particular style or genre. He was now performing jazz, rhythm and blues (the newly combined genres of R&B), and gospel (called soul), and a little country. Then in late February 1958 he recorded a song combining a Latin-esque blues riff with gospel doing a call-and-response vocal with the Raelettes, which resulted in the monster smash “What’d I Say.” This song became his first crossover hit, reaching #6 on the Pop chart and #1 on the R&B chart in 1959. Afterwards, Ray did two sessions in May and June of 1959 that turned back to jazz and the big band. These sessions were combined for the release of The Genius of Ray Charles. Half of the album featured his long-time friend Quincy Jones who directed an all-star big band consisting of alumni mainly from the Count Basie Orchestra. This release brought Ray two of his first four Grammy Awards in 1960, one in the Best Rhythm & Blues Performance category and another in the Best Vocal Performance Album, Male category. All of this contributed to ABC – Paramount making Ray an offer that was just too good to pass up. His loyalty to Atlantic was very strong, but when he gave them a chance to meet the offer, they couldn’t match it and wished him the best with ABC. One of the chief attractions to ABC was the degree of artistic control they gave Ray. In March 1960 he had a session that was a superb success. The album The Genius Hits the Road was produced with one of the recordings being Hoagy Carmichael’s tune “Georgia on My Mind.” This song earned Ray his two other Grammy Awards in the Best Vocal Performance Single Record Track, Male and Best Performance by a Pop Singer Artist categories. In August 1960 he recorded another album Fourth in a Series titled Dedicated to You, which produced the hit song “Ruby” arranged by Marty Paich, that topped the charts near the end of 1960. Then in December 1960 Ray joined Quincy Jones and the Count Basie alumni again to produce his best jazz album ever. Titled Genius + Soul = Jazz, this album featured “One Mint Julep” which went to #8 on the Pop chart and to #1 on the R&B chart in 1961. Ray’s next chart hit in 1961 was bigger than ever. “Hit the Road Jack” topped both the Pop chart and the R&B chart at #1. He also won a Grammy in 1961 for the Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. Amazingly, this song received these honors before the album was released in 1961, evidence of the power of the 45 RPM record medium. Then Ray did, what was believed by many, the unthinkable. He decided to venture into the country and western genre of music. But not only was he a big success, he forever changed its face when on June 1, 1962 the landmark album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music was released. His renditions of some of the greatest songs written in the country music field put a new energy and soul into the recordings. It made other artists reassess their opinions about country songs. Also, it beckoned a wide range of music fans to listen to what country music and country songwriters had to offer. Some of the songs on the album included such greats as “Bye Bye, Love” by the Everly Brothers; “Half as Much,” “Hey Good Lookin’,” and “You Win Again” by Hank Williams Sr.; “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Don Gibson; and “Just a Little Lovin” and “You Don’t Know Me” by Eddy Arnold. The album was #1 on the Billboard Pop Album chart for 3½ months and stayed on the chart 3 for 2 years. Four singles from the album were released. “Born to Lose,” “Careless Love,” and “You Don’t Know Me” all charted Pop, but “I Can’t Stop Loving You” was a #1 Pop hit for 5 weeks. ABC – Paramount’s A&R director, Sid Feller, said “I didn’t know that a Pop artist could do country songs and become a national monument.” Because of the success of Ray’s first country album, another one was inevitable. Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Volume 2 was recorded in September 1962. The second album was just as solid as the first, and more varied. It went to #2 on the Album chart powered by the two singles “You Are My Sunshine” and “Take These Chains from My Heart”. The interesting fact about Ray’s success in the country and western world was that many of the songs were also charted on R&B. “You Are My Sunshine” went all the way to #1 on the R&B chart, while “Take These Chains from My Heart” went to #7. Next Month: Ray’s Success Just Keeps On Moving Forward A Change Has Come “. . .who knew it would be ME doing the changing! Compiled and submitted by Lanae Brooks I introduced a lot of co-workers to Taylor’s music, which of course spearheaded conversations on what types of music people liked to listen to. I have met some nice people on line and I was able to meet Mammascrush in JAX. I have also been able to recieve email blogs from YODA aka Dante from the AI board, which are interesting. Gray Charles introduced me to new artists to add to my blues collection. From Gypsee’s site, wonderful videos, and on The Boogie Board I read some interesting stuff. I learned how to utilize my computer more by being introduced to send space, etc. Kyarilee Taylor reignited my love for music that I lost due to the loss of my Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, and my health. Now my house rings with his music, Little Buddy Radio, or other artists. I have made lifelong friendships through the Soul Patrol that bring joy to my life daily. I will never be able to put into words how thankful I am that Taylor decided to audition for AI5. That was the start and now we continue on this wonderful journey. WOOOOO! SOUL PATROL! Thanks! Susan aka bluefox21 Being crazy about Taylor has been very educational for me! I’ve learned about message boards and websites and downloading pictures, videos, and music. I’ve learned how to burn CDs and DVDs, how to edit videos, convert files, etc. I’ve been places I’d never been and never thought I’d be like The Viper Room, Hollywood House of Blues, Staples Center, Pala, Kodak Theater, the Leno show. I had the thrill of meeting Taylor! And when Taylor didn’t bring his summer tour to California, I decided California would have to go to him – so I cashed in a CD and I went to Dallas (no doubt the first of many future trips I’ll take – all in the name of Taylor!) He awakened enthusiasm for music in me. Enthusiasm for life. I’ve made friends, I’ve had FUN – and I look forward to more! When he sang “A Change Is Gonna Come”, who knew it would be ME doing the changing! And I couldn’t be happier! Carol aka CALTAYFAN Taylor’s music has definitely enriched my life. I now have a deeper appreciation of blues and soul music. I am listening to blues music more and more, and I really love hearing the harmonica. Because of Taylor I have met some very wonderful people – both men and women. In fact, some of us women have formed an informal group called the MidAtlantic Taylor’s Ladies. We meet once a month for lunch and share our Taylor experiences. I met a girl through this group who is now one of my best friends. Even though we live over an hour apart, we are close in “heart and soul.” Taylor has brought so much joy into my life this past year. His music makes me happy, and his shows give me something to look forward to. I just hope we give him happiness too! Sue Lopez aka Sue in Maryland As a result of Taylor, I am a heck of a lot better at using a computer! Nina / grayhair I LOVE to travel! If not for Taylor, I would not have traveled to the many places in the US I’ve been over the past year. Taylor was my “excuse” to visit a friend in Charlotte NC and relatives in Nashville, Philadelphia, and Den4 ~CALTAYFAN ver. If not for Taylor, I might never have visited San Diego, Wilkes-Barre, Cleveland, Seattle, Loudon VA, Vicksburg MS, Biloxi MS, or Biloxi 8.3.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Lanae Brooks Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL. It was grand spending time in the South, along the Gulf Coast, visiting Taylor’s old stomping grounds, including the FloraBama. Needless to say, along the way, I’ve met some wonderful Soul Patrollers and made some true friends. It’s been a fascinating and spirit-renewing journey! Thank you, Taylor! Cassie Tuttle, Pittsburgh PA Because of Taylor my life has been blessed by meeting the best group of people on the face of this earth. The love shown through the SP has been never ending. Everyone is here for one another. Making the friends I have through Taylor has been one of the best things in my life! KidOne has also enriched my life. Helping these amazing kids is a blessing to them and to me also. I am also aware of SBTT. Without Taylor I’m not sure I would have known about them. Alagirl77 continued on page 5 “. . .there are still people out there who care about others. . .” ~Gbfans66 continued from page 4 I was not a big soul music fan before Taylor, but now I listen to more than I ever thought I would. I’ve also made some great friendships in the Soul Patrol. Probably the best thing is that I’ve realized that there are still people out there who care about others and will still do things for others because they WANT to. There are a couple of them in particular who helped out my new friend (met in St. Louis during AI tour) Paulatroller. And Tay_What is one of the best! She made it possible for Paula to make the trip to see Taylor in Joliet with me. The other one I will have as a friend for life is Hookedonhayes! She’s the best! She actually gifted Paula and me the tickets for the show, she’s sent me flowers before, and calls me alot. We have an age difference, but I love her like my own and will always have that special bond and friendship with her. I love the SP! Gbfans66 As I look back over the past year, I find that being a member of the Soul Patrol and a Taylor Hicks supporter has filled my life with lots of experiences and changes. I’ve traveled to many different cities, generally meeting other fans, but occasionally going completely alone. I’ve met so many fans that it’s hard to keep track of them all, and many of those have now become very good friends! I’ve had dreams come true and helped others have their dreams realized. When I was younger I had two goals in life: to be a writer and an accountant/CPA (the job that pays for my travels). Now I write Mandy’s Blog for The Official Soul Patrol (as well as RagsQueen and the Traveling Circus), which allows me to share stories about my travels as well as observations and thoughts about Taylor and his music. But the best part of this past year has been helping form Taylor’s Angels with six beautiful ladies. We help fans and local charities get tickets to see Taylor in concert as well as provide paid memberships to THHQ, CDs, and copies of Heart Full of Soul. To think this journey started with a sim- ple audition and the acquisition of a beautiful hand drawn portrait of Taylor that was auctioned on eBay for the benefit of Kid One Transport still brings chills and tears of joy that warm my heart knowing that I’ve grown in so many ways to become the person I am now. I look forward to additional opportunities to travel, meet fans, share stories, and just enjoy the music and performances of one very talented entertainer – Taylor Hicks! Ragsqueen great friends. We all promised that we would be at Taylor’s first concert. It turned out to be in JAX, so we decided to make a trip out of it and went to 3 out of the 4 Florida concerts. This was one of the best times of my life. We not only got to see Taylor, who was fabulous, but we all met and bonded in those fews days. We will no doubt be great friends forever. We’ve had the best ride of our Taylor awakened a love for music in me that I thought had long since been buried forever. Because of this I got on my first message board (AI), something I would have never done before. I met some of the greatest people on that board, people that will be my sistas forever! We all feel the same way. I had the opportunity to meet my first friend in Bham last August – a big step for me. I couldn’t believe I was going Orange Beach 9.2.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Mandy Crowell aka RagsQueen to meet someone I met on the internet. My friends thought I was nuts. She turned out to be a lives. Taylor brought us together, and we will wonderful person. We had a great time, saw always give him the credit for that. My life Taylor at Workplay, and met many more Soul has been totally changed because of Taylor Patrollers, which is a memory I’ll cherish and the Soul Patrol. I will forever be grateful. Jacque Jones forever. By the time Taylor began his own tour, there were many of us that had become continued on page 6 5 Fall Concert Dates “. . .the love we’ve shared is unbelievable” ~JeanneMarie Taylor’s Spring/Summer/Fall 2007 Solo Tour will soon be over, but we can look forward to possible “acoustic” appearances. As Taylor has continued from page 5 communications with my friends I have I was talking to another SPer the other met online. I met them all through the day, and together we wondered what TaylorHicksFan site. They have kept me our lives would even be like now if it company through many dark moments wasn’t for Taylor and the Soul Patrol. with phone calls and PMs through The people we’ve met, the places we’ve the site. These wonderful friends have gone, the love we’ve shared are just uneven sent my daughter letters, cards, believable. I have done things I would and packages of goodies to Iraq. Most have never done if it wasn’t for Taylor important they have prayed for her and the Soul Patrol. My Soul Patrol safety. One of them even got Taylor to friends have gone above and beyond autograph a picture and sent it to her for me since first offering their hands over there. She is very thankful to all of in friendship the day I joined the AI them for remembering her and for being boards. When I had my hip replaced, I received cards and gifts from all over the her mom’s friend. I have been fortunate to see three of Taylor’s concerts, the first world from other Soul Patrollers. I had one my daughter ordered the tickets wonderful phone calls from so many great people cheering me up and giving me the extra push I needed to keep going. Another SPer gifted me a trip to Taylor’s opening concert in JAX – something I would’ve never been able to afford myself. This person taught me how to be a stronger, braver woman, and my time with her will never ever be forgotten. I could go on and on and on about how Taylor, his music, AND the Soul Patrol have enriched my life. I have so many wonderful friends who make me smile every day, all thanks to Biloxi 8.3.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Lanae Brooks Taylor Hicks and his music. Jeanne Marie from Iraq and that was very special for me. The concerts filled me with joy. This past year has been one of worry, Taylor, his music, and his warm heart stress filled and making new friends. It have given me a new outlook on life. I has also, due to Taylor, brought back my feel I finally have something wonderful interest in music. My daughter has been all for myself and at the same time to in Iraq and my hubby traveling with his share with other fans and friends. A very job all the time. I have felt stressed out positive thing. When I listen to Taylor’s with being here with all my other kids and all the responsibilities. I have had so music and dance around the house, I feel young again! Shawn Buss many moments of panic and worry over my daughter in Iraq. I have felt lonely, We started our journey with Taylor even with a houseful of my children with “A Change is Gonna Come.” That and their friends. The only way I have prophecy has certainly come true. There dealt with all of this is with the constant continued on page 7 termed it at several of his current tour shows: “Where in the World is Taylor Hicks?” Sep 15 Mississippi State at Auburn, Jordan Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News, VA Sep 28 Bloomsburg Fair, Bloomsburg, PA Sep 29 The Big E Festival, West Springfield, MA Oct 13 Millersville University, Millersville, PA Nov 2 Pearl River Resort, Philadelphia, MS Fan Mail! We’ve Got Fan Mail! Submitted by Sandy Leach As a fan community, we are very fortunate to have a trendy e-zine gathering place like The Soul Connection. Here, we have learned and laughed. We have met each other from all over the world. We have been challenged and inspired. We have seen the best of Taylor, the Soul Patrol, and the good works of his charities. The Editorial Staff of The Soul Connection is both professional and dedicated to Taylor’s goals. They are also a lot of fun – they were seated closest to the bar at Vicksburg BOTH nights! The Soul Connection has brought us together for sharing what we have in common and what we can do together. Taylor’s words bear repeating: “Together, our voices can really make a difference.” The Soul Connection is making a difference! For all they have contributed to our Taylor experience in the past year, they deserve a whompin’ “WAY TO GO! THANK YOU TO THE SOUL CONNECTION! 6 “They are happy for you in good times and sad for you in bad times.” ~Sandi aka wietzema continued from page 6 have been many new and exciting experiences during the past year. However, the change that is most important to me is the new friends I have made. There is a small group of us that have bonded in a significant and long lasting way. We don’t just attend concerts, post on message boards, and support Taylor together; we also support each other in our everyday lives. I continue to marvel at how tuning into AI5 that night led to a major positive impact on so many lives, including mine. LindaC There is so much that has happened to me the past year as a result of Taylor. It‘s like I‘ve awakened from a long sleep. But what has meant the most is the people I have met from NESP and the support they have shown me during a recent trying time wherein I lost my job. Whether it was a heartfelt comment on the board, on chat, or in person, they made me feel like I have friends who really care. Plus they are great at getting my mind off things by talking about my favorite topic – Taylor of course! DebD Where do I start? Taylor has brought music back into my life. I grew up working in my Dad’s music store selling albums and 45 speed records of all of the artists that so inspired Taylor. Because of my “obsession” with Taylor’s music, I have traveled to two states to see him live – an experience that I will never forget. I have learned about YouTube, GoFish, Rehearsals.com, The SoulConnection, THHQ, many fansites, mp3s, iTunes, and Ebay. I have discovered LiMBO, pre-AI5 Taylor CDs, and a variety of musicians mentioned by Taylor. I have been introduced to KidOneTransport and now support this charity. I have learned how to download music and videos and now I own an iPod. I have met new “Taylor” friends through concerts and emails. I have spent hours on the computer watching Taylor videos and reading articles about him. He has basically changed my LIFE and it’s ALL GOOD. Anytime I need a smile, I listen to Taylor’s music. He just makes me happy! Judy Morton, SpokaneWA that someone that special loves our Taylor Hicks too. I don’t think she’ll ever realize how much it means to me. Judy I have never met anyone from the Soul Patrol, I wanted to let you know what a great thing rwe205t aka Rita did for me. I was supposed only been to two concerts, but even though I’ve never met anyone, I feel that there are so to go to Charlottesville and Glenn Allen many that I can honestly call friend. I’ve been VA concerts in July. I had a car wreck and in touch with so many of these wonderful couldn’t go. Rita said she was going to the people and each one has a different way of Glenn Allen concert. She told me to have bringing out the very best in each other. I’ve my sisters call her when they got there so given to different Soul Patrollers for different she could meet them. She delivered some Taylors peanuts and the red flashing guitar pins for the three of us. I’ve been wanting one of those guitars for a long time! Rita met Taylor after the concert and gave him a bag with two greeting cards. One for her mother and one for me. She asked him if he would sign them and drop them in the mail to us. She included with the cards a note telling Taylor her mother was going to be 85 on her birthday. She also included the newspaper article about my accident and told him I had to miss the concerts because of it. Taylor signed both cards and mailed them to us. I wanted to jump for joy when my hubby found that card in the mailbox, but I couldn’t get out of my wheelchair. Orange Beach 9.2.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Mandy Crowell aka RagsQueen I missed the concerts, but I have some great memories and momentos that will last a lifetime. Rita reasons, and I’ve gotten back so much more. and I didn’t know each other at all before It’s hard to put into words what Taylor and the this happened. I don’t think I ever conversed Soul Patrol mean to me. It’s like an extended with her at all on any of the boards. Thanks to family, someone you can turn to if you’re the kindness of a Soul Patroller, when I think down and just need someone to talk to. or if about missing the concerts it’s not with a sad you’re happy and can’t wait to tell someone. heart. I think about it with joy in my heart They are always there, willing to listen or continued on page 8 7 Growing up, many people watched their parents chat with neighbors over the backyard fence. But few of us have such opportunities today. That doesn’t mean the backyard fence has disappeared; it has just taken on an electronic glow. Recent research by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, a nonprofit Washington DC think tank, shows that Americans who join online communities have, on average, 23 “very close” online relationships and 27 “somewhat close” relationships. And nearly a quarter of those relationships are with people whom they consider to be friends. What’s more, instead of the popular image of a lonely person hunkered down in front of a screen, the Pew study found that those who make contact online are 50% more likely to have in-person contacts than those who never touch a computer. Computers, it seems, are simply another way to make even more friends. Reprinted from Better Homes and Gardens August 2007 issue. “I’m just now starting to open up creatively. I can let my brain open up, create, and trust my instincts. That’s the approach I’m taking. . . the gut feeling.” ~ Taylor Hicks “He has brought more than music back to me. . . . ~3babies continued from page 7 help in any way they can. They are happy for you in good times and sad for you in bad times. I have never met Taylor, and it is something I would love to do, but even if that time never comes, I’ve been enriched so much by the Soul Patrol, and Taylor made all this possible. Sandi aka wietzema To put it simply, my life has changed a lot because of Taylor. There is a spark that has resurfaced in my life and that is enjoying music again. He has brought more than music back to me though, he has brought me new friends I can count on if I need them, and ones to share my Taylor experiences with and be a part of theirs. These are not things I can share with my friends at home. I have done so many things that I never would have dreamed I would do because of this man. No other man could have inspired me to do. LOL. I learned how to upload pics and videos, and just last night the SP directed me to Sendspace to upload a “Georgia” video I had. I learned about avis and siggys etc. I can’t begin to tell you the computer skills I have mastered since discovering Taylor Hicks. I have traveled by myself, which I do not like to do, just to experience the joy of Taylor, and stood by buses to get my CD signed and to be close to greatness. Never done that before. Never been in chat, on AI boards, or joined any sites like Innie’s before. This is all new to me. All of this has brought great joy to a place where something was missing. I have a wonderful family and friends, but all of this has been an added pleasure in my life. . .what a ride it has been!. I was gifted an AI concert ticket and a ticket to see Taylor at The Tabernacle by an SPer. Also, when my computer broke down and I lost everything, several members sent me everything they had on CDs. I have also received calendars, bookmarks, red guitars, etc. from SPers. And a very special SPer got me a signed In Your Time CD that I will treasure for the rest of my life. An SPer also gave me 2 tickets to the Tabernacle that they couldn’t use to give away etc. When I was at the Tabernacle, a guy was looking for 2 tickets for him and his girlfriend. I gave the 2 to them and they were shocked to see I wanted no pay, just for them to enjoy Taylor. So I guess we paid it forward. 3babies Orange Beach 9.2.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Mandy Crowell aka RagsQueen The New Backyard Fence? What started as just liking another contestant on AI5 has turned into some of my best adult friendships. I was able to attend a Taylor concert because a member trusted me enough to purchase my ticket and mail it to me – while waiting for the dollar amount to fit into my budget. I have been able to do some community sercontinued on page 9 8 “. . .this is where I’m supposed to be at this point in time.” ~Evelyn aka Gr8fulheart continued from page 8 vice work – thanks to the Soul Patrol Support Group. And now I will be mailing Christmas Cards again thanks to a group of ladies who wish to exchange cards. All of this while enjoying the best artist since Elvis. Scorp59 I met Taylor in Portland OR on May 11 of this year. I had no intention of attending one of his concerts because of health issues, even though I’ve always felt that our paths would cross somehow. That somehow became reality on that date. “Angels” without wings were responsible for a special meeting with him. First, let me try to explain why it was so special. The minute Taylor looked up at the AI5 judges, I gasped. I saw what I call a “Sweet Spirit” in his eyes. Two years before, although I had promised my husband to stay strong following his death, my soul submerged into a depression. I didn’t realize that I had pushed my pain so deep inside, but watching Taylor’s journey on AI5 took the focus off of myself. As I did that, my healing began by slowly and steadily dismantling my encased tomb of memories until May 23, the night before Taylor’s AI5 win. On that night, when he sang “Do I Make You Proud,” I experienced what I call a sort of “rebirth.” Thoughts of life’s journey with my husband mingled with thoughts about Taylor’s trials and AI5 journey. (My husband had told me numerous times through our life together that he was proud of me.) As Taylor reached “proud,” he tilted his head from side-to-side, creating an echo effect. At that moment, all the memories inside my heart and soul burst through that encased tomb of memories and were finally released. I hadn’t cried that intensely since the day I lost my husband, yet I felt such a release. After that, I had this “feeling” that somehow we would meet so I could personally thank him for how he made a difference in my life. The minute ticket sales for the Portland concert became available, I became like a ‘“pit bull with PMS.” Although I had no plans to attend, nor had I spoken to anyone about going to his concert, I just had to have 2 tickets! Every imaginable roadblock was put in my way to deter my going, but I found a way to maneuver around them. Then 2 days before the concert, I received word that I was going to meet Taylor. I was overwhelmed! He was so easy to be around; yet I struggled with holding back tears. I didn’t want to cry, especially since I was informed that if I cried, he would too. Biloxi 8.3.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Jacque Jones You see, I personally saw that same “Sweet Spirit” in those eyes that I had seen through the TV screen the night of his audition. After sharing a few things with him, I placed my hand over my heart, then gently over his, and said, “Taylor, from my heart to yours, Thank You.” He probably thought I was a nut case, but I tried to say what I wanted to say and get out since I knew he had important things to focus on. Shortly afterward, I realized that my experience had come full circle. That’s when I cried. 9 I have also met numerous Soul Patrollers on TaylorMadeOnline and I met one of them from New York at the Portland concert. Then I found myself posting info about the Taylor Tots Cookbook on TMO. I began casually talking with a couple of the ladies from KOPS about the projects they had been working on for Kid One. Then I visited the KOPS site and became a member. Through Kid One I heard about a 16-year-old girl and the Scott family whose son was battling the same brain cancer I had lost my husband to. I felt such a nudge from above telling me this is where I am supposed to be at this point in time. I contacted one of the ladies at KOPS and told them I wanted to help in some way. Currently I am participating in the work for a hanging wall quilt project for Kid One. Most recently a friend from TMO gave me a link to suggest airplay of Taylor’s music. And now Uncleshag from WLSO.FM is a confirmed and addicted Soul Patroller. All of this began with an unexplainable nudge. That nudge came from the only explanation possible – it was the Lord saying, “Evelyn, you have grieved long enough.” HE worked through Taylor to reach me! And to think this all took place because a gray-haired guy took a step forward in an effort to have his voice heard. I will forever be grateful to Taylor for being stubborn and not ever giving up on his dream. Evelyn aka Gr8fulheart First I will say what many others are sure to say – Thank you Taylor Hicks for bringing real music back into our lives. I believe in karma and I do think it was fate that we should witness Taylor’s audition and become his “legion of fans” known as the Soul Patrol. I have traveled to Bham and experienced amazing musical performances and had such fun with many of you. I will always have a special place in my heart for those fellow fans who gathered in that beautiful city. I have also had the privilege of being involved in our New continued on page 10 What’s the Buzz? Websites! “I have seen the Soul Patrol help many in need. . .” ~Rina In addition to THHQ, the Soul Patrol has visited many web sites that have Taylor-related news, discussion, and media. The Soul Connection has called readers’ attention to the following web sites during our first year of publication. If you haven’t found some of these, you should! continued from page 9 England Soul Patrol, which continues to be an association that makes me proud. I have been honored to have had a part in many of our charity fundraisers, local and national. That the Soul Patrol bands together to help those in need is something we all should be proud of. Helping children and their moms get medical care, programs for autistic children and teens, sending packages to lonely soldiers, donating concert tickets to kids who might not have the chance to see live music, and so many other important ventures have been sponsored by our members. “A Change is Gonna Come“ was our call to action. Here’s a toast to the years to come. Let’s continue to support Taylor Hicks and his music, as well as the causes that make him proud of us – his Soul Patrol! Cheers! Duff 365Live.com bluzkat.com bobdenver.com fuzzybunnybelly.com harmonyforthesoul.com myspace.com/internationalhouseotaylor myspace.com/soulpatroleurope newenglandsoulpatrol.org promosquad.com ratethemusic.com soulpatrolhome.net Tay_Online.com [email protected] taylorhicksfan.com TaylorMadeOnline.org taylormadesoul.com [email protected] taylorslegs.com taylorsoulcentral.com theofficialsoulpatrol.com whompswamp.com The Soul Connection hopes to continue to include information about events and news at each of these web sites to keep Taylor’s online fanbase connected. With the permission of their webmasters, we hope to feature additional Taylor-related sites in the future! “Music has provided an outlet for me to touch people and make them happy.” ~ Taylor Hicks Where do I begin? I finally bought a computer so I could keep up with all things Taylor. I met a lot of new friends online (especially on TMO!). I took chances traveling to see him, learned some different music from what I heard as a child, got involved in a celebrity’s career as never before, but the biggest difference is I went to a golf tournament and walked links with him and watched him not be afraid to mingle with the fans when his third shot on Hole 1 went out of bounds in the woods – and while walking to his shot he crossed the ropes and walked to his golf ball WITH THOSE OF US WHO WERE THERE! The biggest difference is that I have found someone who, even though he is a celebrity, is just a guy and doesn’t mind taking chances around the fans, which keeps us coming back for more and wanting to help out with his career as much as possible, and is seemingly grateful enough to show his appreciation, and isn’t afraid to end blogs to us 10 with “God Bless.” Oldiebutgoodie Where do I begin when there is so much that has enriched my life because of Taylor? The one thing that stands out the most are the people of the Soul Patrol. Taylor has brought us all together, and I truly thank him for that. I wish I could write a book about all the wonderful things the Soul Patrol has done in the past year. I have seen and experienced some amazing life-touching moments – from people being gifted tickets, trips, books, CDs, things they normally couldn’t afford and wouldn’t get to experience. I have seen the Soul Patrol help many in need, whether it be financially, spiritually, or just being wonderful caring people. There is not one person that I have met or read about on the boards who isn’t willing to help in some way. I have always thought that there were good people in the world, but I never realized at this magnitude. I hope that some day Taylor will know what amazingly caring people he has brought together. We’re not just fans, we’re family! Rina The last year I have seen two Taylor concerts thanks to Angels. I drove BY MYSELF to Leroy IL and met up with gbfans66, and we went to Joliet IL to see Taylor. I spent the night at Gb’s, WE HAD A BLAST. Super friend for life. Jesse and I BOTH got to go to Branson MO and met StLouis – one of my dreams come true. She is one of God’s Gifts. Spent the night in Branson with StLouis and saw Taylor at his all-time best. I lost my husband March 15, 2007 after a 3-week illness and received cards, gifts of love, support, hugs, and so much more from my Soul Patrol family. Donations came in for Chuck’s funeral expenses, and then another SOUL PATROL ANGEL paid the remaining continued on page 11 “. . .I now listen to a wide variety of genres and artists. . .” ~Dante continued from page 10 $4,245.15 – so I could grieve and remember my loving husband of 27 years. Then my sister died unexpectedly on May 12, 2007 of a cerebral hemorrhage – far too close to my husband’s death, and when I thought I couldn’t take another step, the Soul Patrol picked me up by the bootstraps and carried me through the most difficult year I have EVER faced. This Soul Patrol is so full of love. Now on Sept. 27 I get to go spend 5 BEAUTIFUL days with Tay_what and Mr. Tay_what, who are graciously opening their Biloxi 8.3.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Jacque Jones home to me for some much needed R&R. My goal is to fulfill that Pinky Swear to my dear Stormy and Lurkers to meet in Vegas. So many of us have lost family members, and from firsthand knowledge, I know the threads, comments, love, and prayers that we convey to each other are memories of a lifetime. Taylor, you are the Soul of the Soul Patrol, and I hope you are as proud of US as we are of YOU. Love you all! Paula Dyer aka paulatroller Before this year I had only been to one live concert my whole life. At the Dallas HOB I saw my sixth Taylor concert. I never posted on a message board or even read them before Taylor, and now I’m a member of about 6 boards and a moderator on one of them. I never owned or even felt the need to own an MP3 player before Taylor. I’ve got one now that’s almost full! I never knew how to create a DVD before, but that’s been lots of fun. And not only have I benefited from this new skill, but others have been recipients of Taylor on DVD also. I never made friendships with people through the internet before. This past July my husband and I flew from Texas to Virginia to meet up with friends I made through one of Taylor’s fan sites. We had never even been to the east coast before. It was every bit as much fun as I expected. I have bought more music since Taylor was on AI5 than I had bought in the previous 30 years put together. Taylor with his vast musical knowledge has introduced me to many great musicians from both the past and the present. And finally Taylor gave me the gift of music in my life. I had stopped listening to music completely when he stepped on that stage and opened up a whole world to me once again. I will be forever grateful. Love ya, Tay! Tishlip Since I heard Taylor sing “First Cut Is The Deepest” I have been a changed person. I rediscovered music after many years of only listening to talk radio. I now own 2 iPods at age 57 and listen to music as often as possible. I hadn’t been to a concert in 10 years, and in spite of having panic disorder, have gone to see Taylor 3 times. I have bought Elton John tickets for the grand opening of a new 18,000-seat arena that will open here in October. Of course Taylor is my favorite artist, but I now listen to a wide variety of genres and artists and constantly am on the lookout for music. My life is much more joyful. I have also learned how to download 11 songs, videos, and pictures so my computer knowledge is growing everyday too. I even try to pick restaurants that have live music and now know how important it is to put money in their tip jars (never knew they weren’t well paid to play). My life is so much more fun now thanks to Taylor. Dante The most important life change for me has been TAYLOR’S CONCERT. . .seeing him live in person doing HIS SHOW and not the bubble gum AI5 tour. . .seeing him perform and getting his autograph afterward by the bus and taking his picture has been forever etched in my mind like it was yesterday. . .Taylor walking out doing “Soul Thing” . . .singing HOAD with Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” infused was complete genius. Modern Whomp is what he calls it. I call it Incredible! Claylor There are many ways that Taylor has enriched my life, but what I’ve decided to reply with is the friends I’ve made because Taylor’s music came into my life. I have made many wonderful friends in the Soul Patrol and people that know Taylor. The guys in the Little Memphis Blue Orchestra – Jeff, Brian, Sam, Mitch, and Zippy – are some of the nicest people I have ever met! There are others, too, like Dean and Crystal (Dean was LiMBO’S manager for a while and helped them get the WorkPlay video out to us), Ted (Taylor’s stage manager), Taylor’s Mom and Linda, his Dad and brother Sean, and now the members of his new band – Felix, Al, Brian, Josh and Loren. It seems every person I’ve met who knows Taylor is super nice. I’m so happy that Taylor has been surrounded by so many wonderful people, and now he is also surrounded by his Soul Patrol, sometimes a little TOO close – LOL – but he knows we care for him dearly. I’d say I have made friends with more than 100 people who I never would have met if it were not for Taylor. TaylorCrazy continued on page 12 How To Enjoy A Live Concert – The Listener’s Job Description Music concerts can seem intimidating. It seems like you have to know a lot. What if you don’t understand the music? What if you don’ t know how to listen correctly? What if you don’t “get it”? The good news is this: there is no right way to listen, there is no correct experience to have, there is no one thing to “get.” Understanding is not required. Your job is not to be an expert on the music. Your job is not to be a perfect listener. Your job is very simple: Be affected by the music. That’s it. That’s all there is. Because you are unique, and because your collection of experiences is unique, the music will affect you differently than it will anybody else. It may affect your emotions, your thoughts, your spirit, your body – any part of you. The same music may affect you differently at different times. Music is meant to trigger reactions, invite reflection, awaken feelings, activate memories, and touch the heart. So just let yourself be affected. Of course your knowledge of music, and your experience with it, influence how you are affected. If learning something about the music makes its effect more powerful, then by all means learn more. If repeated listenings helps you to be more and more affected by a piece, then by all means listen to the music a few times before coming to the concert. Whatever helps you be affected is good to pursue. If it doesn’t help you, or if it gets in the way of your enjoyment, then don’t worry about it. A wonderful and mysterious thing about live concerts is that everybody comes to be affected together. Everybody onstage and everybody in the audience share in the same experience, each of us in our own unique way. Reprinted from www.naxos.com/education/ enjoy_jobdesc.asp “. . .I’ve learned that life is best when shared.” ~San Leach continued from page 11 Like many others, I have experienced several new things in the last year because of Taylor. Among my most dear are finding an inspiration and gift in songwriting and instrumentation, a growing passion for live music, and experiencing new cities during Taylor’s musical journey. I have also grown very close to my sister as a result of our Taylor travels! ParTayGirl I think the whole Taylor experience has pushed me to attend more live music events and to stop accepting the bland musical choices TV and radio currently offer. Jenni Jac I have a renewed interest in music that I had long lost. Also, my love for Taylor’s music has inspired me to go to three concerts, two of which were road trips. Nothing had ever really motivated me to do this before. My two sisters met me in KY for a concert and it was the first event or trip we had ever planned for just the three of us. That was really special! Connie Simpson The Taylor experience has enriched my life immeasurably. I have seen new places, made new friends, and learned that life is best when shared. I’ve been to three new states, seven new cities (and all those in between), and four new airports. I have met many wonderful people, and I’ve seen what good things happen when people care. I love music again! Most of all, I’ve seen a dream realized. I’m not sure what is better than that! San Leach Taylor has enriched my life in so many ways that there’s no way I could list them all, so I’ll try my best to summarize. First, because of Taylor I joined my first message board at AI. Through that message board I have made many 12 friends, and I met the greatest group of women I’ve ever known on the Lurkers thread. Because of these women I have traveled to see Taylor although I’d never traveled to see any other artist before. Although Taylor’s concerts are the main events on these trips, they have become just as much about spending time with these ladies as they are about seeing Taylor. These ladies and Taylor have enriched my life in so many ways. I’ve waited all my life to have a group of friends like them, and I know we’ll be traveling to visit each other and see Taylor for many years to come! Through Taylor, I have become a more courageous person. I have attended 3 Taylor concerts by myself, which I never would have done before! Once I got there and was surrounded by other SPers, I didn’t feel alone at all. Because of Taylor I’ve also been interviewed on TV and radio. I am a relatively quiet person, so this is really amazing for me. The day that the single “Do I Make You Proud” was released, my husband and I were in the mall and passed by a record store where our local news crew was set up. They saw we were wearing our “Got Soul” T-shirts and insisted on interviewing us. I didn’t want to at first, but as soon as the camera started rolling I started talking about Taylor – my poor husband couldn’t get a word in – and he’s the one with a degree in communications! I was also interviewed on The Rick and Bubba Radio Show in May when Taylor was playing golf in the Regions Charity golf tournament. I had won the bid to follow Bubba and Taylor during their round of golf that day, and that entire day is one I will never forget! Taylor and his music have also made me a much happier person, which may be what I’m most grateful to him for. continued on page 13 Musical This and That. . . TaylorHicks.com Is Back! Have you registered at the all new Sony BMG web site – TaylorHicks.com? If not, visit soon and sign up! You’ll receive all the latest news, you can download media, and join in the forum topics. An email message today from this new site announces that Taylor will be giving away 5 harmonicas he used on the tour. Each purchase of $50 or more at THHQ’s store will enter you in the drawing. If you weren’t able to purchase all the tour items you wanted during the tour, here’s your chance to order with an opportunity to win a harmonica! File This Information! Outside Taylor’s Biloxi concert on August 3, a local radio disc jockey from Magic 93.7 spoke to The Soul Connection staff Stress Relief? Stress relief lies not in the nature of music itself, but in the fact that it’s what you like. According to an article about eliminating stress in your life, this was the result of an experiment where songs selected for their stress-relieving qualities were less effective in reducing blood pressure and perceptions of stress in subjects asked to perform a difficult task than was music chosen by the subjects themselves. Even the ethereal “Pachelbel’s Canon” was less calming than the subjects’ own picks. Another 2003 study cited showed that listening to favorite tunes activated areas of subjects’ brains associated with rewards or pleasure. What does this mean? That YOU are the best decision-maker about what kind of music relieves your stress! To read the full article, check out the September 2007 issue of Ladies Home Journal. about radio airplay. According to this morning airwaves DJ, his station doesn’t put a single on its regular rotation until “the research results” place the single in the top 10. squad are listed on R&R magazine’s Hit Predictor chart. R&R is the radio trade publication. All the more reason to sign up at both promosquad.com and ratethemusic.com to rate 90-second clips of new Adult Contemporary music! Listeners rate the 90second clips on a numeric system and then provide a few words of feedback. Each week the 10 highest rated songs in that genre on Promo- HOB New Orleans photo taken and submitted by SusanJane “Taylor and his music have made me a much happier person. . .” ~Lanaesgifts continued from page 12 Before Taylor I was just going through the motions of life. I wasn’t really unhappy, but I wasn’t really happy either. That all changed as soon as Taylor opened his mouth on AI5. I began to be really excited about Tuesdays and Wednesdays because I couldn’t wait to hear and see what Taylor was going to do! Watching AI5 then and listening to Taylor’s music and attending his concerts now, his charisma draws you in and all of your cares and worries just seem to disappear. For that moment it seems as if time stands still. Maybe that’s why there are so many who have traveled to so many of Taylor’s concerts. A friend of mine who has been to many Taylor events with me told me the other day that I look like a child at Christmas when I’m watching Taylor, and I’m sure that’s true because that’s 13 exactly what I feel like! This is why I will support Taylor, attend his concerts, and listen to his music for as long as I live. . .just to feel that way! Lanaesgifts One big experience I’ve had is going to three concerts. I tend to get panicky in large crowds, but the lure of seeing Taylor performing live outweighed any anxiety I had! Well, except for the passing out part I had at one of the concerts. dananbethany Taylor’s song “Do I Make You Proud” inspires me when I’m in down moods. The last thing my Granddad said before he died was “I am proud of you and I love you.” EnglishGirl8504 Happy 1st Anniversary! The Soul Connection Hitting HIGH Notes All Year Long! THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR. . .ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS Jolene60 Juney_B Karen D’Valentine Karen Rice Karen/Kazcoles Kyarilee Lanae Brooks LeAnn LindaC/MSVotes LindaTN Lisawriter Lizlovestaylor Mammascrush Mcclntt Mouser NavyMom Patti LeMaster PaytheDevil Radiofan Rosanne Simunovic Rosie O’Donnell San THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR. . . PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS AZGoddess Connie Hall Dreama Denver/hottay FitzGib GrayHair J Records Jacque Jones John Keith Brooks Kid One Transport Kid One Patrol of Soul Lanaesgifts/Lanae Brooks Lori Bradshaw Mammascrush Mandy Cowell/Ragsqueen Mark Mayfield NavyMom Niram Patti LeMaster Robin & Wayne Williams Southern Hick Stacey Lampman/Twinner Studio by the Tracks Sue Hanson SusanJane Tina Shaddix/DidNotExpectThat Tricia Chase Wanda Wasilko/ Laurensilk 4 Sideways721 SonyaB1974 Soulpatrol13/Windy/SarahB SueAnn Susantr/Susan Truby TaraRenee Teri Noboa Travis Cody Tweetibear Txchick uhadmeatwoohoo Biloxi 8.3.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Jacque Jones Adora Alice Culbreth Amyrebo Annie McNeil/Sallyannlady AustinLovesTay Babyharp Cath Connie Hill CydTer Dana Silver DavidC/MSVotesDH Design by Feline Evancol Fitzgib/Jo GrayHair Gypsee HicksChicks792/Leah Idolbabble iluvuTaylor/Jeanne Marie Jacque Jones Jamie Hebert Jewelry Sprout . . .and Thank YOU, Taylor! Here’s Who’s Been Mentioned in The Soul Connection the Past 12 Months. . . 3babies AGentlRose AgingHippie/ Linda S Alagirl77 AllyKat/Ally Amateurrun Amyrebo Andrea Whitcomb Angela Auburn AZGoddess/ Sonia Babyharp Bama_soul_cat BamaBelle4Tay BamaGalUK/ TaraRenee Barbieflausa/ Barbara BBS420 bear&son Benjamin BentoBoxX Bernie Bethany Betsy/ Cher5069 Billsgirl Binaboosvoice Border0531 Botay Brendon Holcomb BrianLatchford Cath cathym changingtimes Charlotte H Chewysmom Chrissie542 Christian Clairb7tx/ Claire Claudia Claylor Copycat Cora Mitchell corky Crazyfortaylorh Cydter Dananbethany DavidC Deanie79 DeAnne/StLouis Deb Debrakw47 Debs1963 DeeDee56 denv DidNotExpectThat Dogmom06 Dream of Jeannie Dreama Denver Duff/Debra dusty eljean EmeraldIisle Emptyhd009 Englishmummy/ Michelle Ennyllek Evancol Fitzgib/Jo GailCC Gbfans66/Jill GingGing Gr8fulheart grannyforbo Gray Charles Grayboy GrayHair GrayHair50 Grimsby/Deirdre Gypsee Hall Family HatchRoo Headlight hickifino Hicklet HicksChicks792 Hookedonhayes Hottay/Dreama Hsv4Taylor Idolfan082 IdolWatcher33 Ila Faye Miller Ilovetaylor64 InjunKB/Keith Innie Irisheyes/Erin J Jacque Jones/jjones1/ cooljj JAG/Judy Jan Jan4taylor Jaynenicey Jazzytide Jcinshanssoul Jerseygirlidol Jewell Jewell49 JewelsSoul Jodi JoJo Yu Jonibug JSNorris JudiNH/Judith Judy M Judy Morton Julia M Juney_B justwatchin kaitlin45 Kalleyne Kate21989 Katja Kazcoles/Karen KeepBreathing Kid One Transport Kimbali106 Kirsty Kirstymich KityKat132 KTINTN Kyarilee/Tracy Lanaesgifts/Lanae LAteacher Lauren Lauri Lilolme LIMBO Linda Lionels02 livinonheartnsoul/ Tanya Liz Green Lizlovestaylor Lmo4taylor1 Loner2 LoniR LovesGoodMusic Lubiana Luv2 Luv2tokidol Mac_fae4taylor Malisa Mammascrush Margie Marszajl Maryann1 Maryqtpi meekowl Merrymax Michel2006 Mikki miknerak Mouser Mr. Duff Msdog Murly/Liz Mybro Navymom1921 Navyson/Aaron Nina Ito Nobeers Oldiebutgoodie PapasPilar Pat Boyers/PBoyers Pat Rice Patay Patti LeMaster Paula Paulatroller Pboyers Penny.cyn Plushaye Poetcindy1966 Purplebutterflies Rachel Ragsqueen/Mandy Raylindy Reporterchick Rina Rita Robin Williams/ Robin3w Robinqm Rs94 Ryleediane Sandi/Weitzema Scorp59 SegerHicks Sendmetay Shelia Shell4taylor Shellmomof2 Shelovesmodernwhomp/Connie Sideways721 skygram Sonyab1974 Soulaz Souldaria SoulMan56 Soulpatrol13/Windy/ SarahB Soulpatroller SoulSisterDK/Lotte Stormynight555/ Stormy Studio By The Tracks Sunny Susan Truby/Susantr SusanJane Takemetay/Michelle Tay_What TayBea tayfan65 Taylor crazy TAYLOR HICKS Taylored Taylorfever105 Taylorgotsoulno1 TaylorNaster TaylorsBunny Taylorwow Taymate The Shalk Family: Carolyn & Terry tober55 TotallyTaylor10 Tracy TurtleHeart Tweetibear UhadMeatWooHoo VirginiaUK Wanda Wasilko/ Laurensilk Wayne Williams/ Wayne3w Webchic00 WeLoveThatTaylor/ June Willard18517 Yolonda YoursSoully ZoMBIExX Let Us Add YOU in the NEXT 12 Months. . . 15 Fan Site “Shout Out” – Season of the Soul Submitted by Lydia Bower The End – January 31, 2006 I was in a very dark place in my life, and that night I was sitting in my living room with a belly full of wine and a full bottle of prescription sleeping pills in my hand. I’d made up my mind that I was not going to see February 1st. As fate would have it – and I truly believe it was fate, not coincidence – I glanced at the TV just as a musical montage set to the song Hair began on AI5. I saw a gray-headed guy with the most haunting eyes leaning against a brick wall. I listened as he introduced himself and watched as he faced the judges. And then he began to sing. He cracked me wide open. I don’t know how else to describe it. All I’d been through had turned my soul into an empty and brittle thing. But I felt it shatter when he sang of a change coming. He’s been putting my soul back together ever since that night. His music is the glue, and his voice the hand that applies it. The Early Years I’m a Gray Charles baby, finding him in late February 2006, and stayed until he called it quits after his interview with Taylor in June ’06. I rarely posted there. I wasn’t quite ready to jump into the fray, being still fairly fragile, and by the time I’d gathered my courage and posted a few times, Gray announced his retirement. I hopped over to the Boogie Board and settled in there as AliceinWonderland. I chose that screen name because the only other thing in my life that makes me feel like Taylor Hicks’ music does is writing. And when I’m really in the zone and lose hours at a time to the muse, I refer to it as falling down the rabbit hole. So the moniker seemed fitting. I spent scads of time on the Boogie analyzing Taylor’s music with a bunch of other like-minded folk. I began and hosted a re-examination of Taylor’s AI5 performances while there. That exercise is one in which I remain extremely proud. Along the way I met some truly fascinating and remarkable folks. A group of us traveled to Wilkes-Barre PA for the final night of the Pop Tarts tour and LiMBO’s after-party gig at The Woodlands, confident that Taylor would show up. And he did. It was an extraordinary weekend all around. Seeing Taylor perform with his band in a smaller, intimate setting for what might have been the very last time turned out to be only one of the highlights. The other was putting faces to names and forming friendships that grow stronger every day. New Year, New Beginnings The Season Of the Soul message board fired up its engines on January 1, 2007. That’s where I make my home now, as Wonderland. I’ve become the place I fell into! The reasons I started the SOS are many, but it really boils down to a few simple things. I wanted to create a sanctuary for folks who weren’t comfortable or didn’t feel welcomed or appreciated at other sites. I wanted a place where the community our members ultimately created would be just as important as anything Taylor Hicks was doing. I wanted it to be supportive, encouraging, loving, respectful, and compassionate. I wanted to start a family. Not just for us, but as a way to build upon the kind of fan base Taylor spoke of wanting. A group of fans that would make experiencing him in concert not just an event, but a kind of family gathering. I’m proud to say I think we’ve reached that goal. And done it splendidly. We’re a small board. We sit at 262 as I write this. Of those, perhaps a third are active, with the others popping in from time to time. Why SOS Is Unique We’re a tightly knit group with an especially supportive environment in which to hang out. continued on page 17 A group of 27 Season of the Soul board members gathered July 23, 2007 in Goshen IN for Taylor’s Elkhart concert. 11 Season of the Soul “Shout Out” Continues! continued from page 16 And we’re very chatty. It’s not unusual to fill three threads (that’s 1500 posts, folks) in an 18-hour span. And that’s just our daily thread. Once we leave the sanity of the News and Media Forums, it’s controlled chaos, but of the best kind. We laugh together, cry together, aggravate each other, and then happily make up. We’re a loving family. And all that positive energy goes toward supporting Taylor and his career – and each other – in the process. We’re strong believers in the Karma wheel. Rarely does one of our members see Taylor in concert alone. It seems we can only travel in groups of three or more. There were 27 of us gathered on July 23rd in Goshen IN (see photo, page 11). Others of us meet regularly for lunch or weekend slumber parties. We’re all about fun and friendship and the admiration and appreciation of Taylor and his music. We count among our ranks some amazing videographers, photographers, and artists, as well as wonderful writers. We are global, with members from North America, Finland, Great Britain, and the Philippines, and our friends across the pond can be found posting in the wee hours while most folks are sleeping. We love to pick at Taylor’s brain when it comes to his music or his interpretation of others’. We surprise each other with incredible new, or newly discovered, artists. We’re experts at multi-tasking, able to discuss the finer points of Taylor’s newest tag while appreciating the photos and videos that go along with it. It’s all in good fun and never crosses the line into the land where there be dragons. We’re surprisingly positive. It’s not that we bury our collective heads in the sand, but more that we generally don’t feel the need to dwell on bad press or radio and marketplace numbers. In many ways Taylor is only at the beginning of his career, and there’ll be bumps and dips in the road, but we’re in it for the long haul. We’ve drunk deeply of the Taylor Hicks “KoolAid,” and we believe wholeheartedly in his gifts. And we’re each, in our own unique ways, deeply grateful for them.And we have our own resident Soul Potato, the infamous fAtnhapy. Though we started out as an open message board, as of early July 2007 we closed our doors. The SOS is now a private, by-invitation-only board. My decision to do that was not an easy one. But in order to assure that our community remains a positive and safe one, I had to do it. I think we’ve built something very unique and special on the Season of the Soul message board. My moderators and I are determined to keep it that way. If you’re interested in joining our merry band, please email me at [email protected]. I hope to keep adding members to the board, to expand our family. I’d like our board to continue to represent Taylor’s fan base in the best possible light to those on the outside looking in. Other than that, my needs are simple: my family and a place to talk to them, and the music. Always the music. Evolution The best thing about SOS is that it’s comfortable. The board has a very lived-in feel, if a message board can claim such a thing. And I love settling in after work and catching up with everything I’ve missed during the day. Thanks to my lovely and talented moderators, Babynco, PC325, and HarpNSoul, who keep watch when I can’t be there, there’s very little stress involved in overseeing the SOS. 17 Biloxi 8.3.07 concert photo taken and submitted by Jacque Jones Hopping on the board is like slipping into a beloved old bar and kicking back with a few, surrounded by my favorite friends and family members. I do wish I had more time to delve into Taylor’s music from a more analytical standpoint. While too much analyzing can take the fun out of it, a little bit is good exercise for the brain, and I think it makes us all appreciate his talents even more. I wish I could add my thoughts to all the various threads others have started as well. The Beginning II’ve been blessed to find the unique collection of souls gathered around me on the SOS. I often tell them I may have built the house, but they’ve made it a home. Taylor Hicks’ fandom is a rich one. It’s filled with some of the most amazing folks I’ve had the chance to meet. And we seem to be a generous bunch as well, always stepping up to the plate and doing what needs to be done, whether it’s comforting a fellow fan in a time of need or raising funds for charities. It started with the music, but it’s become about so much more. It’s about the music and the friendships; the community and the compassion; the re-awakenings and the discoveries; the journey and the destination. It’s a soul thing. Idols Live 2006 Tour Most Successful To Date According to a recently published article in USA Today by contributor Steve Jones, the 2006 AI tour featuring the AI5 top ten was the most successful tour to date. The article reports that Billboard Boxscore records show that, of the 2006 tour’s first 30 shows, 17 were sellouts and another 10 exceeded 93% of capacity. The lowest capacity figure for the 2006 tour was 89.3%. Gary Bongiovanni, editor of touring trade publication and website Pollstar, was quoted in the article as saying, “There are always intangibles that motivate people to see something live, and maybe there was something about last year’s [2006] tour that people wanted to see versus the acts this year [2007].” The article also quotes Don Waller, former Variety music editor and USA Today AI commentator for the past two seasons saying that last season’s [2006] top four were much more of an attraction than the leading finalists this year [2007]. “There was no must-see live performer and not a lot of diversity.” Hmmmmm. . . Louisiana 1927 Taylor performed a touching version of the song “Louisiana 1927” at his recent August 4 New Orleans HOB concert. To hear the story of “Louisiana 1927” from its songwriter, Randy Newman, and to hear Aaron Neville’s (a distinctive recording artist and one of the famous New Orleans born and raised Neville Brothers) rendition, go to: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story. php?storyId=4838741 New Orleans Is Back! Submitted by San Leach On the narrow streets of the French Quarter there was barely room for Taylor’s two shiny buses to park and traffic to go around. There was no problem finding the House of Blues. New Orleans is a city of contrasts with neighborhoods struggling to build a new life after Katrina and with life pouring out of open doorways in the French Quarter with soulful notes of delta blues, jazz, funk, and rock. It is a town rooted in the sounds that have shaped popular music in this country for generations. After all, jazz legend Louis Armstrong gives his name to the international airport here. This is a music town – on a very hot and humid night – hosting the blueeyed soul music of Taylor Hicks. a time that was more than the place, the people, and the music – it was an experience that can only be described as the best of times when people and places become something more, and we are part of an unforgettable memory. New Orleans is a place of the heart – not just somewhere you’ve been, but a place you connect with – a special place and time with a performer who makes music not just an exhilarating sound but makes it a song of the human spirit. These times are not just memorable, they are what keeps life from being boring and keeps us There was hardly standing room in the Blues theater and bar. Taylor let everyone know that he loved New Orleans. His amazing journey to AI5 and beyond had begun here with Katrina bearing down, and he was clearly happy to be back. He seemed to choke up several times as he spoke about his times here. If “whomp” ever fit the genre of Taylor music, it fits in New Orleans where jazz began and blended with delta blues, mossy swamp, funk, rock, and sweet soul music. In a heart-pounding performance of “whomp” Taylor held the crowd and the moment tightly. When he sat on a stool for his first encore and sang “Louisiana 1927” again, this place tugged at your heart. Then he led a chant “New Orleans is back. . . New Orleans is back. . .” creating a fusion of what had happened, what was happening, and a hope for the future. Emotion filled the room. It was 18 Biloxi 8.03.07 concert photo taken and submitted by San Leach searching for the next moment and place like this one. After all, it is the special times and places when life is not boring and is more than the moment that makes it all worthwhile. New Orleans was one of those times and places! Submitted by Karen D’Valentine What an incredible summer finale it was for NESP. Members welcomed Taylor and the band as they came to visit us in New England three more times in August. Each show was heart pounding and full of energy and excitement! New England definitely loves Taylor’s “soul”! One of the highlights of Taylor’s visit was the NESP’s gift of a stool, which was presented to Taylor by NESP at the Rhode Island show in August. “It’s a Soul Thing” and “Property of Taylor Hicks” rims the seat. The top reads “Soul Patrol” with a shooting star (NESP’s logo) in gold letters in the center. Two caricatures, one of Ray Charles and another of Taylor, appear in perfect bluesy style. The custom-made stool by Michael R. Leyden was taken to airbrush master Bill Hovis of Hyannis MA for the design work. Under the seat of the stool, an inscription reads “Gift from New England Soul Patrol” with signatures from the NESP Board and Members who took part in this special project for Taylor! NESP thought that since so many of us have Taylor’s autograph, we should give him ours! Taylor surprised us by asking for the stool to be brought out to him part-way through his singing of “The Right Place” at his Portland ME show in August. He thanked NESP for the gift and continued with the song. It simply was an amazing experience for all. The audience was energized by Taylor, and it gave the energy right back to him in what was an obvious exchange of soulful spirit. There is yet another show coming up for NESP, the Big E in Springfield MA on September 29. This will be exceptionally special as we will be celebrating NESP’s first birthday. (Taylor’s too! Shhhhh!) We hope everyone will come out and help us celebrate. Taylor used his new stool for the first time at the 8.12.07 Portland ME concert. Photo taken and submitted by Karen D’Valentine. Please join our website to keep updated on our news and events! We welcome Taylor Hicks fans from all over and have members from across the US and beyond! The top of Taylor’s stool. Portland ME 8.12.07 concert photo taken and submitted by DebD. Visit newenglandsoulpatrol.org to join us in all the fun we have! 19 Submitted by Patti LeMaster Virgo – The Virgin August 23 - September 23 Traditional Virgo Traits Modest and shy Meticulous and reliable Practical and diligent Intelligent and analytical On the Dark Side Fussy and a worrier Overcritical and harsh Pefectionist and conservative Famous Virgo Musicians Patsy Cline, Elvis Costello, Buddy Holly, John Phillips, Otis Redding Libra – The Scales September 24 to October 23 Traditional Libra Traits Diplomatic and urbane Romantic and charming Easygoing and sociable Idealistic and peaceable On the Dark Side Indecisive and changeable Gullible and easily influenced Flirtatious and self-indulgent Famous Libra Musicians TAYLOR HICKS, Chubby Checker, Linda McCartney, Julio Iglesias, John Mellencamp What’s YOUR Sign? The Soul Connection hopes you have enjoyed reading and learning about your Sun Sign as well as those of your Soul Patrol friends during the past year. Next month we will begin another new and interesting series to replace Sun Signs. Be sure to watch for it every month! Born Under a Wandering Star “Call Me the Breeze” Submitted by Susan Truby Imagine an open road, driving with the windows down, free to drift like the wind. The sun is shining and the music inspires you to move along the highway. It does not matter where the road is taking you – the open road itself conveys a sense of mystery, discovery, and vivid imagery. Roads have special meaning in our lives. They are a rite of passage. They can lead us to hope, celebration, reunion, or pain. Sometimes they don’t lead us anywhere at all. The joy is in the unknown. Life’s grandest adventures can be found because we followed a twist in the road. The romance of the road has long been celebrated in music, poetry, and literature. “Call Me The Breeze,” written by J. J. Cale, describes a type of freedom that is sought by many but attained by few. “Call me the breeze, I keep blowin’ down the road. I ain’t got me nobody, I don’t carry me no load.” For those of us born under a wandering star, the road beckons to us and is impossible to resist. According to Wikipedia, J. J. Cale is an American songwriter and musician known for writing two songs that Eric Clapton made famous – “After Midnight” and “Cocaine” – as well as the Lynyrd Skynyrd hit “Call Me the Breeze.” He was the originator of the Tulsa sound, a genre that draws on blues, rockabilly, country, and 20 jazz influences. “Call Me the Breeze” is one of his most covered songs. Cale has had a longstanding aversion to stardom; he has remained an obscure cult artist for the last 35 years. Taylor Hicks’ own wandering spirit is well documented. When he performs this song, you know that he understands these lyrics. He has lived this vagabond life. Biloxi 8.3..07 concert photo taken and submitted by Lanae Brooks Sun Signs. . . For the Soul Patrol our inspiration to travel is the chance to see and hear the soulful performances of Taylor Hicks. From all over the world, we travel to meet our soul brothers and sisters. In towns large and small, we gather to celebrate Taylor’s music. The Soul Patrol has become and will remain a traveling band of gypsies, joyously following Taylor to concerts whenever and wherever they can. We are his family. We understand his soul because we too feel the vibe that he feels. We know that for us, all roads lead to each other and to Taylor Hicks. We are Soul Patrol for life. KOPS in Action! We can do no great things; only small things with great love. ~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta At KOPS we believe one of the greatest gifts the Soul Patrol has received from Taylor Hicks is the desire to give something back – to come out of our own little worlds. . .to understand the need of others less fortunate and the desire to do whatever we can to make a difference in their lives. This is evident from the number of charities the Soul Patrol supports. It is amazing to look back over the last year and witness the generosity of the Soul Patrol. Regardless of the charity you have chosen to support, you have opened your hearts to those in the world who are less fortunate. The KOPS organization offers our most sincere thanks to each of you for your support of Kid One Transport. We also thank all of the web site owners for allowing us to post on their sites. And last but not least we would like to acknowledge support for all the charities offered to the Soul Patrol. There is not one more or less important than the other. Each supports different needs and offers relief to communities all over the world. The awareness each charitable organization has brought to us about the different needs in our communities is amazing. Whether we are sending the sounds of Taylor to our Troops, providing an opportunity to send a fan to a concert, filling gas tanks for medical transportation, or helping to rebuild the lives of others, each of us is showing great love and support for our fellow man. In the great words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” memorable dates relating to Taylor’s life and musical journey. Not only will you be able to record all of your important dates to remember, but you will also have a unique piece of Taylor memorabilia to display proudly in your home or office! The cost of the calendar is $20, which includes shipping and handling. What a great Christmas gift this would make for your family and friends, and of course, you will want one for yourself as well! Most importantl, as with all KOPS projects, 100% of the proceeds go to benefit Kid One. giving them the opportunity to encourage their family and friends to donate as well. For each person you find to donate $10 in your name, KOPS will automatically enter you into a drawing for an amazing “Live for the Music” prize pack that will include a Mini iPod, a one-of-akind, custom Mini iPod Cover featuring Taylor Hicks, and a $50 iTunes Gift Card! Happy Birthday to YOU! KOPS is offering a chance for you to celebrate your birthday with the rest of the Soul Patrol! For $5 you can add your birthday date to the calendar. If you would like to include family members’ birthdays, you can do that as well, for $5 for every date added. Send us a message if you are interested. These funds will help defray publishing costs and allow more money to stay in Kid One’s pocket! Only so many names can fit on each date, so if you are interested in including your birthday on the calendar, send us your request as soon as possible. Deadline for birthday requests is October 22, 2007. For more information, contact Karen at dkrice @sprintmail.com. Our goal is to get 10,000 people to donate $10. By Takin’ It to the Streets, you could help raise $100,000 for Kid One Transport! To donate, go to www.kidone.org. As always, thank you for your support for Kid One Transport! Takin’ It To The Streets! Kid One Transport is celebrating 10 years of service to the families of Alabama, and we want you to join in on the fun! By donating $10 to Kid One you will receive a special Kid One button created especially for this celebration! By wearing this button, you will have the opportunity to tell others about the services Kid One offers and encourage them to donate $10 as well. Each person who donates will also receive this special button, A Year Full of Heart and Soul KOPS is excited to announce the creation of a 2008 Taylor Hicks Calendar, “A Year Full of Heart and Soul.” This custom wall calendar will be 11” x 17” (opened) and will contain 12 pages of full-color pictures of Taylor! The calendar will also include 21 Kid One Nominated for My Hometown Helper Kid One Transport has been accepted as a nominee for the My Hometown Helper program, sponsored by General Mills Corporation. This is a great opportunity to acquire much needed funding for Kid One Transport. This program is only in its second year, so you may not know about it. To learn more about My Hometown Helper, check out its web site at http://www.myhometownhelper.com All you need to do to help is go to the link above, then search for Kid One Transport in Alabama in the search field, then add your comments supporting Kid One. Feel free to send an email to your family, friends, business associates, etc. asking them to do the same. Last year it was fun to read the wonderful comments left by other Soul Patrol members and supporters of Kid One. It’s heartwarming to see the words of those who have been touched by Kid One and to learn about this important program. Make your comments and help Kid One Transport continue to transport children and expectant mothers to better health. Thank you! September Special Events! Noteworthy. . . Soul Patrol Birthdays & Anniversaries Heaven Knows. . .as of 9/1, is tracking on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks Billboard chart at #19. . .inside the Top 20! CALTAYFAN Dixiethings/Betty J2000LT Kalleyne~anniversary 9/4 9/6 9/6 9/13 Texanlovestaylor azgoddess Jan4Taylor 9/14 9/15 9/24 Many thanks to all for sharing your Soul Patrol birthdays and anniversaries during the first year of The Soul Connection! Watch next month for a new feature here! Quote of the Month. . . “Do what you feel in your heart and do that with conviction. . . . Find the ones who get you and your art and focus on them. Don’t waste your time convincing the ones who don’t understand that they should.” ~ PJ Bloom to Mark Northam, Film Music Magazine, 7:2:2007 Do YOU know of a quote that just seems to “fit” Taylor and/or the Soul Patrol? If so, we’d love you to share it! Just submit your quote with proper attribution regarding the quote’s author and publication information to [email protected]. The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra. . . purchase a copy of its newly released double CD, Live At The Workplay Theatre (featuring Taylor Hicks and Elliott Yamin), and receive a free GOT SOUL? t-shirt to brazenly imply that you do, indeed, have soul. Only $17.98 at lasersedgecd.com! Little Buddy Radio. . .Check out a great interview with Dreama Denver about the station’s start of at: http://radio.about.com/od/ specialtystreams/a/aa080107a.htm or you can enjoy Little Buddy Radio at bobdenver.com! Bluzkat.com. . . has announced its Whomp Shop is up and running! Check out their cool merchandise soon! Auburn. . .kickoff Sept. 15 at 11:30 a.m. Taylor returns in glory as the halftime entertainer! Taylor Trivia. . . Submitted by Susan Truby 1. What can’t Taylor live with out? 2. What are Taylor’s favorite NFL football teams? 3. What does Taylor mean when he says “high impact soul aerobics”? 4. When and where did Taylor recently perform Bill Withers “Use Me”? 5. How fast does Taylor drive? Illustrated and submitted by mammascrush The Soul Connection can use you! Article ideas and photos to share are welcomed from the Soul Patrol for publication. The Soul Connection e-zine is published and provided via emailed pdf files to members of The Soul Patrol, Taylor Hicks' official fan base. Its Editorial Board reserves the right to edit all submissions for content and length. Subscription requests, article and/or photo submissions, questions, and comments should be sent to: [email protected]. All photos submitted for publication must be the original property of the person submitting and must be accompanied by written permission granting The Soul Connection the right to publish the photo. Free downloadable PDFs of past issues can be found online at tay-online.com and at whompswamp.com. Publisher and Managing Editor: Connie Leinicke. Editorial Board: Linda Coke, Patti LeMaster, Susan Truby. Staff Photographer: Jacque Jones. TAYLOR TRIVIA ANSWeRS 1. Chocolate 2. Baltimore Ravens and the Chicago Bears 3. James Brown meets Richard Simmons 4. House of Blues, New Orleans 5. The speed limit. 22