Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way [NOOK Book]

Overview

For the longest time, during some rough boyhood years in Alabama and the grind of performing on the road, the odds against me were discouraging. But there was always a voice inside telling me it was going to get better.

Mom and Dad certainly started out with good intentions, but early on, as their marriage went south and I went in whatever direction was necessary to avoid ...
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Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way

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Overview

For the longest time, during some rough boyhood years in Alabama and the grind of performing on the road, the odds against me were discouraging. But there was always a voice inside telling me it was going to get better.

Mom and Dad certainly started out with good intentions, but early on, as their marriage went south and I went in whatever direction was necessary to avoid the fallout, I realized my life was going to be up to me.

Thinking back, my first step toward singing for a living was stealing an Otis Redding album when I was nine. What I heard on that platter was life-changing, and pretty soon I was learning to play the harmonica, which, I can assure you, didn’t attract many female fans—in fact, any fans at all.

I eventually decided that not being taken seriously can be a good thing. It stokes the fires. Maybe the reason I like soul music so much is that it inspires with its pain. The best artists, like Ray Charles, reach out and say, “You’re not alone, brother.”

In all my years on the road—trying to make it in Nashville and those Southern honky-tonks known as the “Chitlin Circuit”—I never thought it would take an act of God to push my destiny into the right groove. But as you’ll hear, it was nearly getting washed away by Hurricane Katrina that led to my Idol tryout. And what happened next was a little bit like when Alice dropped down that rabbit hole—just substitute Simon Cowell for the Mad Hatter.

In Heart Full of Soul, I share some life stories that will hopefully inspire you—give you a sense of my philosophy and how it drove me. For example, I talk about my good friend who died in a tragic accident and the prediction he made that tugged at my thoughts throughout Idol’s qualifying rounds. I also discuss what it was like when I realized Eminem has it right: when you only have one shot, you’d better lose yourself in the music.

A lot of great fans lined up behind me the night of the Idol finale. This book is about the strange path that led me to that pop-culture moment, and the sharp directional changes that occurred after that phenomenal night, including touring America, producing an album, and experiencing that two-sided gig known as American celebrity.

I hope that some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way will help you, especially if the shot you’ve been yearning for is just around the corner.


From the Hardcover edition.
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Editorial Reviews

Library Journal
Back story and life lessons from the American Idol -winner. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780307395177
  • Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
  • Publication date: 7/10/2007
  • Sold by: Random House
  • Format: eBook
  • Pages: 272
  • Sales rank: 478,302
  • File size: 309 KB

Meet the Author

TAYLOR HICKS is the winner of the fifth season of American Idol and is known for his energetic performances and legions of “Soul Patrol” fans. His post-Idol album, Taylor Hicks, is a certified platinum bestseller. He is a native of Birmingham, Alabama.


From the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews

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Sort by: Showing all of 12 Customer Reviews
  • Anonymous

    Posted March 30, 2011

    A Great Read!

    I really loved reading this. Taylor writes very much in his own voice. Lots of cute and some very touching stories of a somewhat lonely childhood. Theres some inside stories of his American Idol journey and how he managed to win that Season 5 show. His integrity and belief in his talent still keeps him on a road where entertaining people is his main goal. I highly recommend this book.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 23, 2008

    Great read!

    I was anticipating this book being published and wasn't disappointed. For those who are interested in how Taylor Hick's got his start and worked his way up in his singing career this is a long awaited book. I found it interesting and entertaining.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted August 20, 2007

    A page turner!

    This was a very interesting book. Taylor struggled to get where he is today but didn't give up. I was surprised that he had such a rough childhood.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 11, 2007

    Great Read

    Wonderful book. Read it in 2 hours!!!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 10, 2007

    A reviewer

    I loved reading this musicians journey from scrounging around for jobs in local bars to getting a break and lots of exposure on American Idol. But what the performer shares is his undeniable strength and desire to succeed. Many will identify with his ups and downs on the success road no matter what field they are in. Better still is how Taylor Hicks helps both young and old learn to love music and rediscover it all over again. Thank you Taylor!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 10, 2007

    A reviewer

    Once I opened this book there was no putting it down. Taylor has a compelling story to tell, and I for one was inspired by it. His lifes' lession is something we can all learn from. Believing in oneself is not a lession we can ever be reminded up to often. Good Job Taylor!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 19, 2007

    spoke to my heart

    Heart full of soul spoke directly to my heart.Taylor writes with passion and put his whole heart and soul into this book,just as he does his music.I could feel his joy and his pain as he described the highs and lows of his life up until this point.Wheather you are soul patrol supporter or not this book has alot of very inspirational stories.Although it is about his life,i think the most anyone could relate and find truth in this heart warming timeless treasure.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 24, 2007

    so glad to be a hicks chick - soul patrol

    actually getting my copy at the signing today in atlanta can't wait been with the soul patrol since day one love sharing taylor's journey with him

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 19, 2007

    An inspirational read with valuable lessons to be learned.

    The best of the best! Heart Full of Soul instilled an awareness of Taylor's struggles and success, proving just what he advocates: believing in yourself and working diligently to make your dreams come true.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 17, 2007

    Very Inspriational

    I loved this book!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 17, 2007

    A Page Turner

    I loved the book. Taylor is very honest and open, putting himself out there. I admire him for that. His story is both heartfelt and funny at times. Wonderful book!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 28, 2007

    Life journey

    Loved 'Heart Full of Soul'. Once I started reading I could not put the book down. I laughed, cried and laughed again. Outstanding details on how Taylor struggled to have his musical talent appreciated. Taylor has brought music back into my life and for that I Thank Him!

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