Taylor Dropped From J Records

[Daphne!]

DEBBIE--anything on your own is better than what the bigwigs gave him--they deliberately shunned him and
kept him off radio and out of the public eye hoping to kill his career-yet he finds a way to prove himself again--

Ask yourself-did any other Idol artists who stayed true to the Idol banner do three tours in 18 months, write a book and tour the book in the middle of a summer CD tour, never miss a concert date though sometimes ill or under the weather, travel to Asia and appear and JUDGE Asian Idol, do two football game halftime shows and all the while stay in touch with the fan base, communicate with us and above all remain true to himself, his music and his beliefs?  All the while we never heard a negative comment out of his mouth about what was
happening--he just smiled and kept on doing what he was doing-he dropped enough hints for us to figure it out
and did it in an acceptable way without insulting or begin derogatory to those in charge--

So now that he's free-watch his dust--you'll see-he'll be fine!!

And as far as Ruben is concerned-he'll do OK too-he's already fostered a weight loss challenge to the state of
Alabama and signed to open a nightclub near Taylor's-so hey maybe each one will jam at the other's club a
night or two--after all they're both from Alabama-survivors who'll do just fine!!  We're a tough bunch !!

an amazing account of an amazing track record accomplished by the No. 1 man, TAYLOR HICKS.  tp4u OBG.

TAYLOR's first 2 albums show me he knows his material best. and the song i jive to most was the song TAYLOR penned with co-writer, Give Me Tonight.  iv never bat one eye-lid on Fergie, and Rianna just got from staid to stolid to bad with good girl turned bad - all as said here is Clive's choice.

i cant listen to a veteran trying to invent new music, but i certainly get into the whole groove in a big way when a young turk like TAYLOR picks up the old soul numbers and belts them out as only his young heart knows how .. that makes ours go THum-Tee-THum; THat beats everything (rythm, blues, soul) i've ever heard before or come to discover a niche that i can love because it is now done sooo right.  There's no way you can beat songs that come straight from the heart.  I continue to steer clear of anything synthetic, actually things that much hyped about since post-war.

BURN RUBBER 

[Daphne!]

STAX records is known for producing records of Soul Artists. Taylor did mention in his SIRIUS interview that he forgot to bring his STAX T-shirt. Those who heard him say that were wondering why he said what he said, now it seems to make sense.

I propose that the next album's title be -- TAYLOR HICKS -- UNCHAINED.

Like Karin, I applaud your suggestion, IO.  for me, it's vested interestssssss...for iv been wanting TAYLOR to do

Unchained Melody or any song on Rhapsody........... to Unchain My Heart


WOOO OOOOOooo  BABY SET FREE ! 

[moonriver]

J records never promoted Taylor to begin with.  Now he can go with a label that actually might promote him and his music.  I wish him well.

[flowerpot]

Well now, I have some mixed feelings about this news.  I will admit I don't know squat about the music business -- but I do know a lot about publicity and marketing -- so if what I say here seems naive keep in mind it's JMHO.  On one hand I agree with those who see the glass as half full.  We have been saying and I agreed that Taylor needed new management and a record company -- people who respected him, his music and his fans; people who believed in him and his potential as an artist as much as we do (if that's even possible).  Clearly that was not Clive and J Records.     The album didn't seem to get the launch it deserved.  Yes he appeared on a lot of shows, but there were people who were fans from AI that didn't even know he had a CD!  I've never understood how that was possible.     When other artists release a new CD, there are big posters and displays in the stores.  None of that for Tay.    (Maybe they were afraid we'd tear the stores apart to get the posters and cutouts!)     Maybe the PTB were blocking his airplay, but I believe there's more to it than that.  We not only didn't hear the songs on the radio, they didn't get into the music heard in stores, or on TV shows.  That's all part of the promotion of the CD!  Right now I'm truly praying he does eventually get to "The Right Place" that will understand him, his music and his fans.  If he does, there could be no stopping him...or us!!  His tour also needs better promotion than the previous ones.  Our local FOX station has not once mentioned his appearances with the AI tour in any of the local venues, or his tour stops in Upper Darby, Lancaster and Millersville.  And despite my e-mails they have never featured his music that I have heard.  I find this unacceptable for a FOX station that bills itself as "your American Idol news source!"

Now for the half empty part of my impression -- This news could provide more fodder for the media and so-called "experts" who believe he is no longer a viable commodity.  IMO if this news is true, he needs to get out there to tell his side of the story and get people believing again -- give a really positive picture of where he's been, and where he's going.  Yes he looked happy and content in Asia and at the Liberty Bowl, but when have you seen Taylor exhibit any negativity and concern?  He always seems upbeat.  I'd like to see him project that positive outlook to important people in the music industry and the media.  His enthusiasm and personality is infectuous and could help turn this story into the positive one we believe it to be.

I'm hoping and praying that if this has been going on for a while, it hasn't kept him from writing some amazing new songs for the CD, and planning for his next tour!  This year has got to be the one that does it for him...and us!!

I am really tired of people saying, but he hasn't done anything, I never hear about him.  This year I want them to KNOW what he's done, and HEAR about him.

One last thought.  I believe both Sam Cooke and Ray Charles formed their own recording companies when they didn't feel they wewre able to make the kind of music they wanted.  In the movie "Ray" I believe when he made that move he turned toward country and recorded "modern Sounds in Country and Western", one of Taylor's favorite albums!  Could it be our Soulmman is planning to follow in the footsteps of his idols?

[webchic00]

Almost everything that Clive or J records decided for Taylor had been less successful...(to say the least! airplaywise) One was the single, JTFTW, I don't think Taylor wanted that song to be the first one to come out, he was leaning towards The Runaround, as a matter of fact, he kept saying that it was the first single. Another was the whole album itself--- sorry, but when it first came out, it wasn't Taylor for me. I asked him a video question when the album came out that first week ---as to what his next album would be like,  because I just felt that the debut album was not soulful, but "poppy" --- but folks before you chastise me---the songs grew on me. All of them. I was just talking about my initial reaction.

But based on reactions from his Asian tour--- they are in love with The Maze and Heaven Knows.  The music critiques there love his pre Idol recordings. But they all praise his overall musicianship, that he is the ultimate performer. I just hope that whatever comes out of this news, that Taylor continues bringing his soulful truth around the world, like he said, " The only job I ever really wanted comes down to looking somebody in the eyes and telling them the truth--- telling them my truth!"

AMEN, Taylor!!! 

[flowerpot]

These statements from the Birmingham News 1/4/08 article give me hope! and tell me he's got things under control:

Hicks is looking forward to a busy 2008 with a primary goal being a new album out in stores.
"I think I'll have a lot more freedom creatively this go-around," says Hicks, whose self-titled last CD came out seven months after he won "Idol."
"I'll also have the time now to create an album without the post-winning-'Idol' constrictions," he says. "I have time for the album to breathe artistically."

[WMarine]

This quote from Taylor comes from this article in the thread......"Birrmingham News! Taylor Hicks talks about Asian Idol' and plans for 2008".
http://www.al.com/entertainment/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1199438184276440.xml&coll=2

Hicks is looking forward to a busy 2008 with a primary goal being a new album out in stores.

"I think I'll have a lot more freedom creatively this go-around," says Hicks, whose self-titled last CD came out seven months after he won "Idol."

"I'll also have the time now to create an album without the post-winning-'Idol' constrictions," he says. "I have time for the album to breathe artistically."

flowerpot, I posted the same thing on the bottom of page 3.

[drdlovestaylor]

                                          Does anyone know where to drop Taylor a card...I had wanted to send him one , and used to send it to "The Firm"...now I don't have a clue where to send one...I had thought about sending it to J records...now that doesn't seem like a good idea...can anyone help me out with this info?????? 

[tothestreets]

Very interesting conversation.
I guess I'm conflicted about the news. Its obvious J Records did not promote Hicks at all (as has very discussed in detail in this thread and others) but going independent is risky. Although it can offer more creative freedom, its often harder to get any attention without the budget and connections of the major labels (even though he wasn't getting much from former label either). Also reports of him being 'dropped' could mean negative press adding to the absurd 'unsuccessful' myth echoed by the lazy media.
 
Elliot is a good example of Indy success - which is great news for both him and Tay. Hopefully T will have similiar support wherever he ends up.

I doubt we'll ever know the whole story behind the decision, but as long as Taylor gets to continue making music I'll be here to listen on tour, itunes and any way possible!    

[oldiebutgoodie]

The article today was done b4 we knew about the J Records thing-which means Taylor already knew about it and is cool with it-and probably GLAD about it-and I can't believe that he's going to let the NEXT deal he gets
have the same restrictions and confines about him and his music-he's GOT to have the freedom to create HIS
music and be the travelling musician he's always wanted to be-but he's also got a good business head on him and he tries to make sure every little area is covered before he signs his name to it-so this article today reaffirms what I said about this contract earlier in this thread-he knows what's going on, he's cool with it and
he's already got some things going on-and he's now got the FREEDOM to make it happen-so I say let's chill out and be happy and cool with it and continue to support him as we have done-

Go Taylor-I'm with ya all the way!!!

[Tay-Dreamer]

Yes, I agree.  We all want only the best for Tay, as we always have.  In reading through this thread, I may have missed some key points and, if so, sorry for repeating them again.  It just seems to me that if Reuben was in fact dropped by J Records, then it would seem too coincidental that Tay dropped them.  Therefore, assuming that the reverse IS true, that the label dropped Tay as they did Reuben, wouldn't they contractually have to compensate him for the other two albums that he was promised as the victor of A.I.?  I was always under the impression that it was a three-C.D. deal that his winning contract specified.  So, some posts have indicated that Tay may have "bought out" his responsibility to record two more C.D.'s with the label; however the reverse may be true.  Do we have any legal experts on-line who could address this possibility?  Tay is very bright, so if the label had to buy out their contractual promise of two more albums, hopefully he and his reps got the best deal they could possibly negotiate.

He is so resourceful and determined.  Not too many would-be artists would persevere for ten long years trying to succeed in the music business, while doors were slamming in their faces.  He's always found the fortitude to continue no matter the adversities that he faced.  Now that he has celebrity status and name recognition, he'll find a way to be stronger than ever.  i, for one, will always be there to suppport him and his awesome talent, no matter what label he records under, or what venue he appears in.  I agree that this news may be disconcerting to many, but my faith in Tay will never waver.  Soul Patrol forever!!!

[tayfan1]

To quote a George Michael song, "FREEDOM, FREEDOM, FREDOM...." Gone are the days of the major lables, a lot of lables are in the RED and dropped artists and some are merging like Universal and the struggling EPIC. The major lables shot their own self's in the foot with that culminating lawsuit against indiependent stations like "Little Buddy Radio" and others nation wide for streaming their artists music to a tune of billions of dollars many got upset and a week protest of not buying labled artists only indie artists; the lables tried to fix it by saying they would not enforce the fines until 2009....too little, too late. So me myself as an owner of an indie lable (Uriah Records)  I am estatic.

This also happened to the film industry with the up starts of Miramax (Good Will Hunting, American Beuty, Blair Witch, and others indie films cleaning up at the awards and very few Studio films). This is great for Taylor!!!

Taylor if you need me to Launch (your indie lable (Title to remain secret...) I am at your beck and call.

With artist signed like:

Taylor Hicks
LiMBO
Michael Warren
Spoonful James
Earthbound
Rick Carter
Clay Connor
Frankie Velvet
Erin Mitchel

With these artists to start we just can't lose.

Claudia
Call ME!!!!!!QB has my number..

According to EW,  http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/01/two-idol-winner.html

It seems winning American Idol is no guarantee that you'll actually keep your major label deal. Just before Christmas, rumors began circulating that season 2's Ruben Studdard, who released three albums for J Records since 2003 (the latest, 2006's The Return, to modest sales), had been dropped. (Studdard continues his management contract with 19 Entertainment.) Now the Hollywood Insider hears that season 5 winner Taylor Hicks has also lost his J Records deal. "Taylor is going to record his next album on his own," said a label rep. "He is no longer on the J Records roster." Back in March 2007, we wrote about Hicks' performance on the charts and later analyzed several more Idol hits and misses. What does this mean for the latest winner, Jordin Sparks? Or, with season 7 kicking off on January 15, the franchise's star-making power?

[WMarine]

I know and understand everyone is concerned about Taylor and being dropped by the label........but lets just leave all the legal expertise up to Taylor and his people.  I'm sure they are much more knowledgeable in this area than we are and have Taylor's best interests at hand.  IMO, this is something that, we as fans,  don't need to get involved in.

Like OBG said...."The article today was done b4 we knew about the J Records thing-which means Taylor already knew about it and is cool with it-and probably GLAD about it".

So....continue on with the discussions, but lets just all leave the legalities up to Taylor and his people and continue to support Taylor the best way we know how!!!

[tothestreets]

Yes, I agree.  We all want only the best for Tay, as we always have.  In reading through this thread, I may have missed some key points and, if so, sorry for repeating them again.  It just seems to me that if Reuben was in fact dropped by J Records, then it would seem too coincidental that Tay dropped them.  Therefore, assuming that the reverse IS true, that the label dropped Tay as they did Reuben, wouldn't they contractually have to compensate him for the other two albums that he was promised as the victor of A.I.?  I was always under the impression that it was a three-C.D. deal that his winning contract specified.  So, some posts have indicated that Tay may have "bought out" his responsibility to record two more C.D.'s with the label; however the reverse may be true.  Do we have any legal experts on-line who could address this possibility?  Tay is very bright, so if the label had to buy out their contractual promise of two more albums, hopefully he and his reps got the best deal they could possibly negotiate.

He is so resourceful and determined.  Not too many would-be artists would persevere for ten long years trying to succeed in the music business, while doors were slamming in their faces.  He's always found the fortitude to continue no matter the adversities that he faced.  Now that he has celebrity status and name recognition, he'll find a way to be stronger than ever.  i, for one, will always be there to suppport him and his awesome talent, no matter what label he records under, or what venue he appears in.  I agree that this news may be disconcerting to many, but my faith in Tay will never waver.  Soul Patrol forever!!!

Indeed T-dreamer, I was thinking the exact same thing about the 3 record deal prize, but wasn't sure if that was accurate. If he was guaranteed that as some sort of victory contract situation it seems negotiating an early out could be a profitable move (financially as well as creatively). 3 record deal would explain why they are just now not re-signing Ruben.  

If Tay got paid to get his freedom, sounds like a double win for him, but alas I know little about the workings of recording industry....

[steng]

No matter what happens Im sure it will be in Taylors best interest..

[NETaylorfan]

Taylor needs the Soul Patrol now more than ever.  Let's keep on showing that Taylor love.     I'm excited to see what the next album will bring and am sad that the old company won't get to put out the record........because it's going to be wonderful and spirited, just like every other album Taylor has done.  They don't know what they're missing by dropping Taylor.  Taylor will have the last laugh!      He is a wonderful artist, and the world is so much better with him in it.   

2008 is going to be great!  Love 'ya, Taylor!

[tothestreets]

I know and understand everyone is concerned about Taylor and being dropped by the label........but lets just leave all the legal expertise up to Taylor and his people.  I'm sure they are much more knowledgeable in this area than we are and have Taylor's best interests at hand.  IMO, this is something that, we as fans,  don't need to get involved in.

Like OBG said...."The article today was done b4 we knew about the J Records thing-which means Taylor already knew about it and is cool with it-and probably GLAD about it".

So....continue on with the discussions, but lets just all leave the legalities up to Taylor and his people and continue to support Taylor the best way we know how!!!

Hey, so what does IMO mean? Is it some super cool blogger shorthand I am out of the loop on, or code specific person in this thread? I think I get the OBG thing....

Anyway, I read most the posts but in scanning mode ... but it seems to me that the tone is casual, informal chat between supportive people. I didn't get the impression that folks are trying to pass as entertainment lawyers or any other kind of contract expert....
I don't get the sense anyone is trying to second guess Taylor and his 'teams' professional judgement. It seems to me like community of fans asking questions having conversation with each other. Many apologies if anything I said offended.

But if anyone does need an attorney, I did see 3 hours of a Law and Order marathon last month so I'm pretty sure I can represent you in a court of law.  

[z1952]

This is probably the best thing for Taylor....I don't think they ever promoted him or gave him the credit he deserves....We love & support Taylor and he will be much better off....I can't wait to see what 2008 brings
ZZZZZZZZZ
I won't be watching American Idol in 2008!

[WMarine]

Hey, so what does IMO mean? Is it some super cool blogger shorthand I am out of the loop on, or code specific person in this thread? I think I get the OBG thing....

Anyway, I read most the posts but in scanning mode ... but it seems to me that the tone is casual, informal chat between supportive people. I didn't get the impression that folks are trying to pass as entertainment lawyers or any other kind of contract expert....
I don't get the sense anyone is trying to second guess Taylor and his 'teams' professional judgement. It seems to me like community of fans asking questions having conversation with each other. Many apologies if anything I said offended.

But if anyone does need an attorney, I did see 3 hours of a Law and Order marathon last month so I'm pretty sure I can represent you in a court of law.  

IMO means..........."In My Opinion" and OBG means........."oldiebutgoodie"

My comments about lawyers wasn't meant to offend anyone, and if I did, I apologize.  Tay-Dreamer asked the question......"Do we have any legal experts on-line who could address this possibility?" and all I was doing was answering her question and saying my opinion on this, that's all.  The tone of conversation is great and everyone's opinions are being respected!!!  I, for one, appreciate that very much from everyone!!! 

[tothestreets]

IMO means..........."In My Opinion" and OBG means........."oldiebutgoodie"

My comments about lawyers wasn't meant to offend anyone, and if I did, I apologize.  Tay-Dreamer asked the question......"Do we have any legal experts on-line who could address this possibility?" and all I was doing was answering her question and saying my opinion on this, that's all.  The tone of conversation is great and everyone's opinions are being respected!!!  I, for one, appreciate that very much from everyone!!! 

ooohhh ... InMyOppinion ... and obg that makes sense. Thanks for explaining. 
I was just trying to make sure I hadn't missed anything major ( which I am quite excellent at). Sorry to sound all defensive and confused.
ROCK ON SOUL PATROL!!!

[WMarine]

ooohhh ... InMyOppinion ... and obg that makes sense. Thanks for explaining. 
I was just trying to make sure I hadn't missed anything major ( which I am quite excellent at). Sorry to sound all defensive and confused.
ROCK ON SOUL PATROL!!!

No problem tothestreets.............

[petertorklover]

Just finished with a blog entry about this whole thing.....

Check it out at http://soulthing.blogspot.com/

[sallyannlady]

I was shocked when I saw all the google alerts that I found I had when I got home from work- almost all of them were addressing this issue, and most of them were very nasty-toned. Like, "Taylor Hicks was dropped from J Records because his sales sucked and nobody wants to be associated with a loser-type stuff"-  what a crock!!  The more I study the things that Taylor said in his interview in the al.com artlcle I posted, he was very aware of this before he even went to Asia...and he is really sounding excited about being able to do what he wants, and leave AI influences far behind him.  He is an amazing man, and very business-savvy... he knows what he wants and he won't stop until things are just exactly the way he wants them to be.  But people, those of you on MySpace, PLEASE don't go leaving him messages of support on his page- even tho it's wonderful to support him and to let him know that we are behind him in whatever he decides to do, he has not made an official announcement yet, or his people.  Nothing has come from the Taylor camp about this at all- so far, till we hear officially, this is all speculation, and he doesn't need us all rushing headlong to his page, assuming things that he has never yet said.  Once this comes to light, then we can all band behind him and let him know that we support him in this all.  He knows without even having to tell us that he has all our love and devotion, and the Soul Patrol will come through for him.

[Whitley]

But people, those of you on MySpace, PLEASE don't go leaving him messages of support on his page

Hey Annie    I haven't posted on here in a while but wanted to tell you I totally agree about the myspace thing.  I've already seen some comments    So thank you for tactfully making this suggestion.  I'm right there with you!!!  XOXO ~Lisa 

[shinebrite39]

I skimmed  through  the first 2 pages  - didn't really feel  up to reading  much -  I've been sick  and  my dad  just had a tumor removed  from his bladder  today-  so  if this is a repeated   forgive me -

No sense in worrying about anything  --

what will  be will be!

I do hope who ever he hooks up with works out for him -  but   then anything will be better  then what he had-

And  if  not then  there isn't anything wrong with selling cd's  out of  his trunk