Taylor Hicks is anything but idle these days. The fifth season American Idol winner, crowned on May 24, 2006, just months shy of his thirtieth birthday, is now a touring sensation, a major label recording artist (Arista Records), and a household name in most American households. After all, close to 64 million people "voted" for him.

But what may seem like an overnight success is really the fortuitous culmination of a lifelong passion and talent for music, a desire to go far in an entertainment career, and years of hard work.

"A lot of it is self-confidence, knowing who you are as an artist," said Hicks, speaking phone from Council Bluffs, Iowa, a stop in his summer tour. "I am very blessed."

Hicks performs July 12 at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. He is touring with a six-piece band and a back-up singer. His show is in support of his first Arista CD, "Taylor Hicks" and has been a sell-out in many venues.

Crown Books has also just published "Heart Full of Soul", a book co-written by Hicks recounting his path to American Idol.

The blue-eyed pop-soul singer, a native Alabaman, is modest about his overwhelming acclaim and attention, and quick to acknowledge the involvement of others. He thanks God, his family and friends, TV and record people, and other artists who inspired him musically along the way.

Names like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Joe Cocker, Otis Redding, Bob Seger, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, and Van Morrison, are among his list of influences, revealing a decidedly vintage and impressive line-up, and helping to explain the nature of Hicks and his soulful style, which Hicks describes as "American whomp."

"I somehow connected on an emotional level with Ray Charles," said Hicks. "I needed that base to build off of."

As a child, signs of emerging talent were evident. "I was always entertaining, whether it was telling a joke or singing. I was lucky in that I found my way myself. . .no one pushed me in one direction. I pushed myself," he said.

But he does give special credit to his Mom for what he calls "the vibe." "She's a great lady, very deep," he explained. "And on my Mom's side I had two great-aunts who played music, guitar and mandolin."

Hicks began performing in high school, and during college gained a steady following. He opened for the likes of Jackson Browne, 'Keb Mo', and Tom Petty. A business and journalism major at Auburn University in Alabama, Hicks quit after three years to pursue his music career full-time. He was, in fact, the first working musician to win the American Idol title.

Hicks noted the advantage of being a seasoned performer in his Idol quest. "The experience, learning how to deliver, yes it helped," he said.

Hicks has certainly established himself as a great singer, but aspires to write some great songs, too. Two of his originals are included in his Arista debut CD. Asked about his future goals, Hicks says:

"I think writing the masterpiece. On my next album or when I'm fifty, a "Tupelo Honey" or "Arc of a Diver."

Asked if he is writing now, Hicks replies, "I like to focus on each of my situations. I tour when I'm touring, and I write when I'm writing."

But Hicks also notes, "One thing Ray Charles taught me is. . .he didn't write "Georgia On My Mind", but he sure could sing it."

TAYLOR HICKS
7:30 p.m. July 12 .
Genesee Theatre
203 North Genesee Street, Waukegan
$39.50/$32.50
(847)263-6300 or Ticketmaster-(312)559-1212
www.geneseetheatre.com