The Alabama Music Hall of Fame has a new board member, and he plays a mean harmonica.
Taylor Hicks -- a Hoover native, singer-songwriter, country-soul enthusiast and former “American Idol” winner -- was appointed to the hall’s board of directors by Gov. Kay Ivey.
“I have no doubt that Taylor will do a great job as a board member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame,” Ivey said in a prepared statement. “As a successful musician, he has always represented the state of Alabama well. I know he will continue to make his home state proud.”
In his new role, Hicks will support the hall’s mission to “honor, support and increase awareness of Alabama’s vast array of music achievers,” according to a press release. Along with other board members, he’ll play a significant role in determining inductees for the hall of fame in Tuscumbia.
“As I’ve always said, the people of Alabama will let you know if you can do three things: cook, sing or throw a football," Hicks said in a statement. “I’m honored to have been invited to join the Alabama Music Hall of Fame board and look forward to the work we will do together to recognize and honor our state’s rich musical history.”
Hicks, 43, has ties to the hall of fame, receiving its American Music Award in 2008. He has performed at the annual induction and awards ceremony, helping the hall to honor luminaries ranging from Ernie Ashworth, a country singer and Grand Ole Opry star, to Odetta, a folk and blues icon who was instrumental to the civil rights movement.
Hicks has donated career memorabilia to the music hall, including an eye-catching purple jacket that he wore on national television during his “Idol” run in 2006. The jacket, which drew applause and criticism from TV viewers, made an appearance on the “Idol” tour that year, as Hicks headlined shows around the country. The jacket now sits in a display case at the hall, 617 U.S. 72 West.
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, a nonprofit organization, opened its doors in 1990. The 12,500-square foot museum has welcomed thousands of visitors over its 29-year history, including school groups, historians and music fans.
“Our mission is to honor Alabama’s music achievers and we think it is very fitting to have an artist of his caliber advocating for musicians, entertainers and songwriters throughout our state," Sandra Burroughs, executive director of the music hall, said via a press release. "He brings firsthand knowledge of the music industry to the board that will enhance our ability to make decisions that celebrate the state’s rich music history and also encourage other Alabama-based musicians to follow their dreams. Taylor is an unwavering advocate for the hall of fame.”
Hicks, who lives in Nashville, has forged a diverse career that includes concert tours, theater, TV appearances and residencies at the Bally’s and Paris hotels in Las Vegas. He has three studio albums to his credit -- including an early fan favorite, 2005′s “Under the Radar" -- and another record set for release in 2020.
Hicks starred in a revival of “Shenandoah” earlier this year at the Serenbe Playhouse in Georgia, and hosted three seasons of “State Plate,” a food and travel series on INSP.
He returns to his hometown for performances at venues such as the Lyric Theatre, and will be there on Dec. 6, covering the music of Elton John and Christmas classics.